On A Hybrid High, Baby!

I just purchased an '08 Escape Hybrid and it is a cool little SUV. Quiet as a mouse on the road and if you're not a leadfoot, it will get you 34 mpg puttering in stop and go in town (that was my first tank). I am on my third tank of gas and I am averaging 32 mpg (mixed city and highway, about 75% city 25% highway). If you continually punch it off the line at lights and such I'm sure mpg will decrease into the mid to high 20's. The new EPA "realistic" rating is 27 mpg city but a light foot = better gas mileage.

All new center stack is excellent, logical and easy to use. Optional Navigation system is nice but it's pricey. Hill climbs are fine, the Atkinson I-4 gets a boost from the electric motor so even traversing the passes of the Colorado Rockies has been a pleasant experience. There is no tow package on the hybrid. So, if you haul a small camper or jet skis, etc, you'll need the gas model.

The ride is MUCH quieter . I have an '01 Escape and it sounds like a tank compared to the new one. The suspension and drive control feels firm and is very responsive. The truck feels solid and handles well on bumps, rough roads and the highway.

Cool new "Ice Blue" displays light up the night. If you want a backseat entertainment center (DVD etc.) you'll need to get an aftermarket system. The Hybrid does not offer one (the gas model does). There is a new jack for an MP3/iPOD on the front to run your favorite tunes through the speakers. The hybrid also has a 110 volt electric plug to use a laptop or other electrical device. The center console has a set of removable trays you can configure in different ways. If you remove the trays a 14" laptop and its power cord will fit easily into the bin which is the size of a small cave!

I am 6'2" and my wife is 4'11" and we both have very comfortable driving positions in this truck. The interior space is excellent for all passengers. Ford did not monkey with this and I'm glad.

Overall, this is a great little SUV. I think the interior improvements will keep the Escape a best seller for Ford.

UPDATE: 03/18/07:

I had a comment requesting more info. on the vehicle so here's some additional input.

I did not purchase the optional navigation system because the $2,695 seemed very high to me for something I would only use occasionally. On the Hybrid, the system also gives you info about how the hybrid components are working. So, if you are a "techie" and you like this option, go for it.

The MSRP on my Escape was $29,175. I paid $27,238 because I am a member of COSTCO warehouse and I used their auto buyer program discount which is invoice price + $1,000.