Three Ford Hybrid SUVs You Can (and Should) Buy Right Now

Hybrid vehicles are becoming more and more appealing, largely due to how eco-friendly they are and how much money you can save thanks to their fuel efficiency. While hybrid cars have been around for a while now, hybrid SUVs are currently growing in popularity. It’s great to have more space and a bit of towing capacity, all while still achieving better gas mileage. Some of the best hybrid SUVs currently available can be found right here at DePaula Ford in Albany, NY. These Ford SUVs are appealing for both their looks and their capabilities.

In the near future, we can expect Ford’s lineup of alternative fuel vehicles to grow with the addition of the hybrid F-150 full-size pickup and the all-electric Mustang Mach-E performance SUV. For the time being, though, there are three available Ford hybrid SUVs that you can buy right now. Let’s take a look at them.

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid

Let’s start out with the Escape hybrid. The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid comes in two different trims, the SE and the Titanium. The SE starts out at $28,265, and the Titanium lands at $33,550. These models come with a 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. Along with the battery and electric motor, this combination helps you get up to 41 MPG combined. And with 200 hp (19 hp more than the base gasoline engine), it is clear that hybrid does not always mean weak.

The main differences between the SE and the Titanium lie in customization. The Titanium’s wheels are larger with machine wash instead of black paint, and the Titanium has standard black roof rack side rails, LED fog lamps, and turn signal indicators on the mirrors, to name a few obvious differences. The safety options are generally the same between the two, aside from the adaptive cruise control differences. On the SE, you’ll get adaptive cruise control with stop and go. On the Titanium, you’ll get an upgraded version that includes lane centering, helping you stay on track when you start drifting from your lane.

Both trims come with the same nine colors, which include Ingot Silver, Magnetic, Blue Magnetic, Velocity Blue, Agate Black, Desert Gold, Dark Persian Green, with additional Rapid Red and Star White options for an extra price. The Titanium trim doesn’t have an Oxford White option. That one is only available on the SE. Overall, thanks to its sporty appeal and great gas mileage, the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid is definitely a hybrid SUV to consider buying today.

2020 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

This plug-in hybrid SUV option comes in three different trims, starting with the SE, then the SEL, and finally, the Titanium option. The lowest trim is available for as little as $33,040, with the second option landing at $35,620, and the highest trim is priced at $38,835. You may note that these vehicles have the same 2.5-liter gasoline engine as the regular Ford Escape Hybrids, so what exactly does the whole “plug-in” thing mean? Let’s look at the differences.

A conventional hybrid doesn’t have to be plugged in. Its gas engine charges its batteries without the need to visit a charging station. Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, can be recharged through outlets and charging units, causing them to run fully on electricity for a specific amount of time. With that said, you can still use the plug-in hybrid without charging it.

The plug-in Escape can be charged in 10 to 11 hours when using a standard 110-volt outlet, but it only takes around 3 hours when using a 240-volt charger (which can be installed in your house by any certified electrician). This model gets up to 102 MPGe and can travel 37 miles on battery power alone, making it well worth the extra cost. On top of that, you can choose from four different driving modes to help create the perfect experience.

Plug-In Hybrid Trim Highlights

The lowest level SE trim comes with post-collision braking, curve control, traction control, and FordPass Connect. It also has a message center, Cross-Traffic alert, Lane-Keeping Assist, push-button start, and keyless entry. As far as the exterior goes, it comes with 18-inch machine washed wheels, a grille with black mesh chrome surround, body-colored handles, and a manual liftgate.

The second level SEL trim comes with everything the base level has and more. This includes ActiveX seating, driver memory settings, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with button controls, one-touch power windows, and a standard remote start system.

The Titanium trim comes with the most features, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane-keeping assist. Inside, you find park assist, leather-trimmed front seats, 6-way power seats, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, a 10-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and ambient lighting. In general, the Titanium is the best option if you’re looking for luxury and tech, but the base SE trim comes with everything you’ll really need. The higher trims are more about getting extras that you want.

2020 Ford Explorer Limited: Hybrid

The largest Ford hybrid SUV is the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid. It starts off at $52,530 without add-on options but is only available in the Limited trim. You can get this model in four-wheel drive, and it can tow an impressive 5,000 lbs. In addition, this Explorer comes with a Terrain Management System, offering normal, trial, snow/ice, slippery, sport, tow/haul, and eco modes to help cater to your driving needs. It also comes with trailer sway control, making towing safer.

The Ford Explorer Hybrid can get up to 29 MPG on the highway, which is remarkable for such a large and capable vehicle. After filling it up, you can drive for over 500 miles before needing to fuel up again. It has a plethora of standard safety features, including AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, a tire pressure monitoring system, an anti-theft system, available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist, a rearview camera with camera washer, lane-keeping assist, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You can also add on a Class III trailer tow package as well. Oh, and there are even available add-ons for outdoorsy people, including mounts for kayaks, bicycles, and even a Sportz tent that connects to the back hatch.

Lastly, this model comes in 10 different colors, including Magnetic, Blue, Agate Black, Atlas Blue, Iconic Silver, Silver Spruce, Oxford White, and for an additional fee, you can get Rich Copper, Star White, or Rapid Red. Buyers can choose from two different styles of 20-inch aluminum wheels, added splash guards, and a twin-panel moonroof. This model is definitely one of the most luxurious hybrid options that Ford has to offer. Overall, the hybrid Explorer is safe, more fuel-efficient than its gasoline-powered siblings, and a great option for those who need to tow a little more or who enjoy off-roading adventures.

Which One Suits Me?

All of these Ford hybrid models are great options, depending on what you’re looking for. The main difference between the Escape Hybrid and the Escape Plug-In Hybrid is the extra mileage that comes with the latter option and its ability to travel short distances without burning gasoline. The Explorer is the better option for off-roaders and those who need to tow more. It’s pricier, so if the drive modes and towing capacity aren’t really up your alley, then it’s best to stick with one of the two Ford Escape options. No matter what model you choose, you can rest assured that Ford offers drivers a reliable and capable hybrid experience.