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- 2012 Ford Escape
Overview
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2012 Ford Escape Review
What's New for 2012
Interior
By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating:
Hybrid cars, for the most part, emphasize fuel efficiency over capability. In the real world, however, Americans need their cars to do all manner of chores, which is why so many have switched to some form of CUV or SUV. Believing you shouldn't have to sacrifice one benefit for another, Ford has created the 2012 Escape Hybrid, a rugged, roomy CUV with a hybrid drivetrain that is as easy on the planet as it is on your monthly gasoline budget. Of course, there are other hybrid CUVs out there but almost all are high-priced luxury models, with the closest in price being the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. And, while it is obvious that the Escape Hybrid's highway fuel economy is not all that much better than the gasoline-powered Escape, the hybrid's 34 mpg city rating is nothing to scoff at. Besides, a hybrid isn't just about saving fuel; it's about promoting new technologies and leaving a smaller carbon footprint.
You'll Like This Car If...
If you can't afford to give up versatility or light off-road ability for the sake of going green, you now have a savior. The 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid can do all the things its gasoline-only counterpart can do while achieving the segment's best city fuel economy figures.
You May Not Like This Car If...
If the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid has one shortcoming, it may be old-fashioned styling, both inside and out. Next to vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan, the Escape Hybrid struggles to stand out.
What's New for 2012
There are no major changes for the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid.
Driving the Escape
Driving Impressions From the driver's point of view, sitting behind the wheel of a 2012 Escape Hybrid is very much like driving a standard Escape, that is, until you encounter stop-and-go traffic....
In slow-speed situations the Escape Hybrid's electric motor does almost all the work, meaning the vehicle is emitting zero pollutants as well as very little noise. The ghostly manner in which the Escape Hybrid glides about is a bit unnerving at first, giving the feeling the engine has stalled. But, once you adapt to the Escape Hybrid shutting its engine off at stops and then restarting it once underway, the vehicle begins to feel just like any other car. Of course, once the battery pack runs low or you begin to move at speeds above 44 mph, the gasoline engine comes online full time. Amazingly, even with the gasoline engine engaged, the Escape's fuel economy remains above the 30 mpg mark.
Favorite Features
Navigation System
We're always glad for the ability to quickly and easily find the nearest caffeine station.
Active Park Assist
A feature usually found only on super-luxury cars, the Escape Hybrid's Active Park Assist uses sonar and the electric power steering unit to automatically guide the Escape into an open parallel parking spot. Voice prompts tell the driver when to shift gears and apply power.
2012 Ford Escape Details
Interior
Although the interior of the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid breaks no new ground stylistically, its overall execution is worth noting. Quality plastics have a nice look and feel, and the instruments are backlit in an easy-to-view Ice Blue illumination. Generous use of insulation throughout the cabin returns a surprisingly quiet ride, and clever features, such as the soy-based foam used to construct the seats, validate the Escape Hybrid's status as a cutting-edge green machine. Ford's clever placement of the battery pack under the floor means the Hybrid gives up nothing in the way of interior space, leaving the Escape's roomy rear seat and large cargo area intact. On models equipped with the available navigation unit, the hybrid drive system can be monitored showing when the vehicle is running on pure electric power as well as when the battery pack is being recharged.
The 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid doesn't look like the typical hybrid. There is no video game-style instrumentation or funky exterior shapes, just the same squared-off front end and boxy passenger compartment that define so many of Ford's trucks and SUVs. A bold egg-crate-style chrome grille sets off the front end, while thick black plastic runners protect the Escape Hybrid's sides and lower grille. The Escape Hybrid looks almost identical to the gasoline-powered Escape, with only a few "Hybrid" badges and unique 16-inch aluminum wheels to set it apart. The Limited trim adds bright machined aluminum wheels, lower chrome grille extension, chrome liftgate handle, chrome roof-rail inserts and driver's door keyless entry keypad.
Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment
Equipped similarly to the XLT gasoline-only model, the 2012 Escape Hybrid includes dual-zone climate control, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with auxiliary audio input jack, Ford SYNC communication and entertainment system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS), as well as AdvanceTrac traction control with Roll Stability Control. The Limited trim adds 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, chrome exterior and interior accents, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, ambient lighting, leather seating, a power moonroof, the Reverse Sensing System, heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a driver's door keyless entry keypad.
Optional Equipment
Some of the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid's more desirable options include DVD navigation with 10GB hard drive music storage, rearview camera, MyKey, Active Park Assist, 4-wheel drive, integrated side step bars, remote start, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and roof-rack crossbars.
Under the Hood
As a so-called "full hybrid" the Ford Escape Hybrid is capable of running on battery power alone, at speeds up to about 25 mph. According to Ford, the system delivers 0-to-60-mph acceleration equivalent to that of a 240-horsepower V6. Power is transmitted to the front- or optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) system via a "gearless" continuously-variable transmission. A new electric power steering system requires less effort from the driver to keep the vehicle headed straight on slanted roads or in steady side winds.
