No one can sanely argue against taking care of old Mother Nature. Ford isn't alone in this regard, as Lexus offers a hybrid car-based

Ford has done a commendable job of converting the Escape into a hybrid. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

SUV, the RX 400h, GM plans to offer a hybrid version of its Chevy Tahoe / GMC Yukon line by late 2007, and not to be left in the fumes, DaimlerChrysler is moving ahead with plans for a hybrid Durango. About the only fly in the proverbial hybrid ointment that I can see is, how reliable will this technology prove to be? What will be the life expectancy of the hybrid's Nickel-Metal Hydride battery? How expensive will it be to replace? How will the old batteries be disposed of?

To address the first two concerns, Ford is providing an 8-year / 160,000 km extended warranty on the battery, DC converter and the CVT, over and above the standard 3 year / 60,000 km bumper-to-bumper Escape warranty.

Specifications:

• Price (MSRP): $33,195 - $43,577
• Body Type: 5-door SUV
• Layout: front engine, FWD, opt. AWD
• Engine: 133 hp 2.3L (138 cu in), 16-valve, DOHC, Atkinson-cycle I-4
• Electric Motor: 70 kW (94 hp) permanent magnet
• Battery: 330-volt NiMH
• Total Combined Output: 155 hp (116 kW)
• Transmission: CVT Hybrid Transaxle
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS (regenerative system)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 6.6 / 7.0 L/100 km
• Emissions: ATPZE
• Acceleration: (0-96 km/h) 10.5 seconds
• Direct Competitors: Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, Land Rover Freelander, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn VUE, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4
• Web Site: www.ford.ca

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.