Are Ford Escape Hybrids Reliable?

The Ford Escape has various generations, and each model features noticeable improvements. 

As a driving enthusiast, I like to research a car model before buying one. 

Recently, Ford Escape hybrids caught my attention, so I decided to find out more about the model, and here is all I gathered. 

The Ford Escape offers pleasurable rides through tight traffic and on highways. 

This is an ideal vehicle for any compact crossover buyer. 

You will love the spacious seating, lots of safety, and technologically advanced features. 

Read on to learn more about this car model. 

Are Ford Escape Hybrids Reliable?

The Ford Escape hybrid is one of the most reliable vehicles that you can find in the market today. The 2020 generation has a reliability rate of 3.5 out of five, which is above average. For the 2021 generation, it has a reliability score of 72 out of 100. 

How Reliable Are the Ford Escape Hybrids?

One main concern for most people before buying a car is reliability. 

This will help you determine the vehicle’s overall quality, so you know whether it will require expensive repairs in the future or not. 

Overall the Ford Escape Hybrid is a perfect SUV that offers a good combination of value and quality. 

It has impressive cargo, passenger space and receives positive reviews from automotive journalists. 

Ford Escape Hybrids also provide a collection of safety features and a user-friendly info-entertainment system. 

The United States NHTSA gives Ford Escape an overall safety ranking of five. 

Meaning that the vehicle performed well in all the crash safety tests. 

In terms of style, this is one of the best-looking cars. 

Although there are some reliable older models, the new generation has a striking sleeker appearance. 

They also offer lots of interior space and athletic performance. 

Escape has a standard 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine that offers excellent performance, and you will get about 26 miles per gallon. 

If you go for the optional 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, you will enjoy more power and improved fuel efficiency. 

The plug-in hybrid model has a battery capacity of 14.4kWh which offers about 30 miles of driving. 

These vehicles have lower issue rates. 

What Is the Best Year for Ford Escape?

The most recent Ford Escape Hybrid models have a modern design, easy-to-use controls, and improved features. 

Still, if you want to consider the older models, some offer high reliability and improved functionality at a relatively lower price. 

For instance, the 2010 Ford Escape still stands among the best Escape models produced in the second generation. 

This vehicle offers 75% more fuel efficiency. 

On the other hand, the 2012 generation is among the last models produced in the second generation before the introduction of significant design change in the third. It has a spacious cabin. 

The interior design provides excellent visibility, nice rides, and incredible handling even in poor weather conditions. 

It automatically shifts smoothly, and the breaks work perfectly fine. 

This is a good vehicle for anyone on a tight budget since it has a lower operating cost due to the fuel economy. 

2013 marks a complete redesign for the Ford Escape Hybrid vehicles. 

The best vehicle to try out in this category is the 2017 model. 

It has a well-designed cabin with high-quality materials. 

The vehicle also offers lots of cargo room and agile handling. 

Ford Escape 2017 has a reliability rating of four out of five. Despite looking relatively smaller than its predecessors, this vehicle has a 1.5L turbo engine that delivers 179 hp. 

It addresses most issues present in the 2014 model.

The 2017 Ford Escape Hybrid also has improved interior and exterior designs. 

It has advanced safety features, a six-speaker audio system, a SYNC 3 touch screen, and dual-zone climate control. 

The fourth generation from 2020 is quite a bit of success.

Ford Escape Hybrid 2020 has some vast improvements, particularly when it comes to acceleration and transmission. 

If you want something new, consider this option to enjoy a smooth drive packed with convenient features. 

Ford Escape Hybrid 2020 has a reliability score of eight out of nine. 

The front seats offer an impeccable view of the road, and the back row is fairly roomy. 

Also, the interior has high-quality styling. This is very efficient with a sporty appearance and the latest technology. 

Ford Escape Hybrid 2021 has become one of the most popular vehicles in the car market today. 

It’s a complete redesign for the 2020 model. 

Some significant improvements that you will note for this model are the hybrid powertrain on SEL and SE trim levels, a power liftgate, and Class II Trailer Tow Package. 

