2020 Ford Escape PHEV Beats The Competition With EPA-Estimated 100 MPGe Combined

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the official numbers for the 2020 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, with the compact crossover returning a best-in-class 100 MPGe in the combined cycle and 41 mpg when it runs on gasoline.

Furthermore, the vehicle can drive for 37 miles (60 km) in all electric mode, which is 11 miles (18 km) more than the Fusion Energi.

“The original Ford Escape was the world’s first hybrid SUV and the all-new Escape Plug-in Hybrid represents how far we’ve come in technology and efficiency”, said Chief Product Development and Purchasing Officer, Hau Thai-Tang. “The all-new Escape plug-in has more power and more passenger space than the Fusion Energi plug-in, as well as up to four times the cargo volume behind its second-row seats.”

Watch Also: Ford Lets Journos Drive The 2020 Escape; What’s Their Verdict On The New Compact Crossover?

Positioned under the rear seats, the 14.4 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery features a Level1/Level 2 AC charging port. At a Level 1 charger, it takes between 10 and 11 hours to fully charge it, but go for a 240-volt Level 2 charger and the time will drop to around 3.5 hours.

Drivers can choose between four modes, called the Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge. In the first one, the car itself decides whether to run on gas or electricity, while the second will drop the emissions to zero. EV Later will switch to full gas-hybrid, conserving the electric miles for later use, whereas EV Charge will charge the battery as the Escape runs on gasoline.

With an MSRP of under $35,000, the 2020 Escape Plug-in Hybrid may qualify for state tax incentives or rebates. The PHEV configuration is available on every trim level, save for the S and SE Sport, and comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety gear. The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is available and adds Adaptive Cruise Control with stop&go and lane-centering, Evasive Steering Assist and a voice-activated navigation system.