The 2021 Ford Escape FWD PHEV gets 40 MPG combined, which is a selling point. It shows you want a practical compact SUV without giving up fuel efficiency. Ford is aiming for buyers who want lower fuel costs and running costs but still need the space and versatility of an SUV. These are often city dwellers with shorter commutes, families who want to make responsible choices, or anyone wanting to minimize their environmental impact without compromising their daily life.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 43 MPG for city driving, slightly better than the 38 MPG highway rating. This is normal for a plug-in hybrid, where electric power helps a lot in stop-and-go traffic. The Escape PHEV performs best in cities, where it can use its electric motor for shorter trips and regenerate energy during braking. The highway number is still respectable, but it shows the gasoline engine working more at higher, sustained speeds. Understanding this city/highway difference is important to know if the Escape PHEV is right for your driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ford Escape FWD PHEV at $1,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs can change a lot depending on your driving, how much you use electric versus gasoline, and local fuel and electricity rates. But $1,100 is the standard the EPA uses to compare efficiency across vehicles.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a helpful benchmark, but it’s important to know how the Escape PHEV performs in the real world. Remember, the 40 combined MPG is heavily influenced by maximizing the car’s electric range. If you always deplete the battery and only use the gasoline engine, your fuel economy will likely drop a lot, closer to a non-hybrid Escape. However, drivers who plug in often and prioritize electric driving can see great fuel savings, possibly more than the EPA estimates.

How it compares

The Escape PHEV competes in a tough market. The Toyota RAV4 Prime, also a plug-in hybrid, has a slightly higher MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating, around 94 MPGe combined, which means a much longer electric range. The standard (non-PHEV) Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets around 40 MPG combined. The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is another option, offering around 46 MPG combined. The Hyundai Kona Electric is not a direct competitor because it’s all-electric, but it’s a good choice for those focused on zero-emission driving and can get over 120 MPGe. The Escape PHEV’s value is in its balance: a decent electric range, good fuel economy as a hybrid, and the familiar driving experience of an SUV. For shoppers carefully weighing the ESCAPE MPG across all years, the RAV4 Prime’s longer electric range often justifies its higher price, while some may prefer the Niro’s smaller size for city driving.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Make plugging in a priority. The Escape PHEV’s electric range is limited, and charging the battery often is critical to get the best fuel economy. Charging at home or work can really reduce how much you use gasoline and maximize the hybrid system’s benefits.

Drive carefully. Accelerating fast and braking hard use the battery faster and make the gasoline engine work harder. Driving gently lets the regenerative braking system capture more energy and extend the car’s electric range. Use the Escape PHEV’s eco driving modes too.

Plan your routes well. If you can, choose routes with lower speed limits and fewer stops. This lets the electric motor do more of the work and reduces the need for the gasoline engine. For longer trips, find charging stations along the way to use the hybrid powertrain’s abilities.

Watch your energy consumption on the dashboard displays. The Escape PHEV shows you your driving habits and energy use. Watch the energy flow diagrams and efficiency scores to find areas to improve and change your driving.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine or electric motor work harder. Regularly check and keep the recommended tire pressure to optimize fuel efficiency and make tires last longer. And keep cargo light.