When Ford redesigned the Explorer for 2020, it added a hybrid model for the first time. This new hybrid SUV combines a 3.3-liter V-6 with an electric motor for a combined output of 318 horsepower. The 2020 Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid with the turbo- and supercharged T8 engine with all-wheel drive seats six or seven passengers. Space isn't compromised by the powertrain, and the Swedish styling.
Ford touts the sky-high fuel economy of its 2020 Escape Hybrid and compares it directly with vaunted names from Toyota—but just how good is it?
We've already told you that we prefer the Hybrid head and shoulders above other 2020 Escape crossovers. What we haven't seen are numbers like the ones observed during our recent week-long test drive. Going only by its trip computer during one typical 15-mile commute, the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid averaged 48.9 mpg. That near Prius-like level of fuel economy makes the new Escape Hybrid a compelling option in the compact crossover segment.
Keep in mind that trip-computer figures can be a few percent off true—or, in some vehicles, as much as 20 percent optimistic.
The Ford Escape was one of the first hybrid crossovers when it launched for 2005. Now it is essential for Ford to not only stay competitive with the plug-in hybrid and electric crossovers coming to market (including an Escape PHEV coming soon), but to keep pace with hybrid versions of the best-selling Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
For now, the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid has the edge in fuel economy. It comes with front- or all-wheel drive, whereas the Toyota RAV4 is AWD only. The EPA-rated fuel economy of the Escape Hybrid AWD is 43 mpg city, 37 highway, 40 combined. The RAV4 is not as efficient around town at 41/38/40 mpg. Once fuel economy figures are revealed for the Honda CR-V Hybrid, it could top them all if the 48-mpg Accord Hybrid is any barometer. We’re expecting 44 or 45 mpg combined for the CR-V, which also offer front- or all-wheel drive.
The Escape Hybrid’s four drive modes let drivers control the level of efficiency. In the Escape SE Sport AWD I tested, I was able to get that 48.9 mpg without hypermiling or taking any extra steps other than setting it to Eco mode. This typical town-to-town parenting commute included no highway driving, but there were a few long stretches of steady 35 mph driving. It recaptured enough energy to provide nine miles of all-electric power.
Eco mode consistently returned exceptional fuel economy in exchange for an almost dead throttle pedal feel. You really have to push the throttle to the floor to get Eco mode going.
2020 Ford Escape, 2019 New York International Auto Show
2020 Ford Escape
On the return trip in Sport mode, which turns the instrument cluster red compared to the Eco’s blue background, the Escape averaged about 36 mpg with no electric miles; the only fuel-saving function in Sport mode is regen braking. It’s easy to forget it’s a hybrid.
Modes are controlled by a button on the center console that forces users to go through Normal, Eco, Sport, then Slippery every time, so if you want to go from Normal to Sport, you’ll have to stop over in Eco first. A two-way button or even a dial would work better.
Trip meters can be deceiving, but the disparity between Eco and Sport was consistent. Most Hybrid owners will choose to exceed the EPA rating with Eco mode.
This makes the Escape Hybrid not only the best Escape to own, but also one of the better compact crossovers on the market. The 2.5-liter inline-4 uses a 1.1-kwh compact battery pack and an electric motor to generate 200 horsepower. A power-split transmission essentially acts like a continuously variable automatic transmission to provide overall smooth power that is delivered quietly. The more you hammer the throttle outside of Sport mode, the more you’ll notice the switch of power between the engine and the motor.
The small battery pack fits under the rear seat, so the Escape Hybrid doesn’t sacrifice much cargo space: Hybrid models have 34.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up, while gas models have 37.5 cubic feet. Hybrid models don’t have sliding second-row seats, however, which limits how you go about loading things in back, but they do fold flat.
2020 Ford Escape, 2019 New York International Auto Show
2020 Ford Escape, 2019 New York International Auto Show
Offered in either SE Sport or Titanium trim, the SE Sport is the value buy starting at $29,450 including $1,095 destination. AWD adds $1,500. My tester came with the $3,395 Premium package with a power tailgate, navigation, a panoramic roof, remote start, 19-inch wheels, and adaptive cruise control. Adaptive cruise is one of my favorite new car features, and Ford’s adds a little branding charm: When the adaptive cruise control or AEB senses a lead car, it will project an image of the rear of a Ford Fusion. On the highway, it projects the rear of the Ford Mustang, sequential boomerang taillights and all. It’s not worth $3,395, but it’s still cool.
In addition to all the active safety features from the base model, the SE Sport Hybrid has a 8.0-inch touchscreen complementing the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Hybrid can be had in Titanium trim, too; it adds heated leather-trimmed front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and other niceties that don’t add up to $5,000 more, or $36,095 total, in our book.
