Escape hybrid

The place where I had my trailer hitch installed said they had done about

I have about 6500 miles on mine. 26.8MPG overall, 33mpg at 60mph on the highway, 36.2 in San Jose commute traffic for a week. Seems like plenty of power. The engine seems noisy and too quick to jump up to 4000 RPM, but if you ignore that, it's all good.

Doesn't it have a continuously variable ratio transmission?

Yes, but not like one in the Ford 500, or Freestyle, or Hondas. Those also bring the engine speed up quickly and hold it there while the road speed climbs, but it's different in the Escape Hybrid.

It has a planetary gear transmission. Road speed holds a constant ratio between Engine RPM verses generator RPM. As a load is put on the system, it moves gas RPM up to the optimum power (and I suppose efficiency) RPM for a balance of gas + electric power to the wheels. This gives something around 4000 RPM under moderate load uphill, making the Escape seem underpowered. It's not. if you step on the gas, there's still more power available, but 4000 RPM sounds like it's straining. It just takes a while to get used to.

The transmission is very similar to the Toyota Prius, which I think is nicely explained by Graham. The ratios and road speeds are not correct for the Escape, but the overall effect seems in line.

Thanks a lot for your info. I forgot about Edmunds...been on KBB.

Here in the Phila Area, they're all coming in pretty well loaded and going for list. There is a $2,000 rebate but that and the tax credit of $2,000 that seems it. About half of the units the dealers are getting even have the Nav system.

Jeff

yup i work on them better to wait the have a few bugs to work out

hurc ast