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- Rated at 100 miles per gallon equivalent
- Starts just over $33,000
- Eligible for federal tax credit
- Up to 37 miles electric-only range
The latest powertrain offering in the recently revamped 2020 Ford F, +2.31% Escape is also its most efficient, rated at an eye-popping 100 mpg. Technically the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid earns 100 MPGe, with the last letter signaling “equivalent” by the EPA. That’s the rating the government agency gives vehicles such as this when they use an electrified powertrain.
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The Ford Escape is all new for 2020, and it already offers a hybrid model along with standard gasoline-only powertrains. The regular 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid earns an impressive 41 mpg combined. But thanks to its larger battery pack, the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid trounces that number for a class-leading 100 MPGe.
Power and efficiency
Like the standard Escape Hybrid, this plug-in model pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor good for a total of 200 horsepower. But the larger battery pack means the plug-in model can travel a sizable distance on electricity alone – up to 37 miles. Between the electrification and gasoline engine, the Ford Escape PHEV’s total range is EPA-rated at 530 miles.
Ford says recharge times are 10-11 hours on a standard 110-volt outlet or under 3.5 hours on a Level 2, 240-volt line.
Choice of three trims
The 2020 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid is on sale now and available in three trims: SE (starting at $33,040, plus destination fee), SEL ($35,620), and Titanium ($36,435). These prices are several thousand dollars higher than the standard hybrid, but the PHEV also has potential cost savings beyond its enhanced efficiency.
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Plug-in vehicles are eligible for federal tax credits. While the EPA has yet to announce the full tax credit incentive for the 2020 Escape PHEV, a similar sibling, the Ford Fusion Energi sedan, is eligible for a $4,609 credit.
All models include standard safety features such as forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Apple AAPL, +2.67% CarPlay and Android Auto integration is also included. Top-tier Titanium models boast amenities like adaptive cruise control, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, leather interior and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
New territory for SUVs
While hybrid SUVs have been around a while – in fact, the original first-gen Escape Hybrid was the world’s first hybrid sport-utility vehicle when it made its debut 15 years ago – plug-in hybrid SUVs relatively new. The Ford Escape PHEV recently went on sale, and what looks to be a formidable competitor is just around the corner.
Also see: These 3 EVs are the lowest cost to own over 5 years
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in version of Toyota’s TM, +0.46% top-selling compact SUV, and it’s set to go on sale this summer. Unlike the Ford Escape PHEV that is front-wheel drive only, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is all-wheel drive. (The standard Ford Escape Hybrid also offers AWD.) The Toyota packs much more power – 302 hp — and Toyota says the RAV4 Prime will do 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Plus, the RAV4 Prime is estimated to go up 42 miles on electricity alone – 5 more than the Ford.
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But plug-in hybrid RAV4 will start several thousand higher than the Ford: $38,100.
In addition to its lower price, the Ford can boast that its 100 MPGe rating is 6 higher than what’s expected of the Toyota. The rivalry should be exciting, and it’s barely even begun.
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Already winning are car shoppers, who now live in a world where they can have the utility that comes with an SUV and fuel efficiency once thought impossible.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
