Escape Hybrid vs Escape
#1
05-23-2009, 09:11 AM
Escape Hybrid vs Escape
I am looking to buy a SUV and I need some help deciding.
I like the Escape but I heard of two major drawbacks to them:
1. Highway noise (>55mpg)
2. Poor breaking
How relevant are those? Do both the models/trims exhibit those? I used to have a Civic (which was pretty loud), how does they compare to the Escape?
I heard that the EPA mpg estimates for (any) hybrids are actually lower than what one might get, is that true? If so, why? Does the same hold true for Gasoline engines?
Cost wise, the Hybrid and the gasoline Escape are roughly the same. (If you look at it over 10 years. You pay more upfront for Hybrid, but you re-cooperate some of the cost over the years in gas savings).
SO, how do you decide which to get? Hybrid or non-Hybrid?
I like the Escape but I heard of two major drawbacks to them:
1. Highway noise (>55mpg)
2. Poor breaking
How relevant are those? Do both the models/trims exhibit those? I used to have a Civic (which was pretty loud), how does they compare to the Escape?
I heard that the EPA mpg estimates for (any) hybrids are actually lower than what one might get, is that true? If so, why? Does the same hold true for Gasoline engines?
Cost wise, the Hybrid and the gasoline Escape are roughly the same. (If you look at it over 10 years. You pay more upfront for Hybrid, but you re-cooperate some of the cost over the years in gas savings).
SO, how do you decide which to get? Hybrid or non-Hybrid?
#2
05-23-2009, 10:27 AM
Re: Escape Hybrid vs Escape
Cost wise, the Hybrid and the gasoline Escape are roughly the same. (If you look at it over 10 years. You pay more upfront for Hybrid, but you re-cooperate some of the cost over the years in gas savings).
I would state the hybrid saves a significant amount over the non-hybrid version Escape. This is based upon the many owner reports I have read at Escape-Central.com and Escape-City.com. There is a known issue with the transmission in the V6 models prior to the 2009 model year. There is normally a stunning difference in gas mileage between the V6 and hybrid version of the Escape.
I like the Escape but I heard of two major drawbacks to them:
1. Highway noise (>55mpg)
2. Poor braking
The tires on the Escape prior to the 2009 model year were from Continental. There are been many owner reports at Escape-central.com and Escape-City.com of less noise with a change of tires. A change in tire(s) can also effect braking performance. I have not read owner reports at these sites cyring about poor braking performance. One can also add sound deadening material to the Ford Escape to reduce road noise. The 2005-2008 Escape Hybrids feature a 2.3L ICE that may exhibit a "whining noise" when it is under hard accleration. However, many hybrid owners learn to drive their vehicle differently than non-hybrid owners and this may not be an issue with them.
I heard that the EPA mpg estimates for (any) hybrids are actually lower than what one might get, is that true?
You need to look at the data base in this site to realize many owners exceed the EPA ratings. Again, many hybrid owners learn to drive their vehicle differently than non-hybrid owners and the EPA ratings do not take this into consideration.
Last edited by Billyk; 05-23-2009 at 11:03 AM.
#3
05-23-2009, 10:49 AM
Re: Escape Hybrid vs Escape
Not looking at a V6. How significant is the amount? I don't get it. I did some simple math. Averaged about $3.5/gal. 7000 miles per year (my average).
FORD ESCAPE XLT '09 $19,800.00
Years City Freeway Estimate
20 28 23
5 $6,125.00 $4,375.00 $5,326.09 $25,126.09
10 $12,250.00 $8,750.00 $10,652.17 $30,452.17
15 $18,375.00 $13,125.00 $15,978.26 $35,778.26
FORD ESCAPE '09 HYBRID $27,000.00
Years City Freeway Estimate
34 31 34
5 $3,602.94 $3,951.61 $3,602.94 $30,602.94
10 $7,205.88 $7,903.23 $7,205.88 $34,205.88
15 $10,808.82 $11,854.84 $10,808.82 $37,808.82
Look at the 4th column, that is the total cost of ownership over 5/10/15 years (only looking at Gas, insurance etc... not included). The Escape is still lower than the Hybrid. This is if we give the Hybrid a 34 average mpg.
