HomeFordFord Escape Plug-in Hybrid
2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

Used 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

3.9
rating
Expert
4.0
rating
Consumer
Write a Review
2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Exterior: 0
2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Exterior: 1
Exterior (31)
2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Interior: 0
Interior (35)
2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid All Media: 1

View All Media

leaf_icon_picture

Electric Variation Available

Fuel Economy
40 combined mpg
Horsepower
221 hp
EV Range
37 miles
Curb Weight
3,909 pounds
Next Steps: Shopping for this car?

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Review

Andy Bornhop

Updated May 29, 2025

Andy Bornhop is an author specializing in new cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers and vans. He’s been admiring wheeled conveyances since he was kid and has been writing about them professionally since his college days. While Andy admires quality, technology, efficiency, and style, he’s also a big fan of utility, practicality and refinement, and therefore can find a Sprinter van as fascinating as a Corvette. Most important to Andy, though, is how well a vehicle responds to its driver.

Pros

  • Four powertrain options
  • Hybrid and a PHEV models
  • Sliding 2nd-row seats
  • Excellent ride quality
  • Ford Co-Pilot360 standard

Cons

  • Generic styling
  • Steering lacks feel
  • No sporty model

What's New?

  • Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus adds adaptive cruise control
  • Hands-free liftgate added to Technology Package
  • Power liftgate added to Convenience Package
  • Heated front seats now standard on the SEL
  • New colors: Antimatter Blue, Bronze Fire, Carbonized Gray, Iconic Silver

Completely redesigned for the 2020 model year, the Ford Escape plows into 2021 with no major changes but a host of small trim and equipment changes.

Ford’s compact crossover SUV continues to be offered with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and the engine choices remain a turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder with 180 horsepower or an optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 250 hp. An Escape Hybrid and an Escape PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) also continue to be available.

The Escape Hybrid, which has a 2.5-liter gas engine and an 88-kW electric motor, gets up to 44 mpg in the city. The Escape PHEV, with a 14.4-kWh battery that can be fully charged in about 3.5 hours, has an electric-only range is 37 miles. Total range of the Escape PHEV exceeds 500 miles.

The 5-seat 2021 Ford Escape is a comfortable and refined crossover SUV with modern connectivity, a good safety suite, and pleasant driving manners. And with its roomy back seat and varying powertrains, there’s an Escape for multiple different buyers.

Competitors for the Ford Escape abound. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are two of the most formidable.

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Pricing

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid pricing starts at $18,000 for the Escape Plug-in Hybrid SE Sport Utility 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $34,320 when new. The range-topping 2021 Escape Plug-in Hybrid Titanium Sport Utility 4D starts at $19,614 today, originally priced from $40,130.

Original MSRP
KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
$34,320
$18,000
$37,060
$18,595
$40,130
$19,614

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.

Driving the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

The Ford Escape comes with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline-3 making 180 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a 2.5-liter gas/electric hybrid version with 200 horsepower, and a plug-in hybrid model also with 200 hp. The Escape PHEV has a pure-electric range of 37 miles.

Power from the 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder is excellent. The engine has a feisty feel, and the 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, when you’d expect. It has no trouble finding the right gear for the driving situation. And if you want to shift it for yourself, the 2.0-liter Escape has shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

While we’re big fans of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, we’re not as impressed by the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder. It feels a bit coarse, and it always seems like it’s working harder than the 2.0-liter engine.

The CVT in the Escape Hybrid models does a good job of mimicking the gear ratios of an automatic transmission, and we’re pleased that it lacks that rubber-band quality and droning sensation we get with other CVTs. Power arrives quickly in the Escape Hybrid, and the regenerative brakes have a natural feel.

On another positive note, notable differences can be felt among the Escape’s five drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Snow & Sand.

Underbody suspension subframes help to absorb vibration while contributing to a comfortable ride. At the same time, the 2021 Escape is far from sloppy on a winding road, owing to its excellent suspension damping.

