I am happy this thread is creating some conversation. I just want to make a couple of comments.
I wish more Insight and Prius experienced drivers would have the opportunity to test drive the Ford Hybrid. From my experience I know that regular Prius drivers have found they can be much less gentle and still get stellar MPG from their cars. In the FEH, if you want
MPH in the 30's or higher you must play the car. It requires a lot of patience. It really is a different car. Not a worse or better car, just different because of the set up and weight. It was built for a different purpose; not to ompete with the other Non-SUV Hybrids.
I would guess that the average person out looking to buy a new SUV and thinking about the Hybrid should expect maybe 5 MPG better than the regular Escape unless they are willing to change their driving habits; if they can change habits they might expect 10 MPG more. If they want to be Greener then buying the H-Escape will also mean a contribution to the environment and a guarantee they will never again have to be smog-checked (and maybe earn a tax deduction and other perks).
I would guess that the EV or Hybrid-Experienced person would find the Hybrid Escape has more utility value than the Honda/Prius/Insight as far as off-road, passenger or cargo load, and general roominess but they will only be able to obtain about 75% or less of the
MPH of the other Hybrids. But the Greens will know the emissions are much the same as what they are used to. And they must not forget that they also will have to drive more conservatively.
Driving conservatively also has benefits in less tickets, less accidents, lower insurance costs, and less stress after we relearn to drive.
I agree that we Hybrid Owners are doing a real service is posting information to prospective buyers. Our negatives are not driving buyers away but only back to where they should be if they will not, or cannot adapt to a new culture.
Mike