If I buy the SUV, I am not going to go dive in and change the tires. I would have to wait for them to wear down, maybe in 5 years down the line?
Also, how do the hybrid owners drive differently? Why can't the gasoline owners do the same driving? I don't get that either. Why wouldn't a gasoline owner do slow stops/starts, coasting etc... Is it because the Hybrids may have a "your usage" indicator that'll say if you are driving efficiently or not?
Do you have any specific threads on those sites that will provide some additional information? I am scouring through them now...
FORD ESCAPE XLT '09 $19,800.00
Years City Freeway Estimate
20 28 23
5 $6,125.00 $4,375.00 $5,326.09 $25,126.09
10 $12,250.00 $8,750.00 $10,652.17 $30,452.17
15 $18,375.00 $13,125.00 $15,978.26 $35,778.26
FORD ESCAPE '09 HYBRID $27,000.00
Years City Freeway Estimate
34 31 34
5 $3,602.94 $3,951.61 $3,602.94 $30,602.94
10 $7,205.88 $7,903.23 $7,205.88 $34,205.88
15 $10,808.82 $11,854.84 $10,808.82 $37,808.82
Look at the 4th column, that is the total cost of ownership over 5/10/15 years (only looking at Gas, insurance etc... not included). The Escape is still lower than the Hybrid. This is if we give the Hybrid a 34 average mpg.
If I buy the SUV, I am not going to go dive in and change the tires. I would have to wait for them to wear down, maybe in 5 years down the line?
Also, how do the hybrid owners drive differently? Why can't the gasoline owners do the same driving? I don't get that either. Why wouldn't a gasoline owner do slow stops/starts, coasting etc... Is it because the Hybrids may have a "your usage" indicator that'll say if you are driving efficiently or not?
Do you have any specific threads on those sites that will provide some additional information? I am scouring through them now...
#4
05-23-2009, 11:08 AM
Re: Escape Hybrid vs Escape
Not looking at a V6. How significant is the amount? I don't get it. I did some simple math. Averaged about $3.5/gal. 7000 miles per year (my average).
FORD ESCAPE XLT '09 $19,800.00
Years City Freeway Estimate
20 28 23
5 $6,125.00 $4,375.00 $5,326.09 $25,126.09
10 $12,250.00 $8,750.00 $10,652.17 $30,452.17
15 $18,375.00 $13,125.00 $15,978.26 $35,778.26
FORD ESCAPE '09 HYBRID $27,000.00
Years City Freeway Estimate
34 31 34
5 $3,602.94 $3,951.61 $3,602.94 $30,602.94
10 $7,205.88 $7,903.23 $7,205.88 $34,205.88
15 $10,808.82 $11,854.84 $10,808.82 $37,808.82
Look at the 4th column, that is the total cost of ownership over 5/10/15 years (only looking at Gas, insurance etc... not included). The Escape is still lower than the Hybrid. This is if we give the Hybrid a 34 average mpg.
If I buy the SUV, I am not going to go dive in and change the tires. I would have to wait for them to wear down, maybe in 5 years down the line?
Also, how do the hybrid owners drive differently? I don't get that either. Why wouldn't a gasoline owner do slow stops/starts, coasting etc... Is it because the Hybrids may have a "your usage" indicator that'll say if you are driving efficiently or not?
Do you have any specific threads on those sites that will provide some additional information? I am scouring through them now...
FORD ESCAPE XLT '09 $19,800.00
Years City Freeway Estimate
20 28 23
5 $6,125.00 $4,375.00 $5,326.09 $25,126.09
10 $12,250.00 $8,750.00 $10,652.17 $30,452.17
15 $18,375.00 $13,125.00 $15,978.26 $35,778.26
FORD ESCAPE '09 HYBRID $27,000.00
Years City Freeway Estimate
34 31 34
5 $3,602.94 $3,951.61 $3,602.94 $30,602.94
10 $7,205.88 $7,903.23 $7,205.88 $34,205.88
15 $10,808.82 $11,854.84 $10,808.82 $37,808.82
Look at the 4th column, that is the total cost of ownership over 5/10/15 years (only looking at Gas, insurance etc... not included). The Escape is still lower than the Hybrid. This is if we give the Hybrid a 34 average mpg.
