Other than a couple of added safety features, the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid compact SUV is a mirror image of the 2009 version. This green machine is available in two trim levels, Base and Limited, each offered with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The five-passenger, five-door '10 Escape Hybrid also offers a plethora of standard features, 66 cubic feet of cargo space (with the rear seats folded), and the backing of an automaker that, so far, isn’t teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Additionally, the 2010 Escape Hybrid is considered the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUV on the market. As with most true hybrids, the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is delivered with both a gasoline engine and a pair of electric motors, one for acceleration and one for powering accessories, including, with a significant and recent upgrade, the climate control systems. AWD Escape Hybrid trims also have a third electric motor, which provides power to the rear wheels when extra traction is needed. The 2010 Escape Hybrid’s gasoline engine is a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) that combines with a 70-kilowatt electric motor and constant velocity transmission (CVT) to provide 177 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque. The 94-hp permanent-magnet electric motor is capable of accelerating up to 35 to 40 mph on its own, fed by a nickel-metal battery that can be replenished with a combination of the gas engine and a regenerative braking system. Mileage figures of 34/31 (FWD) and 29/27 (AWD) are not uncommon for the 2010 Escape Hybrid. Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the base 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid include 16-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, premium cloth front bucket seats with a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, split-folding rear seats, power windows and mirrors, power (digital keypad) door locks, front and overhead consoles with storage, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, front and rear floor mats, an MP3-capable single-CD player with four speakers, satellite radio, Bluetooth/SYNC hands-free phone system, and USB connection. The 2010 Escape Hybrid Limited adds premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, and a universal remote garage door opener. Options for the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid include the Navigation/Premium Sound Package, featuring voice-activated DVD navigation, seven speakers, a 10GB music jukebox, and Sirius Travel Link real-time traffic updates, as well as a power moonroof, integrated side steps, and daytime running lights. The 2010 Escape Limited offers, as well, Ford's optional Auto Park sensor-activated parallel-parking assist technology. Two new safety features have been added to the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. First is a standard integrated spotter mirror to check blind spots, and second is Ford’s MyKey system, which allows, for instance, parents to limit speed levels and audio volume when the kids want to borrow the 2010 Escape for an evening. Both safety additions, of course, complement the Escape Hybrid’s standard four-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags. Curiously, Ford decided, for the 2009 model year, to replace the four-wheel disc brakes, once standard on the Escape and the Escape Hybrid, with rear drum brakes. This has resulted in an alarming increase in braking distance during at least one independent test. Virtually all owners of the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid are impressed with the gas mileage they receive from this compact SUV, not to mention the feel-good attitude (and tax advantages) gained by owning an environmentally friendly automobile. Of course, there are a few glitches mentioned, such as some inferior cabin materials, difficulty with the fold-down rear seats, a lackluster cargo-area arrangement, and some serious engine noise on brisk acceleration. However, kudos are given to the ’09 Escape Hybrid for its best-in-class safety ratings, interior roominess, styling (excepting those that pine for a more Euro-style look), SYNC and Bluetooth technology, and, to a lesser extent considering its price, for the ’09 Escape Hybrid’s value.