2009 Ford Escape Hybrid consumer reviews

Not sure why Ford quit making one of the most popular hybrids ever. If they had one that's exactly what I'd trade for instantly. Almost 200,000 miles and this car is still going strong. Of course there have been repairs but nothing serious or overly expensive. Still gets around 30-32 mph both city & hwy. which is great for an SUV. A little more luxurious ride would be nice. Please Ford reconsider reintroducing this SUV hybrid again. Drives well in tough WI winters also.

I'm retired and I bought one of the rarely available used (one owner) SUV Hybrid in Limited edition with 50K mi on it (on ave just above 7K mi per year driven in rust-free California. After 6,000 mi more on this rear SUV hybrid I can expressed my overal satisfaction. This is the only reliable and overbuilt Escape Ford made including among the very different and more troublesome 2013-2016 non-hybrid Escapes consumer data demonstrated. That's why owner keep longer their Escapes Hybrid and it's very difficult to find one used with relatively low mileage today. Plus exterior and roomier interior looks better than 2013-2016 non-Hybrid Escapes. Since 2009-2012 model year Escape Hybrid are practically the same equipment SUV except the rear camera lately added with parking assist and A/C can be on without triggering automatically the gas engine on. My city mileage in regularly better than the specs, and since we live on the city hills any trip down the hill and driving on flat areas gives us not only above 40 mpg, but we reached frequently around 100 mpg and frequently between. Only if you know how to use the hybrid powertrain accordingly and follow the rules. Ford engineers calibrated this Atkinson-cycle 4-cyl 2.5 L gas engine to work better than Prius full hybrid in sync with the el. motor. The lower than Prius overal mileage comes only because Escape is much heavier SUV. Actually, as you know full hybrid powertrain linked to CVT ages more since in SUV than in small lighter cars like Prius. The combination of utility and well calibrated full hybrid powertrain is the dreamed combination in even today's market. On the top of all combined advantages Escape SUV Hybrid is PZEV vehicle for the cleaner environment (Partially-Zero-Electrucal Vehicle category). On regular Hwy driving also reaching frequently higher than the specs of 31 mpg ave mpg, like 35-36 mpg with smart and not aggressive driving.

I bought new in 2009. At about 50,000 miles the windshield washer pump developed a leak. I replaced it myself for $17. The tires were replaced at 86,000 mile but still had 1/3 tread left!. The 12 v Battery was replaced at 98,000 mile after 7 years. It is on its 4th set of windshield wiper blades. Other than routine oil changes, NO OTHER MAINTENANCE! The vehicle now has 104,000 miles and still runs like new. This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned 85 vehicles since 1967. The $17 dollar windshield washer pump is the only non-wear item ever replace. To top it all off it averages 32 mpg in mixed city highway driving. It will get 40 mpg if you drive it like my grandma and take full advantage of regenerative braking a very gentle starts, but I usually don't, 32mpg is good enough!

I looked for quite a while before finding this low mileage Escape Hybrid. It was one owner with only 17,000 miles on it. I had to fly to Louisville KY but was willing to take a chance. Very peppy and economical. It is comfortable and moderately quiet. I love it!

On the test drive I was immediately impressed with the performance. I was concern that I would not be able to merge into freeway traffic due to slow acceleration, but it easily made it up to 70 well before the end of the ramp. I averaged over 28mpg on an extended trip on the Turnpike doing 70 for a couple of hours. On short commutes, it frequently runs on batteries only when coming into 35mph zones and I've learn to keep a light foot on the accelerator so that it stays on batteries. With a relatively short wheelbase and quick steering, it's very maneuverable in tight spaces. I like the exterior styling and find the interior layout well planned and easy to access. For a basic electronics package, it's got lots of features, including Sirius/XM and MS Sync. The audio quality for the Bluetooth phone coupling is excellent and with the microphone pickups in the mirror, even the passenger can talk on the speaker phone easily. I'm looking forward to having this car for a long time.

I bought my escape used 2 years ago put abou 60k miles the only thing I have had to do is add freon once. I never get less then 37mpg it's always between 37-41.6 now I do have a light foot and that's 75 percent highway the real trick to getting great mileage on this car is the keep your rpms as steady as you can at 1500 which granted will only get you up to about 62mph and i live in fl so the roads are flat but worth the savings. My only complain would be the rear folding seats have a couple extra steps to lay down. I prefer this style escape over the newer ones which no longer come in hybrid, but I have been told from the dealer they plan on releasing a newer hybrid escape in the future.

When looking for a commute vehicle which could also hold two small kids, I looked at numerous sedans (Toyota Camery Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid) and was impressed with them but wanted one option they didn't have: AWD. Doing my research, the only car which had all of the above was the Ford Escape Hybrid (and the Lexus SUV, but a bit too expensive for a commute car). I found that starting in 2008, the Ford Escape Hybrid had been completely redesigned with additional safety features, and with the Hybrid it was eligible for "Clean Fuel Tags" in Virginia, a big plus on I-66 to go single person in HOV lanes. I also learned starting in 2009 they upgraded the engine, braking and steering, so clearly a 2009 or newer was the best match for me, and I must say I have been impressed. 27 mpg in mixed city/hwy driving, very comfortable to drive extended miles and easily able to get around in bad weather with comfort and safety.

OK - ours is the model with all the bells & whistles, but aside from the fact that it's much smarter than the driver, the Escape Hybrid does everything very well. It has good comfort in both front & rear seats, controls fall readily to hand, and the Hybrid drivetrain is quiet, smooth, and delivers 28+ mpg even when driving short trips in town. It's also very comfortable on the highway, although our driving is mostly city. Only reasons not to buy would be if you need even more space, or want to tow more than 3500 lb. - thus, it's very well suited for the majority of drivers. even those "vertically challenged" will find a comfy driving position and enjoy very good visibility.

We were considering a replacement for our 2000 Explorer, which had been a great car. Considered Subaru's, etc., but decided on the Escape Hybrid. Love the car! Peppier than I expected (don't like the Prius in this regard). Now that I do not have to trailer larger boats, it is just what we need. It would be nice if the back seats went entirely flat for cargo, but that is minor.

I have owned this 2009 for 9 months. I bought it used with almost 40,000 miles on it. I'm getting slightly better gas milage than specs. There is a little wind noise at higher speeds from the battery vents. Expect to get lower gas milage during the winter. Electric to gas transition is seamless, much better than previous years. As with most Ford SUVs that I've owned, I seem to have to machine the rotors more often. I owned two Explorers leading up to this. I thought I would miss the storage space. I don't. It still carries luggage for a family of 4 plus a dog.