2023 Ford Escape Hybrid vs Escape Plug In Hybrid

For the 2023 model year, Ford has revamped the Ford Escape to be more and do more. This refresh has caught the attention of automotive analysts, earning it high praise from Consumer Reports, which has called it one of the best American vehicles this year. Vincentric has recognized both past and present Escape models with its own awards.

Given this recognition, the Escape lineup deserves a closer look by anyone in the market for a hybrid or plug in hybrid compact SUV. This comparison should help you decide between the 2023 Ford Escape HEV and the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV.

1. Award Shelf

   After extensive testing and examination by Consumer Reports, the Escape Hybrid beat the entire compact SUV class to earn recognition on the best American vehicles list. Remarkably, it had an above average score in 16 out of 17 categories. Test drivers gave it an above average rating, and it earned above average scores for predicted customer satisfaction and reliability.

   The Escape Hybrid earned a Green Choice designation from Consumer Reports as well. This is the fourth generation of Ford hybrid technology, and these awards seem to reinforce that the brand has met and exceeded expectations.

   Applying plug in technology to the four-generation hybrid tech, Ford has created a plug in hybrid that can compete with the other PHEV models on the market today. From this standpoint, the hybrid award shelf simply reinforces the advanced nature and well-rounded ability of the PHEV.

   In fact, the Escape Plug In Hybrid earned its own 2023 Best Value in America Award. Vincentric noted that ownership costs were one-fourth lower than expected. That’s 25 percent less, and it shows how well the PHEV is meeting the dual goals of being a good SUV and keeping costs down.

2. Price and Value

   Consumer Reports has recommended the Escape Hybrid as one of the best hybrid SUVs under $35,000. Vincentric has given the Escape one of the coveted Best Value in America awards.

   Kelley Blue Book writes that the midcycle refresh has improved the value proposition for the Ford Escape models. They like the exterior facelift, the desirable new technologies, and its ability to compete in the rather crowded marketplace of compact SUVs.

   Essentially, Ford makes it possible to get the hybrid powertrain for the same cost as applying all-wheel drive. Thus buyers can afford to get the fuel efficiency they want without breaking their budget.

   The Escape hybrid price starts at about $32,000. It comes in a variety of trim levels including the stylish ST Line. The Plug In Escape is priced at about $38,500. With this range of price points, drivers can find the best Ford Escape Hybrid for sale at the price point that meets their budgetary needs.

3. Performance

   It is notable that Consumer Reports has named it one of the Best Performing Hybrid SUVs. This is due to its 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle hybrid 4-cylinder powertrain.

   Total horsepower output is excellent with 200 horses at the driver’s command. That’s more than the base engine with its 181 horsepower. Of course, beyond performance, a hybrid’s worth all comes down to fuel economy, and the Escape Hybrid definitely does not disappoint.

   Adding more horses, the Escape Plug In Hybrid is rated at 221 horsepower. This makes it more competitive than the Escape Hybrid, and that’s always fun for the driver.

4. Fuel Efficiency

   With the regular hybrid, front-wheel drive models earn 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. All wheel drive models maintain the highway numbers and earn 43 mpg in the city.

   This very slight difference makes it worthwhile for shoppers to consider whether they want all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. There is little penalty if you want all-weather traction.

   On the other hand, the Escape PHEV can claim 105 miles per gallon equivalent. It can drive some 37 miles on a single electric charge. Combining gas and electric, it claims 40 mpg efficiency. The only PHEV that can do better is the Toyota RAV4. Most, including the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, don’t do nearly as well.

   Many rival plug in hybrid SUVs cannot claim such efficiency. This makes the Escape Plug In Hybrid king of the hill when it comes to equally impressive gas mileage and electric equivalent mileage. It is a big reason that the Escape Plug In price difference from the standard hybrid is justified.

5. Size and Spaciousness

   These two SUVs don’t have any marked size difference. This is great news for PHEV shoppers because it means the plug in hybrid equipment hasn’t change the size of the Escape. All models are quite room with 40 inches of front legroom and 38.9 inches for second-row passengers.

   The cargo space is quite big for its class, offering just over 34 cubic feet with some 36.7 inches of length. With the seats folded, it grows to more than 60 cubic feet and about 68 inches in length.

6. Resale Values and Warranties

   The two hybrid Escapes have more coverage than the standard Escape. Of course, there is an important 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, Ford hybrid components are further covered by an 8-year, 100-mile warranty. This adds peace of mind.

   As for resale value, the top marks at Consumer Reports would indicate that the 2023 models will hold their value longer. Vincentric has given its Top CPO award to the Escape Plug In Hybrid.

   The plug in Escape hybrid has been shown to be a tremendous value with ownership costs that are 25.1 percent lower than expected. Vincentric awarded it the top prize because the Escape PHEV can claim the lowest total cost of ownership out of 29 competitors in this process.

7. Technology and Packaging

   The new Ford Escape has a sharper exterior and a new, more refined interior. The hybrid and plug in hybrid benefit from these changes and offer even more quality to the package.

   Infotainment is extensive and easy to use. This includes the Sync interface, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a standard 8-inch digital instrument panel. Many models have a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.2-inch touch screen. That’s some 25 inches of screens for the driver’s use.

   Driver assistance is similarly extensive. Standards include automatic emergency braking with a forward collision system. To watch the sides of the vehicle, there’s a blind spot monitor. To help the driver stay within the lines, there’s a lane keep assist.

   Many models have adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. Ford has developed evasive steering assist to go beyond automatic braking and give drivers even more help when they face a potentially dangerous traffic situation.

Conclusion

With so much in each vehicle to help it lead its class, the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid and Plug In Hybrid are somewhat equal. If you are looking at hybrid models, these two are definitely the ones to test drive.

Find your Escape at Earnhardt Ford dealer, serving the Phoenix area.

REVIEWS

”The Ford Escape improves its value proposition in the compact SUV class with a thorough refresh for the 2023 model year.”

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”Behind the wheel the Escape PHEV is a pleasant experience. It feels more like a car than an SUV with its comfortable and quiet ride. ”

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