FORD ESCAPE PLUG-IN HYBRID: THERE'S A CATCH

EV Channels Review

The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid is presented as a compelling option in the compact SUV segment, offering a respectable 60 km (37 miles) of electric-only range. The reviewer highlights a refreshed, more aggressive front-end design for 2023 and notes the inclusion of LED fog lights, a feature absent on the more premium Lincoln Corsair. Interior comfort is praised, particularly the ride quality with 18-inch wheels and ample rear passenger legroom. The infotainment system, despite initial reservations about screen-based controls, is found to be well-implemented and responsive, even outperforming the Lincoln Corsair in this regard. Fuel economy is a strong point, with the reviewer achieving better than the advertised combined rate, especially when utilizing the plug-in capability. However, the primary drawback, and the "catch" of the review, is the lack of an all-wheel-drive option, making it front-wheel-drive only. This significantly impacts performance, particularly acceleration, placing it behind competitors like the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Prime. Other minor criticisms include a cheap-feeling cargo area cover, a head-up display that uses a plastic projector instead of the windshield, and the infotainment system defaulting back to "normal" drive mode after each shutdown. Despite these flaws, the reviewer leans towards the Ford Escape over the Lincoln Corsair due to its more accessible price point and functional interior, but acknowledges that the absence of AWD is a major disadvantage, especially in colder climates.