Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid 2021 Review

The 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is an all-new variant of the recently redesigned Ford Escape. Ford originally said it would bring out the Plug-In Hybrid for the 2020 model year, but a variety of factors delayed the launch until this year.

You can drive the Plug-In Hybrid on pure electricity for about 37 miles before it switches over to regular gasoline hybrid operation. And unlike the Escape Hybrid, you can recharge the Plug-In Hybrid either at home or at one of the growing EV networks nationwide. Essentially, the more frequently you can plug in and recharge, the less gas you'll use.

Aside from the powertrain, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid falls in line with the standard model. It's a big improvement over the previous-generation Escape thanks to more interior room, better tech and a handsome new design. Along with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, the Escape is an intriguing pick for a highly fuel-efficient small SUV.

Which Escape Plug-In Hybrid does MatoCar recommend?

Go with the midlevel SEL. The base SE is tempting since it has plenty of useful features. But the SEL gets you some desirable extras as standard equipment, including heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Make sure to get the available Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package if you want traffic-adaptive cruise control.

The new 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid comes in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Titanium. Each one is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid system with a rechargeable battery. Total system output is 221 horsepower. With a full battery, you can drive it an estimated 37 miles on pure electric power. After that, it switches to regular hybrid operation.

Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive, something you can get on the regular Escape and Escape Hybrid, isn't available. Recharging the battery pack takes 10-11 hours using a 110-volt power source, says Ford, or 3.3 hours with a Level 2 charger. Feature highlights include:

SE The base SE model comes fairly well equipped and includes standard features such as:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Keyless entry and start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• 60/40-split folding rear seat
• Six-speaker audio system
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Two USB ports

Every Escape Plug-In Hybrid also comes with Ford's suite of advanced safety features, which are called Co-Pilot360. Features include:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Automatic high-beam control

Several option packages are available for the Escape SE. They include:

• Convenience package
• Power liftgate
• Simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Rear armrest
• Cold Weather package
• Heated mirrors
• Remote engine start
• Heated and simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package
• Navigation system
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Ford and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

SEL The SEL gains a few more features, such as:

• Convenience package
• Cold Weather package
• Foglights
• Roof rails
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)

Options for the SEL include:

• Technology package
• Hands-free liftgate
• Digital instrument panel
• Driver-seat memory settings
• 10-speaker B&O audio system
• Wireless charging pad
• Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package
• Towing package
• Panoramic sunroof

Titanium The top-level Titanium further adds:

• Technology package (minus the charging pad)
• Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package
• LED headlights
• Automatic wipers
• Chrome exterior trim
• Ambient interior lighting
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Power passenger seat
• Front parking sensors
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

The Titanium can be further equipped with:

• Titanium Premium package
• Panoramic sunroof
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather upholstery
• Wireless charging pad
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Towing package