The Escape PHEV, it should be noted, has four of its own drive modes: Auto EV, which decides when the Escape should switch to all-electric motoring; EV Now, which shuts the gasoline engine off; EV Later, which saves battery power for use later (perhaps for driving in a European city with strict C02 rules); and EV Charge, which uses the engine to recharge the battery for use later.

Interior Comfort

The 2021 Ford Escape has a simple but intuitively arranged center stack, with a good balance of touchscreen controls and actual physical buttons. The back seat offers great legroom, although three adults across would be a squeeze. The new fold-down center armrest in the SEL, with two cupholders, is appreciated.

The Escape front seats prove comfortable over the long haul, and the view out of the vehicle is good, if a bit hampered by the slightly thick C-pillars. There’s enough room in the back for four sets of golf clubs, and the rotary shifter on the center console works well.

Exterior Styling

The 2021 Escape looks just like the 2020 model, which is to say it’s a big departure from the boxy earlier generations of Ford’s compact SUV. The front fascia looks like it might come from a Kia or some Euro-market crossover SUV. Whatever the case, it’s clear that aerodynamics has played a big role in the shape of the current Ford Escape, which helps improve fuel economy. Even the roof racks have a low profile to reduce wind resistance.

Favorite Features

SLIDING REAR SEAT
The 2021 Ford Escape has a particularly roomy 2nd-row seat that slides fore or aft up to six inches. This way, you can prioritize legroom or cargo capacity, whichever’s most needed.

THE ESCAPE PHEV MODEL
The plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Escape impresses us with its EPA fuel-economy rating of 100 MPGe and an all-electric driving range of 37 miles. Using a 240-colt Level 2 charger, the 14.4-kWh battery pack can be fully recharged in about 3.5 hours.

Standard Features

The base 2021 Ford Escape S comes with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission with a rotary shifter. Standard fare includes 17-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, front bucket seats, a 6-speaker stereo, and Sync infotainment with Bluetooth, voice recognition, and in-vehicle Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices.

At the Escape SE level, you get a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The SE also has heated side mirrors and push-button ignition.

With the Escape SEL, you still get the 1.5-liter engine, but the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine becomes available. Standard SEL fare includes ActiveX simulated leather seating, sport bucket seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, a foot-operated hands-free liftgate, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Escape SE Sport – with a gas/electric hybrid powertrain featuring an efficient 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) – has a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and active noise cancellation.

A Ford Escape Hybrid in top Titanium trim, not surprisingly, is loaded with standard equipment. In addition to leather seat trim, power front seats, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, the Escape Hybrid Titanium has adaptive cruise control, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and acoustic laminated front glass.

Factory Options

Options on the 2021 Ford Escape include AWD, which is available on all models except the PHEVs, and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine (on the SEL).

Among the numerous packages available are a Technology Package ($1,050), a Class II Trailer Tow Package ($495), and a Cold Weather Package ($645). Notable stand-alone options include a space-saver spare tire ($110), a panoramic vista roof ($1,495), and minor items like a cargo cover ($135), splash guards ($210), and roof rail crossbars ($145).

Engine & Transmission

On the base Escape S, SE, and SEL models, a 1.5-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine is standard. This turbo powerplant produces 180 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. In the Escape, it doesn’t feel particularly smooth or powerful. On the plus side, the 1.5-liter has a fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation feature.

The 2021 Ford Escape SE Sport has the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. With 200 total horsepower, the SE Sport (and all the other Escape Hybrids) never feels like it’s lacking power.

Our favored Escape engine is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four. With 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, it feels ideally suited for the Escape, and it never lacks personality. Available exclusively with AWD on the Ford Escape SEL, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost also gets excellent highway fuel economy.

Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3
181 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
190 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/34 mpg (FWD), 26/31 mpg (AWD)

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4
250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (AWD)

2.5-liter inline-4 + 88-kW electric motor
200 horsepower
155 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 44/37 mpg (FWD), 43/37 mpg (AWD)

2.5-liter inline-4 + 88-kW electric motor
200 horsepower
155 lb-ft of torque
EPA combined fuel economy: 100 MPGe (electric), 41 mpg (gas & electric)


What did you think of this review?

