Ford does not list a Hitch for the Escape Hybrid, but the Hitch for the '05 Escape non-hybrid does fit the Hybrid. I ordered the Ford Hitch and installed it in about 20 min. The Hitch has the smaller 1 1/4 inch reciver (Type 1?). It fits under the bumper cover and you need to make a notch for it in the cover (a marking line of area to notch out is molded into the back of the bumper cover). Everything fits just as the intructions that come with the hitch say they should and there is no interference with the battery AC lines because the hitch is incorporated into the frame.

As long as the towing weight restrictions (see the owners manual pg 189- 197 for calculations and such) are followed and the hitch was properly installed you should be covered by the warrenty.

Mike Kinnell
Sonic Blue FEH AWD
Go BLUE!