2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Competition

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Review
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Prices
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Road Test
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Car Quote

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid competition
The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid competes against two versions of the Vue Green Line compact SUV from the Saturn division of General Motors. The current Saturn Vue went on sale for model-year 2008 and is an Americanized version of a compact SUV built by GM’s European Opel brand.

The Saturn Vue Green Line comes as a “mild” hybrid and introduces a new version for 2009 called the Green Line 2 Mode.

The Saturn Vue Green Line “mild” hybrid cannot drive on electric power alone. It uses a four-cylinder engine supplemented by an electric motor to give it some extra power. It also shuts the gas engine off when stopped or slowing down, and recharges the batteries through regenerative braking. Fuel-mileage advantages of a mild hybrid are more modest than with a full hybrid, but sticker prices are lower since mild hybrids are not as technologically complex as full hybrids. Additionally, it qualifies for a lower tax credit. A Vue Green Line can be had for around $24,000.

New for 2009 is the Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode hybrid. Its electric-motor hybrid system is teamed with a 3.6-liter V-6 gas engine. This Vue hybrid is capable of running on electric power alone. GM predicts its will achieve up to 50-percent better fuel economy than the gas-powered V-6 Vue. The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode hybrid is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds; the Escape Hybrid is rated to tow 1,000 pounds. Pricing for the Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode hybrid is yet to be determined.

Note that the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid has a counterpart at Ford’s Mercury division. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a carbon copy of the Escape Hybrid except for its Mercury badges, some upscale styling details, and nicer interior appointments. Performance is the same, so it’s just a matter of personal taste. Prices average around $500 more than a comparably equipped Escape Hybrid.