Fast Stats
	Seats		5
	MSRP from		$26,970
	Engine		2.3L I4
	Horsepower		94 @ 3000
	Transmission		Electronically  controlled  continuously  variable
	MPG: City/Hwy		36 / 31
	2005 Ford Escape XLS and XLT I4 Models 2005 Ford Escape XLT, XLT Sport and Limited Models 2005 Ford Escape - Specs 2005 Ford Escape - Photos 2005 Ford Reviews 2005 Ford Escape - Price Quote Visit Ford for more information on the Ford Escape Hybrid.

2005 Ford Escape Hybrid

Touted by Ford as the world's cleanest and most fuel-efficient sport utility vehicle, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is revolutionary for the North American auto manufacturing industry. It is the first SUV Hybrid, the first Hybrid with available 4-wheel-drive, it never needs to be plugged in, gets 0-60 performance similar to that of the 200 horsepower Escape V-6 and can go 400 miles on a single tank of gas. You get all you need and more with the Escape Hybrid and it doesn't cost the earth.

Available Models
The Escape Hybrid comes with a single trim level that is equivalent to the top-level Limited edition. After all, with gas costing more and more all the time, the money that you save will pay for the leather seats and high-end audio system.

The regular Escape series, reviewed separately, includes the XLS Value, XLS, XLT I-4, XLT V6, XLT Sport and the top-level Escape Limited.

Interior Features
The Escape Hybrid is similar to traditional Escapes with seating for up to five and the same 60/40 split folding rear seat that impressively has the same amount of cargo capacity, over 65 cubic feet with the rear seats down. However, there are unique features, such as a gauge package that includes: an economy indicator with "green zone" that shows when the vehicle is operating on battery power; a gauge that displays levels of charge and assist for the battery pack; and an optional navigation system featuring an Audiophile stereo system, a unique energy flow diagram that displays hybrid system operation and a fuel economy screen that displays instant and average fuel economy.

On top of the basic package of power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry and air conditioning, the Escape has a good standard audio system (AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer), leather seating surfaces, a power-adjustable driver's seat, unique floor mats, an overhead console with dual storage bins, automatic headlamps, auto-dimming rearview mirror, message center and dual illuminated vanity mirrors. A number of stand-alone options and options packages are also available.

Exterior Features
The 2005 Escape series underwent a face-lift that also applies to the Hybrid. Its fresh, aggressive look features new headlamps, fog lamps, front and rear fascias. The lower bumpers in the front and rear have stylized ribs. The Hybrid has an available appearance package with silver-painted body-side cladding and wheel-lip moldings along with body-color door handles.

Performance
The Escape Hybrid proves that high-performance and environmentally-friendly vehicles are not mutually exclusive. The two sides of the Hybrid's powertrain are a special 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 129 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm and, a 65-kWatt (equivalent to 87 horsepower) electric traction motor that provides the power boost. This electric motor comes into its own under stop-and-go city driving, when the braking energy is captured to recharge the batteries, and under conditions requiring low-end torque, where it is particularly powerful.

Available on all Escapes, the optional Intelligent 4WD System will drive all four wheels when maximum traction is required but disengages when it isn't needed. eCVT (electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission) harnesses internal combustion and electric power sources while an electronic vehicle system controller manages charging, drive assist and engine-starting functions, shuts the engine down during coasting and at stoplights to save fuel and converts the traction motor into a generator during braking to help recharge the 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed beneath the rear load floor.

Safety and Security
As a vehicle family designed to work for families, the Escape has a great focus on safety. The standard safety equipment list includes dual-front airbags, automatic-off headlights, and antilock brakes with Quick Brake Assist, a system which recognizes hard braking and assists the driver in applying maximum braking force. Additionally, revisions to the body structure have improved performance in offset frontal crashes. Ford predicts the Escape to be the first vehicle in its class to meet the newly amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 for occupant crash protection. Finally, the Escape offers the optional Safety Package that combines Ford's exclusive Safety Canopy™ rollover protection system with front side air bags.

As for occupant safety, the Escape is leading the field with the addition of standard passenger-seat weight-sensing technology and the Personal Safety System™ with an occupant classification sensor. LATCH child seat attachments in rear outboard seating positions, head restraints and three-point safety belts and the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system round out the list of requirements.

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