The Ford Escape has been around a long time, so Ford has had the chance to continually alter and improve it.
There are quite a few variations of the Escape at this point. Trim levels allow you to customize the styling, technology, and features. Hybrid versions of the famed crossover are available, too, which is what we'll be looking at in this 2021 Ford Escape PHEV review.
If fuel economy is a sticking point in your car search around Glen Allen, Ashland, and Rockville, VA, the Escape PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is worth a test drive at Richmond Ford West!
Getting to Know the Ford Escape PHEV
In total, the 2021 Ford Escape has four powertrain options. Two of these options fall under the PHEV category as they're either a hybrid or plug-in system. So, you have a choice as to how much electric influence you want your crossover to have.
The standard hybrid arrangement fits a 2.5L hybrid system into your Escape. With this setup, you can expect 165 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The total system net horsepower measures 200.
Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both available and return nearly identical fuel economies. The standard hybrid version of the Escape returns an EPA-estimated 44 city/37 highway MPG.
The plug-in option is pretty similar to the standard hybrid. One of the few differences is that the only drivetrain you can select is front-wheel drive. Otherwise, power output is the same and you have the same electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT), too.
You do get the added benefit of some all-electric range with the plug-in hybrid, though. So, if you're seeking as much fuel economy as possible and want to dip your toe into electric transportation, this option is a great choice.
Ford Escape PHEV Trim Levels
Traits like passenger room and cargo space are quite similar when looking at the Ford Escape and Ford Escape PHEV. So, really, choosing the PHEV version you want is about picking the right trim level.
The standard trim for the Ford Escape is called the S and doesn't have the option of choosing either hybrid motor.
The rest of the trims do come with the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains if you want them. The SE is the second trim in the lineup; if you want a hybrid motor, you can choose the SE Hybrid trim or SE Plug-In Hybrid trim.
The SEL and Titanium are the remaining two non-hybrid trims, with the remaining hybrid options being:
- SEL Hybrid
- SEL Plug-In Hybrid
- Titanium Hybrid
- Titanium Plug-In Hybrid
Enjoy the Versatility of the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV
In addition to the hybrid powertrains, the Ford Escape PHEV comes with the everyday practicality you'd expect from any Escape. The versatile model can accommodate a variety of lifestyles around Glen Allen, Ashland, and Rockville, Virginia.
To see for yourself, schedule a test drive with our team at Richmond Ford West!