Introduced in 2001, Ford's Escape mini-SUV has the distinction of being the first-ever hybrid SUV. All Escapes come with one of three four-cylinder or V-6 engines, auto or manual transmissions and optional full-time four-wheel drive.

Four-Wheel Drive

The Escape's four-wheel drive is supplied by legendary manufacturer Dana and sends most of the power to the front wheels unless slippage is detected. The Dana system includes a locking center differential, allowing the driver to lock the front/rear power distribution at 50/50 on demand.

Transmissions

All Escapes are offered with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. Six-speed automatic-equipped Escapes hit the sales floor in 2008.

Hybrid System

The Escape's electric motor does triple-duty as an electric motor, generator and starter. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency city-cycle mileage estimates for the hybrid system show an astonishing 75 percent increase in efficiency over gas-only Escapes.

Four-Cylinder Engines

The Escape was originally offered with both Zetec 2.0L and Duratec 2.3L four-bangers making 127 horsepower and 153 horsepower respectively. The 2.0L was dropped for 2008 and replaced with a Duratec 2.5L making 170 horsepower with the more fuel-efficient "Atkinson Cycle" design.

Duratec V6

The top-line engine for Escapes is the Duratec 3.0L V6, which makes a respectable 240 horsepower. This is the same basic engine found in the Jag S-Type, Lincoln LS and Mazda 6.

Source:

Ford.com

Kelley Blue book Online

Carprices.com

Resource:

KBB Escape Review (Video)