The front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid Base compact SUV offers room for five passengers and five doors, including the rear liftgate cargo door. Standard amenities include a roof rack, 16-inch alloy wheels, front bucket seats with six-way-adjustable power driver’s seat, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, tilt-wheel steering, a USB connection, Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, and an MP3-capable single-CD player with four speakers and satellite radio service. Like its brethren, the Escape Hybrid Base also packs the new-for-2010 MyKey speed-and-volume-limiting ignition key and new, larger outside mirrors that are claimed to eliminate blind spots to the sides and rear of the vehicle. Options include a rear-view camera, voice-activated DVD navigation that’s integrated with Ford’s popular SYNC infotainment system, and side step bars. Additionally, the Escape lineup is touted as among the safest SUVs on the road today, despite a curious switch to rear drum brakes last year. Standard four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags protect driver and passengers, while front fog/driving lights are offered as an option.
A two-mode hybrid system, with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) gas engine, bolstered by two electric motors, powers the 2010 Escape Hybrid Base under the auspices of a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With this system, one battery-powered electric motor is used for acceleration, and the other powers the vehicle’s accessories. This combo not only limits the Escape Hybrid’s carbon footprint, but provides an impressive 34/31 mpg.
