But while Eco, Normal, Sport and other modes are generally the norm, in my view the most useful modes for a PHEV are the ones allowing for control of when what engine/motor is being used. More powerful than all the other Escape models except for the 2.0L turbocharged version, the PHEV is certainly not as quick on the gas, partly because it's the heaviest in the lineup, but also because the CVT struggles to get the vehicle up to highway speeds.Īs is common with electrified vehicles, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid offers several drive modes and even a couple of tricks to manage the battery charge. The steering is light but precise and the suspension absorbs road irregularities very well. Was this the fault of the older road surface we were on? Possibly, but more sound-deadening material wouldn't hurt in my opinion.Īs expected, the Ford Escape is quite agile when pushed a bit. The Ford Escape is very comfortable, but it needs a little more soundproofing in the wheel arches, where the friction of the tires with the asphalt filled the cabin with a fairly high-decibel din. The winter tires certainly didn't hurt on this mountainous route. With winter tires on, the Escape performed admirably, despite the lack of all-wheel drive. Our trip was tinged with rain showers here and there on the winding roads leading to the town of Revelstoke at the foot of the Rockies. These last two packages apply only to the SE trim.Ī little higher up the range, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid SEL can be ordered with an optional Technology Package ($2,500) with a 10-speaker audio system, foot-activated power liftgate, 12.3-inch information screen behind the steering wheel, front seat memory package and wireless smart device charging.įinally, the Elite Technology Package ($2,300) is exclusive to the Titanium variant and adds embroidered floor mats, head-up display, perforated leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, panoramic roof and wireless charging for smart devices.įord of Canada invitation to the automotive press brought us to the area around Kelowna, British Columbia. The Convenience Package ($1,000) adds a power driver's seat, signature LED headlights, power liftgate, wrapped steering wheel, rear seat armrest and SecuriCode keyless entry. On the options list, the Co-Pilot360 package ($850) adds cruise control and lane keeping assist, steering assist and voice-activated navigation, SiriusXM Traffic app and traffic sign recognition it can only be had with the SE and SEL trims.įord has thought of Canadian drivers with the Cold Weather Package ($1,000), which includes a remote starter, heated steering wheel and mirrors. The base SE model starts at $37,649, followed by the SEL at $40,649, and the Titanium at $43,749. The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid can be ordered in three trims: SE, SEL and Titanium. Buyers might look at this two-wheel drive configuration and say no thanks. This plug-in hybrid cannot be mated to an all-wheel drive system like its competitors. But one potential hiccup for the model involves the drivetrain of this most-fuel-economical of the Escape variants. The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid competes with the Toyota RAV4 Prime, but also with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the pioneer of the group. Whatever the year attached, consumers now have one more option in the compact plug-in hybrid segment, so that’s good news for them. Though at this point, the model-year doesn't matter, as there will be very little difference between the two editions. At dealers, the first few units of the model have trickled in - just over 1,000 units have sold since the summer, according to Ford - and the 2022 will soon be here. Truth is, Ford of Canada had a hard time getting a large enough fleet together to host a driving event. This is even though the model has been on sale across the country since July. The first three arrived quickly on the market, but the last one has been a long time coming, so much so in fact that it's the end of October 2021 and Ford of Canada is only now making the new 2021 model year plug-in model available for test drives. Kelowna, BC - When Ford introduced its next-generation Ford Escape in 2019 (as a 2020 model), there was talk of four powertrains: the two gas-powered offerings, the hybrid, and the plug-in hybrid. Auto123 reviews the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid.
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