![]() 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Titanium. Combined consumption was right on the claimed figure. During our test drive we completed a 103km (64-mile) route with 79km (49 miles) spent on electric. Like a regular hybrid, the PHEV will manage the power sources once the battery has been drained to maximize the use of any electrical power harvested from regenerative braking. Performanceįord claims 60km (37 miles) of electric range for the Escape PHEV with combined fuel consumption of 2.2Le/100km (US EPA 102mpge). Other modes are the default EV Auto, EV Now (for immediate EV driving) and EV Later (to preserve charge). When driving, a new EV Charge mode will charge the battery ready for use later, such as in an urban zero-emissions zone. The pack can be charged in as little as 3.5 hours using a Level 2/240V outlet, or 10.5 hours with a household Level 1/110V setup. The system comprises a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle combustion engine, a lighter electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and a 14.4kWh lithium-ion drive battery under the rear seats. The fourth generation of Ford’s ‘Powersplit’ architecture is more efficient than before, with higher power (220 HP) and torque. Where the Escape PHEV differs most from its siblings is in the powertrain. All interior and cargo dimensions are the same as the regular Escape Hybrid, which has 3.1L less cargo capacity than gas-only models. The rear seat still slides fore and aft so that owners can prioritize space for passengers or cargo. Happily, the SUV’s generous rear-passenger space is also retained because the compact drive battery does not encroach. Regardless of trim material, we found the Escape PHEV’s front seats to be very comfortable on a long run. For the Titanium we drove, for example, the Elite/Premium package stepped up the luxury with a head-up display, panoramic roof and leather-trimmed seats in place of the standard ActiveX material. Photo: FordĬontent can be boosted by specifying one of several packages. In Canada, even the SE grade comes with heated front seats. All grades get SYNC 3 infotainment, Co-Pilot360 safety technologies and FordPass Connect app access to assist with charge programming. Inside, the PHEV’s design is again very similar to differently propelled Escapes. 2021 Ford Escape PHEV Interior and equipment Our SEL came in a very dark shade of Antimatter Blue and was fitted with roof rail crossbars (a C$200/US$145 option) while the Titanium was finished in appealing Star White metallic tri-coat paint (an extra C$550/US$595). There’s discreet badging at the rear and unique 18in wheels that are common to all PHEV grades. You’ll be hard pressed to distinguish the plug-in Escape from other versions when you see one on the road. Meanwhile a Titanium had the trailer tow package as well as the Titanium Elite package (C$2,300 US$2,500 for the identical Premium package Stateside), bringing the total price to C$47,299. Photo: FordĪn SEL we drove in BC had three packages fitted: the Class II trailer tow package (C$600/US$495), Co-Pilot360 Assist+ (C$850/US$895) and the Technology package (C$2,500/US$1,050), pushing the total to C$45,149 exclusive of destination and delivery charges. ![]() For all grades, the premium over a regular Hybrid is around C$6,000/US$5,000. All grades share the same powertrain, which is FWD-only (based on cost and weight considerations, Ford says) and has a total system output of 220 HP. The PHEV is available from the SE grade upwards. ![]() We travelled to British Columbia, Canada, for a first drive of the fuel-efficient newcomer. The PHEV offers around 60km (37 miles) of electric-only range, which will be enough to meet the needs of many North American commuters. He notes that more than 25% of all new vehicles sold in Canada in 2021 will be compact SUVs, so Escape matters. “We’re known for selling a lot of trucks, but Escape is our second-best selling vehicle,” says Mathieu Rompré, Escape marketing manager for Ford Canada. The arrival of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) now ensures that it keeps pace with its Toyota RAV4 rival, which has been available in Prime PHEV form since late-2020. Ford showed foresight in making an Escape Hybrid available from launch when the compact SUV was renewed in 2019.
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