Still, the Escape Hybrid is a good looking SUV from the outside.

Inside, the Escape hybrid also looks pretty much like a standard Escape as well - in form and function.

For example, shifting into drive and reverse in the hybrid Escape is just like shifting in a manual transmission Escape, unlike the Prius.

Shifting the Prius is a bit different than a standard manual transmission, and since Ford leased some hybrid technology from Toyota, I had wondered how Ford would handle this issue.

> Ford Escape hybrid the 11th Greenest Vehicle

> Ford Escape Hybrid Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show

> Hybrid vehicle production slowed due to battery shortage

> Is Ford's "Cleanest Internal Combustion Engine" announcement really big news?

> Economist Magazine calls Ford Escape Hybrid SUV groundbreaking

And I think Ford made the right decision by not making the Escape hybrid seem too different. If you make the Escape hybrid seem difficult and confusing compared to the standard Escape, the hybrid technology might loose its luster.

I turned the Escape over and it sounded just like a standard car, at least for the first few minutes. Then the hybrid seemed to shut off, as it went into electric mode, utilizing only battery power. All of this my salesman pointed out, as it happened, on a miniconsule embedded in the middle of the dash.

This fully loaded hybrid SUV with leather seats also included a navigation system, 6 cd stereo, and BlueTooth capability for hands-free phone access.

At this point my salesman pulled out his cell phone charger. Not a car charger, the charger he uses at home and plugged it into the Escape. I could have just as easily plugged in my laptop, TV, or hairdryer.

Nice feature.

As I shifted into Drive and touched the gas, the gasoline engine instantly added to the power of the electric motor and we quickly zoomed onto the street.

While the Escape hybrid is only a V4, the hybrid powertrain provides the power of a V6 and the Escape moves well.

We quickly drove towards the freeway. The Escape was full of power and the idea of hybrid technology disappeared from thought, even after slowing and speeding in an effort to toy with advanced powertrain.

Nice ride.

A loaded Ford Escape hybrid acts almost exactly like the Ford Escape, it just does it much more efficiently.

If you are looking for a hybrid SUV, the Ford Escape Hybrid is a good choice, and it is your only choice until at least April.

Check out the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for an SUV comparison.

>> Click here to receive future information on the Escape Hybrid.

>> Make a Comment / Blog on about your Escape Hybrid Experience

> Official Highlander hybrid pricing
> 2005 will be the Year of the Hybrid Car
> Hybrid car sales: Toyota versus Honda
> Hybrid cars - All about fuel cells according to Toyota
> The Prius is about America, not the environment
> Hybrid cars, EPA stickers and mountain driving