It features a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine that delivers 165 hp and 155lb-ft of torque. 

When combined with the electric motor for the hybrid models, it delivers 200 hp. 

The car’s system can run on gas, electricity, or both and seamlessly switches between the two to suit various driving conditions. 

Though it’s a bit plain on the front, it has a stunning rear with wraparound and sculpted taillights. 

The special edition limited has 18-inch wheels, an upgraded stereo, a beautiful interior, and a panoramic sunroof. 

You will get up to 34.4 cubic cargo space with the rear seats up, and if you need more, you can fold them down. 

The 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid also has advanced safety features, including the lane-keeping assist, traction control, brake assist, and automatic high beam lights. 

Which Ford Escape Hybrids Models Should You Avoid?

Although the Ford Escape is a very reliable model, unfortunately, not all generations deliver similar performance. 

Due to the number and severity of user-submitted complaints, you should avoid the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. 

Most people complain about transmission, internal transfer cases, coolant pumps, and blower motor issues. 

The 2014 Ford Escape is probably the worst hybrid model that recorded severe transmission problems. 

Most user’s complaints include overheating, low stall speed, and coolant leaks. 

Others reported that the vehicle ceased to function while on the road. 

Considering the average mileage at which the issues occur and the repair cost, it’s good that you avoid this model. 

Other years of Ford Escape Hybrids that have reported several complaints include 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2013 models. 

How Much Can The Ford Escape Hybrid Tow?

If you love to go on adventures, you can tow extra cargo with your Ford Escape Hybrid. 

Notably, the 2020 and 2021 models have a similar towing capacity to that of Jeep Compass or the Rav4. 

There are various indicators that you can check to know if your ford escape has a tow package. 

Look for the pin trailer wiring harness on the vehicle, hitch receiver, and trailer sway control. 

Different Ford escape trims offer varying towing capacity depending on the engine type. 

If you have the 1.5L four-cylinder engine that delivers 181 hp, you can tow a load of 2,000lbs. 

The 2.5L plug-in hybrid engine can haul a load weighing 1,500lbs, and if your vehicle has the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, it has a maximum towing capacity of 3500lbs.

 If you want to tow a load above 2,000 pounds, it’s a good idea that you consider the Class II Trailer Tow Package. 

It enables you to carry a load of up to 3,500 pounds, comes with engine cooling capabilities and a factory-installed hitch trailer receiver. 

Is Hybrid the Right Car for You?

Hybrid vehicles serve as the stepping stone between cars powered by an internal combustion engine and the fully electric. 

For such cars, the electric motor and the gas can operate separately or together. 

The goal is to maximize the strength of the combustion engine and electric motors and minimize the negatives of both to a feasible extent. 

Hybrid vehicles provide impressive fuel economy without compromising on performance. 

Since the electric motors drive the wheels most of the time, especially at a lower speed, the hybrids use up less fuel than regular cars. 

After turning on, the engine won’t have to work as much while the car is in motion. 

Hybrids also suit you best if you reside in densely populated regions. 

While in the electric mode, the vehicles produce non-emissions. 

Another thing that most hybrid users notice is quiet operations. 

The electric motor doesn’t make much noise like the engine, improving the comfort levels. 

The electric motor adds more power to the hybrid vehicles and increases torque, resulting in better acceleration and throttle response. 

The Bottom Line

If great comfort and using considerably less fuel is essential, you may want to consider the Ford Escape Hybrid. 

These vehicles have more responsive controls, and the routine maintenance and repair costs are no higher in a hybrid than the regular cars. 

Easy maneuverability and composed rides also make the Ford Escape Hybrid an ideal option for many. 

 If you want, you can even consider the Ford Escape plug-in variant that has the ability to run on electricity solely. 

It thus offers better fuel efficiency. 

This model can cover about 37 miles before switching to the gasoline engine. 

Whichever model you choose, keep up with maintenance to ensure that the vehicle serves you long enough.