More About How We Rate Vehicles
Advertisement

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

70%Recommend this vehicle
5
55%
5
55%
4
14%
4
14%
3
12%
3
12%
2
8%
2
8%
1
11%
1
11%
Value
4.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
3.8
Comfort
4.4
Reliability
4.1
Styling
4.4

Trending Topics in KBB.com Consumer Reviews

Advertisement

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Styles

Advertisement

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Depreciation

A 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid has depreciated $10,507 or 39% in the last 2 years and has a current resale value of $15,895 and trade-in value of $13,844.

Login or create a new account to see your vehicle depreciation forecast data.

Historical
historical solid line
Forecast
forecast dash line
2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid
Compare up to 3 vehicles by logging in.

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Annual Depreciation

Year
Vehicle Depreciation*
Resale Value
Trade-In Value
2023
-
$26,402
$24,263
2024
$6,950
$19,452
$17,383
Now
$3,557
$15,895
$13,844
Lock Icon

Unlock Forecast

2-Year Forecasted Depreciation

*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Depreciation

Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.


Already Own This Car?

Specifications

Fuel Economy
Comb 40 mpg
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Basic Warranty
3 years or 36000 miles
Max Seating
N/A
Horsepower
221 @ 6250 RPM
Cargo Space
60.8 cu.ft.

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight
3909 lbs.
EPA Passenger
102.2 cu.ft.
EPA Total Interior
133.0 cu.ft.
Fuel Capacity
11.2 gallons
Front Head Room
40.0 inches
Front Leg Room
42.4 inches
Minimum Ground Clearance
6.8 inches
Overall Length
180.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room
57.6 inches
Towing Capacity, Maximum
1500 lbs.
Trunk or Cargo Capacity
60.8 cu.ft.
Turning Diameter
38.4 feet
Wheel Base
106.7 inches
Width with mirrors
85.6 inches

Exterior

Number of Doors
4 doors

Fuel Economy

Combined
40 mpg

Mechanical

Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission Type
Automatic
Recommended Fuel
Regular

Performance

Horsepower-Combined
221 @ 6250 RPM
Torque
155 @ 6250 rpm
Engine
4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter
Estimated Electric Range
37 miles
Charge Time (240V)
3.3 hours

Warranty

Basic
3 years / 36000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / Unlimited miles

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Safety

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Safety Technology

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist

All 2021 Ford Escapes have Co-Pilot360 Assist, a suite of driver-assist features that includes automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), a blind-spot detection system, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus

A more advanced system that’s standard on the Escape SEL, Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus gives the Escape the ability to steer itself in three environments: on the highway, in emergency situations (evasive maneuvers), and when the Active Parking Assist program is in use.

Evasive Steering Assist

If the Ford Escape detects an imminent collision with another vehicle, Evasive Steering Assist activates. While Ford says this system does not control the steering, it does provide additional support for the evasive maneuver if the driver isn’t applying enough steering input. Evasive Steering Assist is part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus safety suite.

Compare to Similar Vehicles

Used 2021
Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid
Used 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Price
$18,000
$20,064
KBB.com Rating
3.9
4.7
Consumer Rating
4.0
4.3
Fuel Economy
City 0/Hwy 0/Comb 40 MPG | City 0/Hwy 0/Comb 105 MPGe
City 36/Hwy 31/Comb 34 MPG
Fuel Type
HybridLeafIcon
HybridLeafIcon
Seating Capacity
N/A
5
Basic Warranty
3 years or 36000 miles
5 years or 60000 miles
Horsepower
221 @ 6250 RPM
226 @ 6000 RPM
Engine
4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter
4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.6 Liter
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD

2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Rankings

FAQs

How much should a 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid cost?

Used 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid prices currently range from $18,000 for the SE Sport Utility 4D to $19,614 for the Titanium Sport Utility 4D when purchasing from a dealership, depending on a range of factors like equipment, mileage, and condition.

What's the cheapest Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid?

The cheapest 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid is the SE Sport Utility 4D, with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of $18,000.

Is the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid reliable?

The 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid is part of the 4th-generation Escape Plug-in Hybrid, which our owners give an above-average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5.

Advertisement