If I buy the SUV, I am not going to go dive in and change the tires. I would have to wait for them to wear down, maybe in 5 years down the line?
Also, how do the hybrid owners drive differently? I don't get that either. Why wouldn't a gasoline owner do slow stops/starts, coasting etc... Is it because the Hybrids may have a "your usage" indicator that'll say if you are driving efficiently or not?
Do you have any specific threads on those sites that will provide some additional information? I am scouring through them now...
Why can't the gasoline owners do the same driving? The electronic CV transmission--two generators--and traction battery allow one to do things that non-hybrid vehicles can not do. At the extreme, a hybrid Escape can generate over 50 mpg!
#5
05-23-2009, 11:30 AM
Re: Escape Hybrid vs Escape
But for argument sake, two counter arguments:
1. You mention "extremes". But extremes are just that, not averages. How often will I do those extremes?
2. Will I have any resale value at the end? Will people buy a 10 year old Hybrid? I am sure they'll know the battery *could* be near its end of line -- so they would have to dish out another 5K (??) to get new battery.
So, does it still make sense???
1. You mention "extremes". But extremes are just that, not averages. How often will I do those extremes?
2. Will I have any resale value at the end? Will people buy a 10 year old Hybrid? I am sure they'll know the battery *could* be near its end of line -- so they would have to dish out another 5K (??) to get new battery.
So, does it still make sense???
#6
05-23-2009, 12:59 PM
Re: Escape Hybrid vs Escape
But for argument sake, two counter arguments:
1. You mention "extremes". But extremes are just that, not averages. How often will I do those extremes?
2. Will I have any resale value at the end? Will people buy a 10 year old Hybrid? I am sure they'll know the battery *could* be near its end of line -- so they would have to dish out another 5K (??) to get new battery.
So, does it still make sense???
1. You mention "extremes". But extremes are just that, not averages. How often will I do those extremes?
2. Will I have any resale value at the end? Will people buy a 10 year old Hybrid? I am sure they'll know the battery *could* be near its end of line -- so they would have to dish out another 5K (??) to get new battery.
So, does it still make sense???
Compare the used price of a FEH and a regular gas Escape and you will see the price difference is near the extra cost of the Hybrid new with the same options. SF FEH taxis have gone the maximum miles allowed in a taxi at 300,000 miles with very few problems. When gas prices shot to $4 a gallon my used '05 FEH value jumped almost $4,000 and the gas Escape continued to drop. With all the hybrid components all FEH's have the value of being converted to a plug-in Lithium battery which can be capable of 120mpg. This can make the older FEH an investment unlike the gas Escape.
The new gas Escapes have some big improvements, but so does the new FEH. Either choice is a good one but I think the FEH is the best investment for my money.
GaryG
#7
05-23-2009, 03:15 PM
Re: Escape Hybrid vs Escape
When you are doing mileage costs, you have to take the savings over the life of the vehicle, or, if you do it over, say, 10 years, you need to estimate how much the hybrid version will be worth in 10 years vs the non-hybrid, then add that difference back into your savings.
#8
05-23-2009, 04:16 PM
Re: Escape Hybrid vs Escape
Don't forget to add in the Federal Tax credit (still 50% available as of today), fewer oil changes, less brake pad wear, and possible lowered insurance premiums with the hybrid.
#9
05-23-2009, 07:38 PM
Re: Escape Hybrid vs Escape
It was nice getting the $3,000 tax credit for my '09 FEH in April which I got $3,400 back from the IRS. Had to pay an extra $1,700 last year so the tax credit really came in handy this year.
GaryG
GaryG
#10
05-24-2009, 04:53 AM
Re: Escape Hybrid vs Escape
There is a growing hybrid battery "reconditioning/repair" field in which individuals are becoming certified to do just is needed. New hybrid battery replacement costs continue to drop and are no where near what you stated. I last I checked, OEM price was in the low $2K area for a new hybrid battery.
