Noise, vibration and harshness levels in the five-seat cabin of the Escape Hybrid are very low. Yes, the four-banger can howl

Noise, vibration and harshness levels in the five-seat cabin of the Escape Hybrid are very low. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

slightly when pushed to the max; otherwise, the whole package is remarkably well refined. Unfortunately, the Escape isn't known for Lexus-like levels of road and wind noise, and like many non-premium SUVs, some road noise emanates from the rear portion of the cab. That said, the drive is a pleasant one thanks to firm, comfortable seats and a fairly high seating position. I don't, however, find the interior design and instrument panel particularly appealing. Some of the plastics used feel lowbrow, and switchgear isn't up to the high quality found in more recent Ford products, such as the Freestyle and Five Hundred.

My Hybrid tester was equipped with a navigation system, which suffered from small screen size, making it difficult to decipher maps at a glance. Interestingly, the same screen functions as a data screen for the hybrid system,

I don't find the interior design and instrument panel particularly appealing. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

depicting the transfer of power from the battery and engine to the wheels and the return of energy to the hybrid's battery. Another screen function graphs mileage in real-time. Although these displays are more infotainment than necessity, they add to the hybrid mystique. The cargo area in the compact Escape Hybrid is very generous given the vehicle's diminutive exterior dimensions. Ford is due some serious credit for only losing approximately 28 litres (1 cu ft) of cargo capacity in this model's transition to hybrid status. Battery cooling vents in the rear quarter panels ate up the missing space, leaving 1,854 litres (65.5 cu ft) of stowage with the rear seat folded flat.