The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid is a recommended buy for consumers who want a fuel-efficient crossover but aren’t quite ready to start plugging in their cars at home. The plug-in hybrid Escape is expected later in 2020.
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2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SE Sport Hybrid AWD
Base price: $29,450
As tested: $34,245
EPA fuel economy: 43/37/40 mpg Download steam wrapper for mac.
The hits: Exceptional fuel economy in Eco mode, good value, premium technology, all-wheel drive.
The misses: Titanium not worth it, drive mode button instead of dial, slight rear-seat limitations
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Though nearly every automaker offers a three-row crossover SUV, only a select few of these large family vehicles can be considered fuel efficient. Electrification raises expectations for efficiency without sacrificing performance or size. Just five years ago, when there were no plug-in hybrid or electric three-row SUVs, a 25 combined mpg was exceptional. That's average at best now. And it's not just electrification accounting for improved efficiency. For 2020, Toyota downsized the engine in the Highlander Hybrid and put it on a diet, resulting in nearly 30% better fuel economy.
While the 30-mpg Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan (actually a plug-in hybrid, and now with available AWD) would be our recommended buy for families looking for a three-row vehicle, we understand the minivan stigma runs strong in the face of logic. So here's a look at the top five* most efficient three-row crossover SUVs based on EPA ratings. Prices include destination fee.
2019 Tesla Model X
The bulbous Tesla Model X with the falcon-wing rear doors comes standard with all-wheel drive, accomplished by a motor on each axle. It comes in Standard, Long Range, or Performance trims, with the latter hitting 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. On a full charge, it has a range from 258 miles to 328 miles, depending on the version. The falcon-wing doors that hinge at the roof to rise up over the car can open up in tighter parking spaces than a minivan with sliding doors, making entry into the tight third row easier than most other three-row crossover SUVs.
Efficiency: 101 MPGe combined or 33 kwh/100 miles
Range: 258 to 328 miles
Starting price: $86,210-$106,210
Small changes lead to dramatic improvements in the redesigned 2020 Toyota Highland Hybrid. Toyota swapped in a 2.5-liter inline-4 instead of the V-6, dropped weight, and increased fuel economy from 28 mpg combined in the outgoing version to 36 mpg combined for 2020. The all-wheel drive system only drops it 1 mpg combined, and includes a third motor powering the rear axle.
Efficiency: 36 mpg city, 35 highway, 36 combined
Range: 550 miles
Starting price: $39,320 (spring 2020)
2020 Volvo XC90
The 2020 Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid with the turbo- and supercharged T8 engine with all-wheel drive seats six or seven passengers. Space isn't compromised by the powertrain, and the Swedish styling makes it one of the more attractive three-row crossover SUVs on the market, inside and out. It also packs plenty of punch, with the 400-hp powertrain hitting 60 mph in fewer than six seconds.
Efficiency: 55 MPGe or 27 mpg combined without a charge
Range: 18 miles electric only, 520 miles total.
Starting price: $67,995-$73,695
Available on top Grand Touring and Black Label trims, the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid is built off the 2020 Ford Explorer, but finished in the finest features and creature comforts. The 494-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 13.6-kwh battery pack generates a whopping 630 pound-feet of torque, good enough to hit 60 mph in under six seconds. Second-row passengers welcome available captain's chairs and the roomiest space in the class, though a bench seat will help seat seven passengers overall. The third row is much tighter and best suited for pint-sized passengers.
Efficiency: 56 MPGe or 23 mpg combined without a charge
Range: 21 miles electric only, 460 miles total
Starting price: $70,540-$89,540
2020 Lexus RX 450h L
On paper, the 2020 Lexus RX 450h L AWD checks all the boxes, including the one for most letters after the model name. The 'h' stands for hybrid, the 'L' stands for long, but the third row in the RX 450h L is so cramped as to be functional in only the tightest of pinches, which is what the back-seat riders will feel.
Efficiency: 29/28/29 mpg
Range: 499 miles
Starting price: $51,535
*2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid
2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid - First Drive - Portland OR, June 2019
*We're adding a sixth, because the RX 450h L and it's nearly useless third row merit an alternative. In rear-wheel drive with a 318-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the new 2020 Explorer Hybrid comes really close to the RX 450h L in terms of fuel economy, but has a roomier third row more in line with the Lincoln Aviator. In Limited trim, it would be silly to call it the poor man's alternative to the Aviator Grand Touring, even with available second-row captain's chairs. Cargo room with all seats up is exceptional.
Efficiency: 27/29/28 mpg
Range: 540 miles
Starting price: $54,120
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