2005-2008 Ford Escape: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Introduction of a gas/electric Hybrid version topped changes to Ford's smallest SUV. Again offered with front- or all-wheel drive, the Escape also got a larger base engine, freshened styling, and additional safety features. This five-passenger, four-door wagon had a rear liftgate with separate-opening glass. Replacing a 127-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the base engine was a 153-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder. Four-cylinder Escapes could have a manual transmission or, new for 2005, optional automatic. (Prior four-cylinder models came only with manual shift.) A 200-hp V6 with automatic transmission also was available. The Hybrid had a four-cylinder gas engine, assisted by an electric motor, for a combined 155 horsepower. Its electric motor helped save fuel by powering the Hybrid at low speeds and assisting the gas engine during acceleration. No plug-in charging was ever required; instead, the system recharged the motor's batteries when coasting or decelerating. The Hybrid used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that functioned like an automatic but had a near-infinite number of ratios. All models came with front-wheel or all-wheel drive; the AWD system did not include low-range gearing. For 2005, Escape's automatic-transmission shift lever was mounted on the floor console rather than the steering column. Antilock braking, previously optional, now was standard. Newly optional were head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows. They were designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. Escapes also got revised front and rear styling. Ford said it had more sound insulation, too. Mazda's Tribute and the new 2005 Mercury Mariner were similar to Escape, but didn't offer a hybrid version at this time. Rivals included the Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.