2.5-liter in-line 4 Gas/Electric Hybrid Propulsion System
177 net horsepower
155 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
Electric motor: 94 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
136 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 34/31 (FWD), 30/27 (4WD)
Pricing Notes
The 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) just over $31,000 and tops out at more than $40,000 when fully equipped with a navigation system, four-wheel drive (4WD) and other options. Like other hybrids, our Fair Purchase Prices have reflected real-world selling prices in line with the MSRP. For the time being, the Escape's only real challenger is the larger Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which starts close to $37,000, although rumors of new hybrid models from Hyundai, Subaru and Honda may soon change the compact hybrid SUV landscape. We expect the 2012 Escape Hybrid to retain slightly better 5-year resale values than its gasoline counterpart but not as well as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Escape vehicles for sale near you.
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2012 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
Based on 397 Ratings for the 2008 - 2012 models.
Review this car-
ValueQuality
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ReliabilityPerformance
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ComfortStyling
Wouldn't do it over again
By Chevynextime (MI) on Thursday, May 16, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000
overall rating 7 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Nice compact SUV, comfortable to drive."
Cons: "It's too soon for repairs."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7
"2.3 Ltr Engine of course has no get up and go. 2008 with 97,000 miles on it - mileage has dropped from 25-26 when I bought the car to 21-22 mpg now. I drive all interstate. (And has had tune up.)Constantly downshifts. Appearance, handling, and comfort wise, I do like the car. But already starting to drop money into repairs when I did not figure to do so til after 100k mark. Biggest interior irritation, even WATER will stain the seats. I would have tried something else if I had to do it again, but have seen worse."
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Confusing KBB ratings and mileage figures
By Maximus Joe (NJ) on Sunday, May 12, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Good small SUV"
Cons: "Mileage, dealer support. Bench seats"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6
"I purchased a used vehicle as I like the retro looks and the KBB ratings. However the KBB does not clearly differentiate between the V6 and the 4 clyd engines. If you put in the V6 option you get a KBB mileage rating of 22 to 28. That is not correct as it gives not more than 20 and is rated 18 - 22. I fine the mileage too low for regular use and with today's gas prices and I think its irresponsible for a site like KBB to publish patently wrong information that impacts financial decisions."
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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I am very happy with my ford Escape limited.
By Bill (ME) on Saturday, May 04, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This vehicle is a great buy as well as a Dream to drive. It gets great gas mileage 25 highway 18 city. Rides great, and is real comfortable also not alot of rosd noise. I had a trailer tow package added at the factory for towing my, bass boat. Which this vehicle does very well while still getting 22 mpg. This car has plenty of power even while towing up hill. As well you don't feel the transmission, shift while towing with the 6 speed transmission. Also with the camera on the mirror while backing up it"s breeze,hooking onto your boat or camper. You don't need a, second person to watch you back up?"
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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would not buy another ford
By don (OH) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000
overall rating 7 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "handles well on the icy road"
Cons: "mechanics"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"My car is a 2010 I've already replaced a tie rod and now the A/C is shot.I'll go back to toyota.It was a 2004 had 104000 miles and not one problem"
4 people out of 6 found this review helpful
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First New Car Purchase - First Car Mistake
By Escape the Escape (IA) on Friday, April 12, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,500
overall rating 2 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Looks Good, Hasn't caught on fire yet"
Cons: "Too Many To Mention"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"I was in love with the way the 2008-2012 Escapes look, so I finally went for one after much (but apparently not enough consideration). I've never purchased a new car, but I was excited to do so. 1. Transmission hangs between 2nd and 3rd gear multiple times a day. This is a common problem with Escapes. Went through three dealers and finally ford corporate to get someone to even look at it. Ford's engineers have a statement written up specifically related to this issue. They state it's operating normally and has instructed their service departments to do nothing to repair it. 2. Interior is plastic junk. I've actually inserted strips of rubber all over the cabin to try to keep some of the pieces separated. Nice work on a $30k vehicle, Ford. 3. Alignment was bad from the point I took delivery, chopped my tires, ford will do nothing about it. I assumed a new car wouldn't have that problem. I guess I've learned my lesson. 4. Have had a mysterious highway speed vibration since about 4,000 miles. Might be the tires, might not be. I've had three dealers and several independent shops look at it and nobody can give me a definitive answer, so I guess I'll just keep feeling my hands buzz until I dump this thing to some other poor soul. 5. Ford's service dept failed to balance my tires correctly 3 times and told me the obvious wobble was a characteristic of the vehicle. 6. It's only randomly stalled once in the 8 mos I've owned it, so I guess that's a plus. Bottom line, don't buy it. I'm going back to GM where I was for my first 5 cars-only one of which had anything major needed and that was after 230,000 miles. Ford's service and their products are a complete disappointment."
6 people out of 7 found this review helpful
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A good vehicle for the money
By BK (DE) on Monday, March 18, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,669
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "good value, low operating costs so far."
Cons: "Awful upholstery fabric"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I bought this car new. Delaware is easier on cars. Decent roads and no hills to speak of. After 3-1/2 years I only have 26669 miles on the car so it has been used sparingly. Service from the dealer has been very good. Only one minor recall. I hate the upholstery fabric but seats are comfortable. I often tow a 5x8 trailer...no problems with weight. It's not a sports car but handling is good for a small SUV. Gas mileage has been as advertised...better on long hauls. It was too late when I realized the cross braces for the roof rack were not included. RIPOFF!"
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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