2023 Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid vs Escape Hybrid

In order to make the prestigious Consumer Reports list, the Escape Hybrid scored average or above average in all 17 categories but one. It earned an above average score when it was road tested. Plus, it garnered a Green Choice designation.

In this comparison, we’ll take a look at the 2023 Ford Escape HEV and PHEV to determine whether these models are a good buy for the money. As such, we’ll be looking at new Ford Escape prices, packaging, technology, performance and overall character. 

1. Critical Success

   With its model refresh, the 2023 Ford Escape has garnered recent awards from Vincentric and Consumer Reports. These automotive judges have different criteria and yet the Escape made it to the top of the heap. In fact, both the HEV and PHEV models have come away with awards.

   The Plug In Hybrid Escape took the top prize at Vincentric. Ford’s PHEV drove away with the 2023 Best Value in America Award. It already earned the 2023 Best CPO Award, indicating that an Escape PHEV nets a good resale value as a certified pre owned vehicle.

   At about the same time, the Hybrid Escape was named to the Best American Cars List at Consumer Reports. The 2023 Ford Escape HEV was named a Green Choice, and it showed off other qualities, earning good scores in all but one of the 17 categories. This process reflects affirmation of everything from its performance to its reliability.

   In fact, the Escape HEV test drivers gave it an above average score. This is an exciting development for those who want a hybrid but demand some fun behind the wheel.

2. Size and Spaciousness

   When gas-powered models are equipped with hybrid technology, there is sometimes a loss of vital space. This does not happen with either the Escape HEV or PHEV. In fact, they have a quite spacious cabin with ample room for passengers and cargo alike.

   Packing up is easy when you have a 34-cubic foot cargo hold. If you don’t have second row passengers, this expands to just over 60 cubic feet. Either way, it is ample space for a compact SUV.

   The cabin is spacious with 102 cubic feet of passenger volume. This allows for 38.9 inches of legroom on the second row where it counts the most. In fact the seatbacks have been deeply sculpted to allow for more backseat passenger kneeroom. There’s plenty of room for two car seats on the back row for those with babies and toddlers.

   Second-row seats in every Escape are made to recline for more comfort. Even better, they can slide to allow for a bit more cargo space or a bit more legroom, depending on the day’s travel needs.

3. Hybrid Capability and Efficiency

   An Escape Hybrid has one of the most competitive fuel economy ratings of any hybrid SUV. The numbers rival the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

   Generating 200 horsepower, the Escape Hybrid is praised for its capability. Edmunds calls it peppy, praises the CVT transmission, and notes that the HEV is composed around turns. Forbes notes the well-weighted electric-assist steering.

   Earning 42 mpg in the city, this is one vehicle that will double the gas mileage of many of the SUVs that it replaces. It earns 36 mpg on the highway, and that makes it 39 mpg in combined driving. The range is approximately 558 miles, according to estimates by the US Department of Energy.

   Lagging the Ford Escape, the 2023 Honda CRV Hybrid is rated at 40/35/38 mpg city/highway/combined with a range of 532 miles. Also lagging, the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson Hybrids are both rated at 38/38/38 mpg with a range of 521 miles.

4. Plug In Hybrid Capability and Efficiency

   A 2023 Escape PHEV is even more competitive than the Escape Hybrid. The electric range is 37 miles, easily beating many competitors.

   Then the overall efficiency is higher too. The gas mileage is 40 mpg, and the overall MPGE is 105 miles.

   Once again, we turned to the fuel calculator to learn more. Over five years, this allows the owner to save an extra $1,250 compared to the Hyundai Tucson PHEV, which can claim 80 mpge and 35 mpg combined. Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV are less thrifty at 76 mpge and 33 mpg overall. The five-year gap is $1,750 in favor of the Escape PHEV.

   Compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the difference is even starker. It earns only 26 mpg combined and 74 mpg-equivalent. This reduces its range to 320 miles. It also means the Escape PHEV owner can save about $3,000 in five years by comparison.

   By the way, if you are looking for a CRV Plug In Hybrid, there currently isn’t one to compete with the Escape PHEV.

5. Packaging and Price

   The Escape Hybrid is offered in ST Line, ST Line Select, Platinum and ST Line Elite choices. Escape Hybrid prices start at an MSRP of $33.340. The Escape plug in hybrid price starts at $40,500 MSRP.

   With this range of trim levels, there are a variety of options. The standards always include Ford CoPilot 360 systems that watch the lanes and blind spots. The systems monitor forward collision dangers, including pedestrians in the road, and will apply an emergency autobrake if needed.

   Stop and Go capability is part of the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control system. Further assistance comes from speed sign recognition and lane centering highway assist.

   The 8-inch digital instrument screen is a favorite standard that actually gets upgraded on many models to an even more impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The large touchscreen with Sync 4 can be upgraded to a 13.2-inch touch screen. For certain, these SUVs have standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Conclusion

The 2023 Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid and Escape Hybrid are two sides of the same coin. Each one offers very good fuel economy, decent performance, and a worthy package for the price.

You can find the right one for you at your Ford Escape dealer. Stop by for a test drive.