Don’t let the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV slip under the radar. The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has plenty of value and convenience to offer. I have to admit that my week with this hybrid electric SUV has been plenty of fun so far. 

Is the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV worth buying? 

Yes, if you want a fast, comfortable, and fuel-efficient vehicle, then the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV is a great option to consider. You can get started with the Ford Escape PHEV for about $33,075. I’ve been in the top-level Titanium trim, which increases the MSRP to about $38,000. 

The Titanium adds LED headlights, automatic wipers, ambient interior lighting, automatic parking, the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, power passenger seat, front parking sensors, chrome exterior trim, more tech, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

How efficient is the Ford Escape PHEV? 

The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV gets an EPA-estimated 37 miles of battery-only miles with a 520-mile range. It gets about 40 mpg combined and 105 MPGe. When I drove it for about an hour in the ‘Normal’ mode, I only saw the fuel gauge drop by about three miles. 

But when I put the Escape PHEV in Sport mode, it was a different story. The acceleration is a lot quicker, and gas goes a little faster due to the increased power. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.7 seconds, which is faster than the Crosstrek Hybrid and Mistubishi Outlander PHEV. 

The Normal and Eco modes are a little slower, but I didn’t have any trouble merging onto the freeway or passing others. Also, you can hear the engine spout an electric wheeze upon accelerating in EV mode, but I find it to be charming in a nerdy, advanced way. 

While the handling is a bit heavy, the Escape PHEV provides a sporty and responsive feeling. I compare it to a rally car in my mind. However, I stick to public roads at safe speeds. Also, there is a tad bit of body roll around curves. 

The Escape PHEV is agile and easy to maneuver in tight city areas. It can fit in plenty of parking places, and the parking sensors safely guide you around obstacles. It’s a fit and efficient ride for daily driving. 

The 2021 Escape PHEV is comfortable 

Despite looking a little small, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV provides a spacious interior. There is plenty of headspace and legroom in each row. However, the rear seat is probably only fit for two adults. The soft leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel provide an upscale feeling. 

Plus, the massive panoramic moonroof provides the perfect amount of natural light. The 8.0-inch infotainment system works quickly and features attractive graphics. I only wish wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. 

The wireless phone charging pad is a nice touch, and the 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system is crisp and immersive. The voice controls work extremely well, and the 12.3-inch digital gauge display is really neat, but it seems a little sensitive toward other vehicles in front of the sensors. 

The hands-free tailgate is a nice touch. You wiggle your foot around the rear bumper, and it automatically opens. You can press a button for it to close as well.

I’m sure I’ll discover more things that I like and dislike as I spend more time with the Ford Escape PHEV. I’ll keep y’all updated once I spend more time on country roads and the city with this spunky SUV.