Powerful yet prudent: 2005 Ford Escape SUV Hybrid

During a recent test drive through Los Angeles city streets, through the winding hills of Topanga Canyon and even off-roading in the mountains, the Escape Hybrid lived up to its billing as a "no compromise" SUV that consistently achieved a fuel economy rating around 40 mpg. There is a gauge on the dash that shows the fuel economy.

In terms of pollution, it is one of the cleanest vehicles on the road with near zero emissions. Off-roading in the mountains is no problem. Climbing hills or traversing rough terrain -- in both the front-wheel drive and 4X4 models--is no challenge. A 2.3-liter I-4 gasoline engine and an electric traction motor, combined to provide the equivalent output of a V-6 engine, power the Escape Hybrid.

The 2.3-liter I-4 gasoline engine is an Atkinson-cycle variant of the conventional Escape's Duratec engine. It is similar to the four-stroke cycle — intake, compression, power, exhaust — except the intake valve closes well after the piston begins moving upward to compress the air-fuel mixture.

In addition to its gasoline engine, the Escape Hybrid has a 70-kilowatt (the equivalent of 94 horsepower) permanent-magnet traction motor. The hybrid storage battery consists of 250 D-sized cells in a sealed enclosure.

Before scoffing at the word "electric," this is a true hybrid vehicle. There is no plug in. The vehicle constantly recharges the battery through regular operation. During idle at stoplights or while parked, the electric traction motor powers the vehicle, which improves fuel economy and reduces emissions, making it a "full hybrid" vehicle. The electric motor can also provide sole power for the vehicle at low speeds such as stop-and-go city driving situations.

In comparison, mild hybrids are distinguished by relatively small battery capacity and lack an electric-only drive mode.

When quick acceleration is needed, or additional power on hills, both power plants on the Escape Hybrid work in unison to provide maximum horsepower and torque. It can even tow up to a 1,000-pound trailer. In fact, when it comes to quick acceleration conditions, the Escape Hybrid is actually more responsive than the V-6 Escape.

Inside, it is nearly identical to the gasoline-powered Escape. The only difference is the analog gauge on the dash to inform the driver when the vehicle is using regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

Hybrid-specific components, including the battery pack, are covered by a warranty of at least eight years or 100,000 miles. The entire vehicle comes with a bumper-to-bumper warranty of three-years/36,000-miles with roadside assistance.