Plenty of manufacturers are beating their own drums with regard to innovative and "green" hybrid technology. But if you stand back and look at the field, one of the leaders and one of the first to develop useable production hybrids is Ford Motor Company. And they accomplished the job with one of the most unlikely candidates one might first think of—the five-passenger Escape Hybrid SUV—the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet. But is the Escape Hybrid really all that unlikely? We think not, and here's why:

Places to Go, Keeping them Green
Unlike many other countries on this planet, America is a big place. There are plenty of open spaces; plenty of back roads; plenty of wilderness sites (some more remote than you might first think). And unlike a lot of other places on Planet Earth, you really can jump into your vehicle and get away from it all. SUVs most certainly shine under these conditions.

Of course, America also has a big love affair with SUVs inside the Urban Jungle too. The reasons an SUV works so well in the great outdoors also coincide with what goes on within the city limits: High seating positions make for great visibility. High seating also provides great leg (and other) interior room. Short overhangs, front and rear make for easier parking. Cavernous rear luggage compartments work just as well hauling groceries as they do hauling camping gear.

That's precisely why Ford's Escape was a perfect candidate to become a hybrid (in fact, it was the first SUV hybrid). Over the years, the Escape has evolved (both mechanically and aesthetically). The latest Escape Hybrid is based upon a 155-horsepower gasoline-fuel inline four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor drive that provides performance similar to conventional non-hybrid Escape models. But that's likely where many similarities end. The hybrid provides almost 75 percent greater efficiency, with 34 mpg in city traffic and 31 mpg (based on 2009 fuel economy ratings) on the open road (four cylinder, FWD models). That means you can drive more than 500 miles (city) on a single tank of gas. It also means that if you venture into the back country, you can travel over 460 miles without visiting a gas station.

One question that always seems to arise when discussing hybrids is why do they achieve superior figures in the city? The reason is hybrids do not waste power idling and in the case of the Escape, it recovers electrical power when stopping (by using regenerative braking) that is wasted on a conventional vehicle. Basically, every time you use the brake, the battery pack is being recharged.

Given the Escape Hybrid's design and engineering, no fuel is actually used when you're stopped in traffic or driving at low speeds up to 44 mph when running in pure electric mode. Over that figure, the inline four cylinder engine kicks in (seamlessly). Another important factor in the Escape Hybrid's performance is the battery pack. The 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride [NiMH] battery is completely sealed and securely encased, and stored under the flat rear cargo floor. It's pretty much a vehicle life battery arrangement (it carries a battery life limited warranty of between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, depending upon the state) that requires no special care or maintenance).

Features and Driving Impression
So far so good, but what's it like to drive? Our Escape Hybrid Limited test vehicle was a frontwheel-drive model (a similar 4x4 model is also available). The Limited version means you're met with a leather trimmed cabin—low back bucket seats in the front complete with seat heat and a six way power driver control. The back seat is a 60/40 split folding layout. Seat cushions in the Escape Hybrid are made of eco-friendly, soy-based foam, and the seat fabrics are constructed using post-industrial materials, in keeping with the "green" demeanor of the vehicle.

Leather seating is optional. A leather-wrapped steering wheel includes tilt, cruise and secondary audio control functions. Included in the interior mix is an electronically controlled dual zone climate control system, Ford SYNC® Voice-activated Communications and Entertainment System, along with a full feature AM-FM stereo sound system complete with six speakers, MP3 capability and SIRIUS® satellite radio system. A power moonroof is standard and so is ambient lighting, Rear View Camera, as well as Ford's "SecuriCode" driver's door keyless entry keypad and MY Key™ feature. There's a bunch more when it comes to creature comforts, including the available Auto Park Assist (a feature typically only found in luxury class vehicles), but suffice to say, the Limited is a very well equipped and handsome small SUV.

On the outside the Escape Hybrid Limited package incorporates body color mirrors and door handles, fog lamps, Easy Fuel™ capless fueling technology, heated power mirrors, chrome roof rack inserts, grille, tailgate garnish and privacy glass for the rear doors, quarter windows and the liftgate. Suspension front and rear is independent and as mentioned previously, the Escape Hybrid now incorporates Ford's AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™). It is the only electronic stability control system that utilizes two gyroscopic sensors, one of which is a unique vehicle-roll sensor. Working in conjunction with the Escape Hybrid's ABS brake system, traction control and yaw control, the system automatically determines when and how to apply individual brakes and modify engine power to help keep all four wheels firmly planted.

Driving the Escape Hybrid is really no different than driving a conventional vehicle (Escape or otherwise). Turn the key, place the gearshift lever into drive and pull away. If you have a heavy foot then you probably won't engage the electric propulsion system with regularity (although it will function while coasting and at stoplights). Drive conservatively, and you'll regularly be met with the quiet hum of the electrics. Once you go over the approximate 44 mph "limit" for the electric motor, the inline four takes over. Everything is pretty much seamless, however, it is possible to feel the gasoline engine engage (no big surprise). One item that differs between a standard Escape and the Hybrid is the tachometer. On the Hybrid, there's a reading below zero indicating when the engine has shut off and the vehicle is on electric-only power. Additionally, if you purchase the optional voice-activated navigation system, the display screen includes a hybrid power flow graphic.

When all is said and done, the Escape Hybrid is just as happy running errands in town as it is poking around the back country. Equally important, it sips fuel with the best of them, has a great five star safety rating (no small thanks to the six standard airbags (front, side impact and side curtain) and, depending on options, indulges you with a wide array creature comforts. If you're looking for an eco-friendly vehicle to help you get away from it all, take a long hard look at Ford's 2010 Escape Hybrid. It's definitely a vehicle for today.