The 2006 Ford Escape hybrid car become the first commercially available Hybrid SUV, as well as the Truck of the Year of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2005. The Escape hybrid apparently being firsts, as the hybrid Escape was also named the 11th Greenest Vehicle - a first for a SUV. Likewise, Consumer Reports tells the Escape hybrid the Best and Greenest Small hybrid.

For 2009, the Ford Escape Hybrid replaces a 2.3-liter engine with a 2.5 boosting net horsepower from 155 to 177. Ford engineers refined the Escape hybrid’s breaking system to allow for better traction and stability control, and a smoother feel to the brakes, previously not incorporated into the hybrid system. Noise and some type of vibrations have been reduced in the process. This especially evident on when the engine shuts off and the vehicle moves into all-electric mode. Another really nice feature for 2009 is a 110-volt AC power outlet now comes standard in the Escape Hybrid. The Ford Escape Hybrid’s contribute 300 pounds of weight as compared to the regular gas-powered Escape, gives it a feeling of heaviness. In addition to this, the Ford Escape has the ideal choice if battling in harsh weather and road conditions are top priorities. Other hybrid SUVs in the market are better suited for off-road travel and towing, although the Ford Escape Hybrid's ride quality is more than adequate for both commuting and carting the family.

Safety

The Escape Hybrid features number of safety equipment and has excellent safety scores to back it up. In federal state government tests, it topped scores of five stars for driver and passenger safety in frontal crashes and for front and rear seat safety in side crashes. Its rollover score isn't as impressive as, especially since many SUVs earn four stars. A three star score tells us that Escape Hybrid has a 20 to 22 percent chance of rollover in a single vehicle crash. The base of Escape Hybrid comes with standard dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, Advancer with Roll Stability Control and anti-lock brakes. It also turns up with side curtain airbags for outboard seating in both rows, which is a rare feature for an affordable base-model SUV.