2022 Ford Escape PHEV Review

Plug-In Hybrid Performance

When you choose a Ford Escape PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), that means your SUV plugs in to charge. You don't stop for gas and can charge both at home and at public charging stations.

So, how much power will you get with a hybrid engine like this? The 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Plug-In Hybrid engine delivers 221 total horsepower when working with an eCVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission).

The Escape has selectable drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and even Slippery, to let you customize your drives. You'll get the traction and stability you need even if the weather isn't ideal.

The plug-in hybrid even lets you tow, too. The Escape hybrid has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.  

Safety and Driver-Assist Features

Safety is an important factor when considering which vehicle to choose. The Escape has a standard suite of driver-assist and safety features called Ford Co-Pilot360™.

One feature within this suite is Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. This system keeps an eye on the road ahead and warns you to potential accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians. It can even apply the brakes if an accident is imminent.

To help keep an eye on your blind spots, the Escape has BLIS^® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert. This feature warns you to vehicles in your blind spots on the highway or when pulling out of a parking spot.

When you're on the highway, the Lane-Keeping System can help, too. It monitors your position within your lane and warns you if you begin to drift out of it.

PHEV Trim Levels

The 2022 Ford Escape has three plug-in hybrid trim levels.

The first PHEV trim level is the SE. Inside the SE trim, you'll find a standard SYNC^® 3 infotainment system with SiriusXM^® and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot. Cloth seats will keep everyone comfortable, although you can opt for heated front seats to help keep you warm.

The next PHEV trim level is the SEL trim. This trim has a standard power liftgate to make loading the Escape easier-it opens and closes with the push of a button. The interior of the SEL upgrades the Escape, too, with standard ActiveX™ trimmed seats.

The third and highest level trim for the Escape PHEV is the Titanium trim. The infotainment system inside the Titanium trim has standard in-vehicle navigation. Your seats can be upgraded to leather, and the driver's seat has a memory system.