2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid SUV

　　

2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Already a standout for its sleek design and large cargo capacity, the Ford Escape gains another level of appeal in its 2022 Escape Plug-In Hybrid version. Compared to the Escape Hybrid, the Plug-In Hybrid has a bigger battery that you can recharge at home or at a public charger. Fully juiced up, it can drive about 37 miles on all-electric power, at which point it switches over to being a regular gas-electric hybrid and returns an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined. Both figures are pretty impressive, and frequent recharging can really help you save on gas.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid PHEV Insights

Trim:Escape Plug-In Hybrid SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $35,455 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) (Most Popular) - $38,190 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $40,700 MSRP

　　

All Electric Range

　　37 miles

　　EPA Estimated Electric Range

　　The Escape Plug-In Hybrid will automatically switch to gas when the electric battery is low.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

EV Battery Warranty

　　No battery warranty information available

　　

Charging at Home

　　3.3 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$4,150

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Federal Credit

　　$3,750

　　Restrictions: Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Clean Vehicle Tax Credit of $3,750 or $7,500 depending on model eligibility for the purchase of a new plug-in electric vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. To be eligible: A vehicle must have undergone final assembly in North America (the United States and Puerto Rico, Canada, or Mexico). Critical mineral and battery component requirements determine credit amount. Maximum MSRP of $55,000 for cars and $80,000 for SUVs/trucks/vans. Income eligibility applies depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　Utility EV Charger Offer

　　$400

　　Restrictions: Otter Tail Power offers EV owners a rebate of up to $400 towards the installation of a Level 2 charging station. To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements: Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　See All PHEV incentives

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$78/mo

　　Escape Plug-In Hybrid

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　SUV Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　See All PHEV Insights

　　With charge times ranging from 3.5 to 11 hours depending on the type of charger, it's easy to keep the Escape Plug-In Hybrid topped up for trips to work or crossing town on errands. And with a few drive modes, you can choose when to deploy that electric power.

　　The plug-in model, however, is the only Escape that lacks all-wheel drive, a feature competitors offer, including the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the new Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and new Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. But overall we think the 2022 Escape Plug-In Hybrid is a compelling, fuel-efficient alternative if you're not quite ready for a fully electric small crossover.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Escape Plug-In Hybrid drive? The Escape Plug-In Hybrid's performance is overshadowed either by rival plug-ins or other Escape versions. It gives you an immediate shove forward when you hit the accelerator but is ultimately a bit slow. We took our test vehicle to our test track and measured a 0-60 mph sprint of 8.1 seconds. This is a bit better than a regular Escape Hybrid but ultimately slower than a regular Escape with the upgraded engine or the hotrod Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in (5.6 seconds). The Escape PHEV is also a little soft and ponderous around corners. The steering can feel overly light and doesn't give you a good sense of the road or what the front tires are up to. 

　　It's not all doom and gloom, however. While the brake pedal does require a fair push to slow the Escape, it's easy to come to smooth stops. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid also performed well in our 60-0 mph panic-stop tests.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Escape Plug-In Hybrid? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort offered. The front seats are well shaped and comfortable. The rear bench — though a little flat — is also nice, offering good thigh support. Our Titanium trim test vehicle included a height-adjustable passenger seat, which is a rarity in this class. The ride quality is generally relaxed, though driving over certain bumps causes harsher impacts in the cabin than we've noticed in other Escape models.

　　The Escape Plug-In Hybrid moves smoothly away from a stoplight with all-electric power. The experience is noticeably more pleasant than in non-hybrid Escapes; they have an engine stop-start system that roughly brings the engine to life after you leave a stop.

　　The automatic climate system delivers plenty of airflow on hot days, and it features a three-stage system that allows you to set a maximum fan speed. Unlike rivals, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are not available on any trim.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below