Ford set to introduce new Escape hybrid models

Thursday, 16 September 2021

Ford has confirmed new Escape Hybrid models are arriving next year, set to slot in below the plug-in hybrid.

“Now with a full hybrid coming to join the plug-in hybrid, Escape customers will have an excellent range to choose from and they can match an Escape to their particular needs with all offering smart capability alongside great fuel economy and low emissions,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director, Ford New Zealand.

The new Hybrid gets a 1.1kWh battery alongside the same 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol four-cylinder as in the PHEV, recharged by the engine as well as regenerative braking. It’s a standard hybrid, so there’s no plug to deal with here.

The new Escape Hybrid is, unsurprisingly, almost exactly the same to look at as the regular Escape.

Ford says the extra electricals have reduced consumption to 5.4L/100klm and CO2 emissions to 125g/km, resulting in a full-tank range of 1000km.

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The Hybrid shares the PHEV's eCVT transmission and electric motor.

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The small size of the battery means interior dimensions are essentially the same as the normal Escape, with more than a metre of headroom for front-row passengers and up to 1481 litres of storage space with the rear seats folded.

Buyers can opt for all-wheel drive if they choose, with the ST-Line and ST-Line X both available in AWD. The tech has minimal impact on fuel efficiency, and an all-wheel drive disconnect feature further supports optimised fuel efficiency by automatically reverting to front-wheel drive in favourable driving conditions.

While Ford NZ doesn’t specify power outputs, a quick Google search reveals the North American Escape Hybrid with the same powertrain produces a total system output of 149kW, identical to the Escape PHEV. Total system torque is not mentioned. That probably means the Hybrid and PHEV use the same electric motor, with different batteries supplying energy.

The North American Ford website also confirms the Hybrid gets the same eCVT as the plug-in hybrid.

Pricing is set to be announced closer to the arrival of the small SUV in Q2, 2022.