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The mid-size Escape ST-Line plug-in hybrid SUV

David Berthon

In May Ford Australia launched its first electrified vehicle in the shape of the Escape plug-in hybrid medium-sized SUV joining the petrol Escape models that arrived here in 2020.

This plug-in Ford Escape mid-spec ST-Line SUV features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine plus a 96kW electric motor and generator with a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery – this combination driving the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic. Price: $54,440. Nearly $16,000 dearer to the 2.0-litre pure petrol ST-line Escape.

A hefty price uplift and another example of how early adopters of plug-in hybrids pay dearly for the privilege. Having said that this is the best plug-in hybrid I’ve driven to date, and it can offer surprising fuel efficiency.

But again $16,000 buys you a lot of petrol. What you get in electrification fully charged is around 50 km of driving – the electric power is further replenished on the move using regenerative braking technology so that you can on a light throttle achieve a combined economy figure of just 1.5L/100 – however with normal driving I achieved a still commendable 4.1 L/100.

There’s so much to like with this Ford Escape plug-in hybrid – a well packaged, well equipped five-seat SUV and nicely built but one can’t keep reflecting on the price uplift. Drive details next.

I’m David Berthon.

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David Berthon
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