Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are all the rage. Consumers especially like the ones that are SUVs. Driving a decent-sized vehicle without having to spend tons of money at the gas pump seems too good to be true. And in the case of the 2021 Ford Escape Titanium plug-in hybrid, it just might be.

The Ford Escape Titanium PHEV costs how much?

It’s no secret that most electric cars aren’t cheap, and that includes plug-in hybrids. There comes the point, however, when the price leaves you reeling. The 2021 Ford Escape Titanium Plug-In Hybrid, with a starting price of $38,585, is one.

According to Ford, it doesn’t have all-wheel drive or even four-wheel drive, so it can’t go off-roading. It’s also not particularly powerful, with a 2.5-liter engine producing only 165 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque.

So what is it about this plug-in hybrid that Ford thinks justifies the price? What does it offer that makes it worth $40,000?

Why is the Ford Escape Titanium plug-in hybrid so expensive?

There isn’t much to recommend the Ford Escape Titanium PHEV’s price at first glance. The exterior looks almost the same as the base-model S, with the exception of the wheels. 

It lacks in the power department, too. The Escape Titanium plug-in can tow only up to 1,500 pounds. For anyone who pulls heavy loads, like boats, this is not the SUV for you. For others, it might be good for small house projects that require trailering semi-heavy loads like lawn mowers. 

Where it does stand out is fuel mileage. It gets 41 MPGe. For an SUV, that’s astonishing.

It also comes with plenty of advanced features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering electronic traction control reverse sensing system. Also, expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster panel, a wireless charging pad, active park assist, and a heated steering wheel. 

Some of those features really jack up the price, especially the safety equipment. But keeping your loved ones safe is priceless, and automakers don’t hesitate to take advantage of this by adding to the overall price.  

Is it really worth $40,000?

Though $40,000 might not seem like that much compared to vehicles like an $18.9 million Bugatti, it’s still too expensive for many families. 

Regardless, owning a plug-in hybrid offers prestige. Some might be tempted to buy the Ford Escape Titanium plug-in hybrid despite its relatively high price.

The lower-level SE trim level is much more affordable, with a starting price of $32,650 for the PHEV version. It doesn’t offer as many standard features, but it can still hold its own against other plug-in hybrids. 

With that in mind, buying the Titanium plug-in doesn’t make much sense. That is unless you compare it to the competition, of course.

For instance, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid costs $38,250 to $41,575, which puts it neck-and-neck with the Escape. However, the RAV4 Prime stands out with two designations from Consumer Reports, moving it ahead of the Escape.

This makes it even harder to justify the Escape Titanium plug-in hybrid’s price. Yes, it offers some nice features, and you’ll doubtless save money at the pump, but $40,000 too much to ask for what Ford is offering.