Ford Escape I 2.3 i 16V (155 Hp) Hybrid eCVT


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.7 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Ford Escape:

The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company from the 2001 to the 2026 model years across four generations, as Ford's first SUV derived from a car platform.
Introduced for model year 2005, the Escape's hybrid electric variant was both Ford's first hybrid-electric vehicle — and the first hybrid SUV in the U. S. market by any manufacturer. The Escape was sized between the Ford EcoSport and Ford Edge.
The first two generations used the Ford CD2 platform, jointly developed with Mazda, and was co-developed with two rebadged variants, the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner. All three were marketed in North America, although the Mariner was not marketed in Canada. The Escape was marketed in Europe as the Ford Maverick for model years 2001- 2008....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Overview:

Ford Escape (I). With 168 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1670 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 9 s). The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Ford Escape I generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. It received favorable safety ratings from US-based organizations like NHTSA and IIHS for its time.

2.3 i 16V (155 Hp) Hybrid eCVT Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Despite a lower system HP, the hybrid system provides good low-end torque and a respectable 9-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, making it feel responsive in city traffic.

Fuel Economy

A standout for its time, offering significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline models, especially in urban environments.

Best Use Case: City driving, eco-conscious commuters, mixed urban/suburban use.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Versatile engine lineup, including pioneering hybrid options
  • • Spacious and practical interior for its class
  • • Available 4WD enhances capability in various conditions
  • • Generally good value on the used market
  • • Comfortable ride for daily commuting

Cons:

  • • Interior quality and design can feel dated compared to rivals
  • • V6 models can be thirsty, especially with 4WD
  • • Some common issues with rust on older models
  • • Not tested by Euro NCAP, limiting European safety comparison
  • • Base 2.0L engine can feel underpowered on highways

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 2003 - 2007).

General:
Brand:Ford
Model:Escape
Generation:I
Modification (Engine):2.3 i 16V (155 Hp) Hybrid eCVT
Start of production:2005
End of production:2007
Powertrain Architecture:FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:133 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:58.8 Hp/l
Torque:168 Nm @ 4250 rpm.
Engine displacement:2261
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.25 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:87.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:94 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:6.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.6 l/100 km
Emission standard:SULEV
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9 sec
Maximum speed:170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.8 kg/Hp, 92.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.9 kg/Nm, 100.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1670
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1855 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:782 l
Fuel tank capacity:57 l
Size:
Ramp-over (brakeover) angle:21.2°
Length:4442 mm mm [48mm more]
Width:1781 mm mm [1mm more]
Height:1775 mm mm [73mm more]
Wheelbase:2621 mm mm [2mm more]
Front track:1554 mm
Rear (Back) track:1550 mm
Front overhang:864 mm
Rear overhang:958 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):213 mm
Approach angle:21.4°
Departure angle:28.7°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor drive the front wheels of the car with the ability to work in full electric or mixed mode.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeeCVT
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size235/70 R16
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring
Electric:
Battery technology:Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
System power:155 Hp
Electric motor power:94 Hp @ 5000 rpm.
Electric motor type:Synchronous
Battery voltage:330 V

Is the Ford Escape the king of its class? Share your thoughts.