Not only does it make trips to the gas station less frequent, it also produces “as little as half of the amount of C02” as other vehicles. The real benefit to the Escape Hybrid is the hybrid part. During night driving I’m unable to use the cruise controls that are black and hard to see. Both highway noise and engine noise are slightly annoying (the engine in a full hybrid can run at a higher speed than in other vehicles in order to maximize fuel consumption). As with the Ford Freestyle that I drove recently, I find it difficult to get up to speed when entering the highway. I don’t notice it while driving, but while idling in the carpool lane I’m startled on a couple of occasions when the engine starts up on its own accord. The gas engine turns on and off to maximize fuel consumption. Either way, it could really come in handy.ĭriving the Escape Hybrid is an interesting experience. Ford claims its “perfect for … air pump, electric razor or even holiday lights at the campsite.” I’m thinking more along the lines of a bottle heater, butt-wipe warmer or handheld steam cleaner. It would be more comfortable with a telescoping steering wheel.Īlthough I haven’t actually used it, the addition of the 110V power outlet (for $110) is cool. I find myself trying to pull the steering wheel toward me, however. The driver’s seat is easy to adjust and offers a clear and unobstructed view of the road. To expand the storage room, the rear seat has a 60/40 split, and requires a two-step process to fold. The cargo space sports an extra dry cleaning hook that actually holds hangers (unlike others I’ve experienced). It was too heavy to turn so I had to go in straight lines only. After a recent disaster at the mall, I’ve decided my kids are too big for the double stroller now. I didn’t put my double stroller in it, however. The cargo space in the Escape Hybrid is large and functional. She insists on wearing ballet tights to school nearly every day. My 4-year-old greased up several pair of tights attempting to get into the Escape on her own. The Latch connectors in the two outer seating positions are easy to see and easy to use.įor children who like to climb in on their own, I highly recommend a running board. Seats of differing sizes might fit (check out for measurements on popular child seat models). There just isn’t enough width in the back seat to fit all three (two of which have protruding snack and cup holders). I have a Britax Roundabout (forward facing 5-point harness), a Graco something-or-other (forward facing 5-point harness) and a Graco Turbo Booster. I tried fitting three child seats in the back of the Escape Hybrid, to no avail. Either that, or he’s a young guy without kids who’s never seen how honking big child seats are these days. Well, we all know from experience that he must be on something. She says that a salesman at a Ford dealer swears to her up and down that since it has three seatbelts in the back seat, three child car seats will fit. I’ve been so anxious to drive this car since a reader of mine wrote in asking if it would fit three child seats. I think that driving the Escape Hybrid for two weeks officially pardons me from those occasional yogurt cups I’ve “mistakenly” thrown in the garbage since January 1. Our family’s new year’s resolution for 2005 is to become more Earth conscious.
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