Even though hybrid SUVs have come a long way, one of the first hybrids from Ford is back and better than ever. Ford offers the 2023 Escape with a variety of powertrain options and other ways to craft the perfect sport utility vehicle. With a goal of spending less time at the gas station and letting those fuel savings add up, the Ford Escape Hybrid is ready for its next adventure.

Ford Escape: first hybrid SUV updated for 2023

Ford debuted the Escape way back in 2005, and the first hybrid SUV was a big seller for the brand. Now, the 2023 Ford Escape hybrid is back and better than ever. Ford will offer the 2023 Escape with a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain with three EcoBoost engine choices. The automaker hopes the Escape will appeal to a broader audience by offering many powertrain options.

Ford says that every model in the lineup aimed for an EPA-estimated range of 400 miles per tank. With the full hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive, Ford says the range is more than 550 miles. Thanks to this range, the world’s first hybrid SUV is “equipped better than ever before to conquer daily adventures.”

While many all-electric SUVs are on the market, the world’s first hybrid SUV is a good in-between option. The 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid is also quite customizable from the factory, with more engine choices, colors, and even new machine-faced wheels.

Ford’s first hybrid SUV is back as a plug-in hybrid too

The Escape plug-in hybrid uses Ford’s fourth-generation hybrid propulsion system using a 2.5L hybrid engine and a CVT transmission, which is quite different from the first hybrid SUV setup. With front-wheel drive, that works out to 210 hp. When utilizing electric-only mode, the Escape plug-in gets 37 miles of range. Ford includes a Level 1 and Level 2 charging port, allowing flexible charging options. Using the slower Level 1 charger, the Escape needs 10 to 11 hours for a full charge. Using the 240V Level 2 charger drops the charging time to 3.5 hours.

In addition, four different driving modes are available on the plug-in hybrid. Auto EV mode lets the SUV decide when gas or electric power is best. EV Now mode uses all-electric driving, and EV Later mode uses full gas to conserve electric range for later. EV charge mode allows you to charge the battery while driving to generate electric power for later.

How many miles per gallon does a 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid get?

According to fueleconomy.gov, which the U.S. Department of Energy runs, the 2023 Ford Escape gets between 26 and 39 miles per gallon combined. The following fuel economy numbers are for all five different combinations below.

While the first hybrid SUV from Ford debuted in 2005, the Ford Escape Hybrid isn’t resting on its previous reputation. Ford thoughtfully designed the newest Escape to suit various shoppers, considering it starts at $28,000. If the goal was reliability and good fuel economy, Ford hit it out of the park with the Escape Hybrid.