Ford Escape Hybrid vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid - A Comparative Review
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
First rolled out for 2006, the Escape hybrid was the first commercially available Hybrid SUV, as well as the Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2005. The Ford Escape Hybrid compact SUV received a redesign for 2008, with styling changes, inside and out, and a quieter cabin. For 2009 it gets a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and additional standard safety features. There's also a new trim level called the Limited Hybrid. With the Escape Hybrid's new, larger four-cylinder engine comes more advanced electronics that Ford says provide smooth switching from gas to electric mode. The hybrid's brakes also have been reworked for improved pedal feel. Competitors include the Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Power for the 2009 Escape Hybrid
The 2009 Escape Hybrid's 153-horsepower gasoline engine uses the Atkinson-cycle combustion process for greater fuel efficiency. Combining two electric motors with the standard Escape 2.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine, the Escape Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) gets an estimated 35 mpg and performs as well as the 200-hp V-6 version. One motor drives the wheels on the Escape hybrid, the other starts the engine and manages the transmission's ratio. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission, also known as a CVT that optimally matches the power and gearing. Compared to the conventional Escape that runs on the Otto cycle, the Atkinson cycle runs more efficiently, using less air and fuel, but also reduces engine horsepower, and that's when the electric motors kick in. Electric motors improve fuel economy in city driving, allowing the vehicle to be powered by electric power only, and also by capturing energy more efficiently.
Driving the Escape Hybrid
The bottom line with the Escape hybrid is that driving it is really no different than driving it gasoline powered sibling. Actually, Ford Escape Hybrid can perform at any level, on-road or off-road, as well as, if not better, than the standard Escape. The Ford Escape hybrid can have problems with mountain driving, or very steep hills. Combined with the wind resistance caused by the square design of SUVs, some sluggish performance can occur, but are rare in a daily commute.
Ford Escape Hybrid Design
With its styling changes for 2008, the Escape Hybrid now looks more like a Ford Explorer. It sits a bit higher than many competitors (8.1 inches of ground clearance), and the high profile is enhanced by its design. The new grille looks like it was designed for a truck. The headlights are essentially connected to the grille, and shaped to create a family resemblance with Ford's Edge crossover SUV. It has a plunging chrome grille that would be equally at home on a Volkswagen Jetta or Passat. A raised hood and higher beltline may make the SUV look tougher, but they probably don't do much for visibility.
Escape Cabin for 2009
This is one of Ford's best interiors in years in terms of the look and feel of materials used. The Escape cabin includes a top-of-dash display and blue backlighting on the gauges. With past complaints of a noisy cabin, Ford worked hard to make the 2009 ride quieter at highway speeds. Overall, Ford said, the Escape is 12 percent quieter at 80 mph. The cabin of the Escape Hybrid is set up well and convenient to use. The mirror adjustor sits on the door pillar, and it's easy to reach when the driver's head is in driving position. One easy-to-use stalk controls the blinkers and all wiper/washer functions. The Escape features upholstery cloth made from 100-percent recycled material. You'd never know by its look or feel, and Ford claims that compared to upholstery made from virgin fiber, production will conserve about 600,000 gallons of water and 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.8 million pounds The seats are smaller than those in a larger sport utility, but relatively comfortable.
Escape Hybrid Safety
The Escape Hybrid gains a standard electronic stability system for 2009. The system incorporates Roll Stability Control, which is only available on SUVs from Ford-owned brands, including the system's originator, Volvo. It is the only system with a sensor that detects the beginning of a rollover and can act to stop it.
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also got a redesign for 2008. The Highlander, unlike the Escape is available in either five or seven seat configurations. The hybrid can operate in an all-electric mode for limited distances. This SUV hybrid is offered in two trims and is only available with all-wheel drive. Its competition is the Ford Escape Hybrid and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid is unchanged for 2009.
Power for Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid's gas/electric powertrain uses a 3.3-liter V-6 engine and electric motor, which make 270 horsepower. The electric motor allows it to travel at low speeds for about five miles on battery power alone.
Driving the 2009
Steering feel is light, but the response is somewhat slow on the hybrid. But overall the Highlander Hybrid is pleasant to drive. Compared to the gasoline powered Highlander, hybrids are a bit slower and have slightly more road feel, but are still quite comfortable, making them a better choice who find the standard suspension too soft. The gas engine shuts off at stoplights but starts again as soon as you step on the accelerator. Under the right conditions (full battery charge and proper coolant temperature), you can press the EV button and drive the Hybrid up to two miles at less than 25 mph on electric power only.
Highlander Hybrid Design
The Highlander Hybrid is a stylish SUV with upright D-pillar carried over from previous model years. Compared to the gasoline powered Highlander, the hybrid gets a different grille and taillight styling and unique hybrid badges. The five-passenger Base trim is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels; The Limited trim adds 19-inch alloy wheels.
Cabin Design
The Highlander Hybrid has front bucket seats and sliding and reclining second-row captain's chairs. The Center Stow seat provides decent comfort, and it can be removed when it isn't needed. Seven-seat Highlanders have a two-person third-row seat that folds flat into the floor. Air conditioning and a rearview camera monitor is standard on the Base, the Limited trim adds a power rear liftgate, leather upholstery and heated front seats; it also includes a third row bench seat that brings total seating capacity to seven.
Highlander Hybrid Safety
Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic vehicle stability and traction control systems, active anti-whiplash front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and overhead curtain airbags for all rows. Hybrid-related components are backed by an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty.
Summary
The Escape Hybrid has an MSRP of $29,645 - $33,725. The Highlander Hybrid comes in at $34,700 - $41,020. As far as mileage is concerned the Escape comes out on top. It is rated at 29 - 34 mpg in the city, while the Highlander Hybrid gets 27 mpg city. For highway mileage the Escape gets 27 - 31 mpg, while the Highlander gets 25 mpg. These are two capable hybrid SUVs that drive well and get considerably better mileage than their gasoline powered siblings. The Escape’s upper hand comes with a lower price tag and better fuel economy. The Highlander, on the other hand, offers more room, and if the third row version is chosen, seating for two more people.
