E85 flex fuel Escape
I put 89 octane in my flex fuel E85 Escape, what do I need to do.
30 views
2012 Ford Escape Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
Since its 2005-model-year debut, the Ford Escape Hybrid compact crossover has drawn nothing but praise from both the media and the public alike for its class-leading fuel economy. Continuing the tradition, the 2012 Escape Hybrid trims look to be just as efficient, just as green and just as popular as their predecessors. Available in two trims, the base Hybrid and the loaded-up Limited, this mini-ute can tote up to 66 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded, while its unibody construction gives it an edge in ride and handling capabilities. Alas, the Hybrid’s extra weight makes it just a bit more unwieldy than its non-hybrid siblings, and its unibody frame is not compatible with off-road adventures. Of course, full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) will be available for both 2012 Escape Hybrid trims, but again, a word of caution: Unlike on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD), the AWD configuration, though fine for slippery roadways, is not designed for off-road use. One final drawback is the Escape Hybrid’s base MSRP of over $30,500 -- big money for a small ute.
Nonetheless, coming closest to the 2012 Escape Hybrid’s pure fuel efficiency is Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI diesel, which has nearly identical mileage numbers backed by a solid performance record, but is far from eco-friendly. Other compact crossovers that may rate a look are the Chevrolet Equinox, the Honda CR-V and Toyota’s RAV4. The latter three are considered superior in price and performance to Ford’s entry, but none are quite so fuel miserly.
As of now, the 2012 Escape Hybrid is expected to remain essentially unchanged from 2011. Rumors are flying, however, of a major redesign that would give Ford’s popular but aging small crossover design a longer, sleeker profile, a more fuel-efficient gas engine and a more powerful, longer-lasting hybrid/electric battery. Word is that both the Escape Hybrid and its gasoline-only Escape siblings will be based on the current European Kuga trims, with a possible name change to boot.
Be that as it may, a best guess is that the 2012 Escape Hybrid trims will, once again, offer a standard 2.5-liter Atkinson hybrid inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine as their major powerplant. The gas-burning I4 is expected to be backed up by a pair of electric motors, one dedicated to accessories and the other combining with the I4 for 177 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is once more expected to manage this output, and the traditional nickel-metal hydride battery should remain rechargeable by both the I4 and through regenerative braking, where braking energy is transformed from heat to storable electricity. Ford claims that the Escape Hybrid can accelerate up to 44 mph on electric power alone for short distances, but expect it to tow only about 1,000 pounds. In any case, look forward to around 34 mpg city/31 highway in FWD trims and 30/27 in AWD-equipped versions, with those figures considered the best in the business. Finally, those Escape Hybrid trims sporting available AWD should again depend on a mechanical, limited-slip center differential for added traction.
Traditionally known for state-of-the-art techno-features, Ford will doubtless continue to load the 2012 Escape Hybrid trims with a veritable cornucopia of exterior and cabin goodies. Expect the base Hybrid to mount standard 16-inch alloy wheels and a roof rack outside, while premium cloth upholstery and a power-adjustable driver’s seat will pamper owners on the inside. Further standard comfort and convenience amenities should include digital keypad power door locks, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, a tilting, leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted cruise and audio controls, front and rear floormats, and dual-zone climate control. Once again, a single-CD player with four speakers, Sirius satellite radio and a USB connection are expected to provide entertainment, with Ford’s popular Sync hands-free audio and communication interface (via Bluetooth) making things easier. Options for the base Hybrid will likely remain rear-seat DVD entertainment, voice-activated navigation and seven-speaker premium sound system combo, a power moonroof, remote engine start, integrated side-steps and roof-rack cross rails.
The Escape Hybrid Limited, meanwhile, is expected to add standard leather-trimmed upholstery, heated outside mirrors, a universal remote garage-door opener, rear-view camera and a power glass sunroof to the mix. Additionally, a couple of extra speakers, for a total of six, should also remain standard in the Hybrid Limited. As the singular additional option over its more plebian stablemate, the Escape Hybrid Limited will again offer Ford’s superbly wrought Auto Park system to help relieve the stress of parallel parking.
Safety-wise, the 2012 Escape Hybrid lineup should once again maintain its five-star rating. Four-wheel antilock brakes (front disc/rear drum), as well as traction and stability control are expected to return, as will front side-mounted airbags and front and rear head airbags. Further standard safety equipment should include front fog/driving lights, Ford’s popular MyKey programmable speed- and audio-limiting technology, and post-collision safety systems. A Vehicle Security System with remote antitheft alarm is again expected to be optional with either Hybrid trim.
The hefty pricetag, as well as a surprisingly raspy engine and a lack of high-end interior finish materials, are among the glitches that owners find in 2011 Escape Hybrid trims. Jaw-dropping gas mileage, however, along with available AWD and plenty of high-tech toys continue to draw high praise for and satisfied owners of this green-leaning crossover.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid
Write a reviewUser rating:
by steve q
Mar 23, 2022
Unreliable early hybrid system. Had to go to the ford dealer 3 times over the course of 2 years to swap out batteries twice and replace the electric braking system. These are also mediocre on safety, and slim on comfort. Not worth what the msrp was when new, and not worth the used market prices (even before prices shot up in 2021-22). Avoid these things, there is far better value elsewhere. Mar 23, 2022
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid?Compare this car
2012 Ford Escape Hybrid Pricing
Original MSRP
$30,570 to $34,830Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 40GB · Headphones: rear · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.04
Engine
EV battery capacity: 1.8 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 94 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 70 · Electric Motor Torque: 100 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 136 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: SYNC · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 40GB · Headphones: rear · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.04
Engine
EV battery capacity: 1.8 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 94 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 70 · Electric Motor Torque: 100 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 136 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: SYNC · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 40GB · Headphones: rear · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.04
Engine
EV battery capacity: 1.8 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 94 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 70 · Electric Motor Torque: 100 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 136 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: SYNC · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: chrome
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front and rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 40GB · Headphones: rear · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.04
Engine
EV battery capacity: 1.8 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 94 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 70 · Electric Motor Torque: 100 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 136 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: SYNC · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: chrome
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front and rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent