The 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is a compact plug-in hybrid SUV that is available for sale at a base selling price of $33,040 and goes all the way to an MSRP of $38,835. Coming in with three trim configurations, the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid retains the same powertrain, which is a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 motor mated to two electric motors putting out 221 hp. As a result, the 0-60 mph time of 8.7 seconds is also carried over to the 2021 iteration. The 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid receives no updates to the exterior and interior design and the 10 color palettes are carried forward too.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Pricing And Features
7.3
Engine And Performance
8.5
Fuel Economy
7.9
Interior
7.7
Exterior
7.3
Safety
8.1
Competition
7.0
Final Verdict
6.8
7.5
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.5
Overall Rating
"With 2019 recording almost a quarter of a million units sold, Ford's Escape compact SUV has been one of the best-selling cars in the US for some time."- Carbuzz.com
The 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid also turned out to be one of the cheapest options of the segment. Along with that, the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid can also be had for a lease price of $392 per month with a down payment of $3,320. This is for 39-month tenure. If you are interested in financing your ride, Ford has got you covered there as well with a $437 monthly payment with $3,390 of down payment. This is for an APR of 5.9% for an 84-month tenure. With excellent reliability on offer, as can be seen from the JD Power report, the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has a 5-year cost of ownership coming in close to $42,308 and a miles per dollar ratio of 11, which is in the same ballpark as the rivals.
2021 Ford Escape plug-in-hybrid SUV front 3 quarter view
2021 Ford Escape plug-in-hybrid SUV rear 3 quarter view
7.3/10 Pricing and Features
8.5/10 Engine and Performance
7.9/10 Fuel Economy
7.7/10 Interior
7.3/10 Exterior
8.1/10 Safety
7.0/10 Competition
6.8/10 Final Verdict
2021 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid SUV Pricing and Features
7.3/10
"The hybrid range from Ford provides a variety of models from which to choose, including Plug-In variations which allow you a 37-mile all-electric range when you need it."- Carbuzz.com
Available for a selling price of $35,620, the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid SEL turned out to be the most value for money trim of the lot due to the decent list of interior and driver-assistance features on offer as standard. Coming in with three trim configurations, the mid-tier 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid SEL offers many features like a 12.3" digital instrument cluster, 18" alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, powered seats, faux-leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a powered liftgate, forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, and many more as standard. In comparison to the rivals like the 2021 Kia Niro PHEV and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV, the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid SEL turned out to be fully loaded for the price.
2021 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid SUV Engine and Performance
8.5/10
"Plug-in hybrid powertrain consist of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors which combine to make 221 hp."- Caranddriver.com
The 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid comes with a single powertrain, which is a 2.5L naturally aspirated gasoline motor mated to two electric motors, putting out a combined 221 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. Available on sale for a base selling price of $33,040, the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is offered only in FWD drivetrain configuration and the transmission duties are handled by an ECVT automatic transmission.
2021 Ford Escape PHEV comes with a 2.5L inline-4 motor mated to two electric motors
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV is quite comfortable during slow city travel, absorbing all the bumps and potholes of the road. Even as the speeds rise during highway riding, the vertical movement is well controlled too. However, the handling does take a back foot due to the soft suspension setup on offer. The steering is also light and void of any feel. In comparison to the regular 2021 Ford Escape, the ride and handling of the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV remain more or less identical.
2021 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV managed to do the 0-60 mph test in 8.7 seconds and the quarter-mile in 17.4 seconds, respectively. This compact PHEV SUV also could reach a top speed of 119 MPH, which is one of the highest for the segment. When it comes to braking performance, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV receives 12.8" front rotors and 12" rear rotors, both of which contribute to the sure-footed braking performance. However, the 60-0 mph braking distance hasn't been revealed yet. Even though the regular 2021 Ford Escape was a tad bit faster in terms of 0-60 mph time and quarter-mile time, due to the less weight on offer, the difference is only marginal. The 2021 Ford Escape also did the 60-0 mph braking test in an admirable 128 feet.
"You can drive the Plug-In Hybrid on pure electricity for about 37 miles before it switches over to regular gasoline hybrid operation."- Edmunds.com
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV comes unchanged in the fuel efficiency front, putting out a city gas mileage of 37 MPG and a highway gas mileage of 44 MPG. Both of this combines to give out a combined gas mileage of 41 MPG. Available in three different trim configurations for a base MSRP of $33,040, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV is also one of the most fuel-efficient offerings of the segment in comparison to the rivals.
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV also retains the same fuel tank capacity of 12 gallons, which is 2.3 gallons lower than the regular 2021 Ford Escape. As a result, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV gave out a city range of 444 miles and a highway range of 528 miles, along with a combined range of 492 miles. The gas mileage returned by the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV is also much superior to the 2021 Ford Escape equipped with the gasoline motor, which gave out a city range of 396 miles only.
Models
2021 Ford Escape PHEV
2021 Kia Niro PHEV
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
MPG (City)
37
44
36
NA
MPG (Highway)
44
48
40
NA
MPG (Combined)
41
46
38
NA
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)
12.0
11.4
14.5
11.3
Range (City/Highway/Combined) (Miles)
444.0/528.0/492.0
501.6/547.2/524.4
522.0/580.0/551.0
NA
The 2021 Kia Niro PHEV turned out to be the most frugal offering of the compact PHEV segment, returning a combined gas mileage of 46 MPG. However, the combined range of 551 miles put out by the less fuel-efficient 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime was the highest of the lot, due to the inclusion of 14.5 gallons of fuel tank capacity. The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV falls right in between the 2021 Niro PHEV and the 2021 RAV4 Prime in terms of gas mileage on offer. However, the 2021 Outlander PHEV's gas mileage numbers haven't been reported yet.
"The Escape PHEV's cabin, while handsomely styled and spacious for both front- and rear-seat occupants, suffers from several low-rent plastic panels."- Caranddriver.com
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV is a compact SUV that can comfortably seat 5 due to a decently long and wide cabin. Available in the same black and sandstone colored interior, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV, which is available for a base selling price of $33,040, is an excellent proposition in terms of front-seat space, due to one of the best headroom, shoulder room, and legroom on offer from the segment. The leatherette upholstery for the SEL trim and leather upholstery for the Titanium trim is well padded, making it quite comfortable to sit in. It gets heated and powered seats and steering wheel as well. However, the interior fit and finish and overall quality are mediocre at best.
2021 Ford Escape PHEV comes in black and sandstone colored interior
The rear seats are also quite impressive, similar to that of the front. The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV retains the class-leading 38.9" of legroom along with impressive headroom and shoulder room of 39.2" and 56", making the 2021 Escape PHEV one of the most comfortable compact family SUV. The cargo capacity of 30.7 cubic feet which can be expanded further due to the 60/40 split rear seat is great for the segment too. Even though it is one of the cheapest offerings of the segment, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV retains all the standard interior features like dual-zone climate control, heated and powered seats, leather upholstery, and many more. However, most of them are missed out on the base SE trim. Along with that, the 2021 Escape PHEV also gets many optional packages like Technology Package and Convenience Package for $985, which further adds features to the list.
Models
2021 Ford Escape PHEV
2021 Kia Niro PHEV
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
40.0/57.6/42.4
40.1/56.0/41.7
39.5/57.8/41.0
40.9/56.4/40.9
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.3/56.0/38.9
39.1/55.2/37.4
39.5/56.4/37.8
38.3/56.0/37.9
Cargo capacity (cu-ft.)
30.7
19.4
37.6
30.4
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV is the most well-rounded option in terms of interior space on offer, due to the best headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for the segment. Even though the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV come close, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV edges ahead in both the front and rear seat space by a slight margin. The cargo space of 30.4 cu ft of the 2021 Outlander PHEV was slightly lower than the 2021 Escape PHEV's 30.7 cu ft too. When it comes to the infotainment system, the 2021 Escape PHEV retains the same 8" touchscreen infotainment system with Ford's Sync 3 interface along with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system for the Titanium trim.
2021 Ford Escape PHEV gets an 8" touchscreen infotainment with Sync 3 connectivity
This 8" touchscreen infotainment system turned out to be one of the best in the segment due to the fluid interface with no lags and stutters. Along with that, it was also very easy to use with large icons and excellent touch sensitivity. Many connectivity features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, etc are also offered as standard. However, the lower trim levels get a 6-speaker audio system. However, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV SE trim only comes with a 4.2" display with AM/FM radio is the only standard option. Some of the interior and infotainment features on offer with the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV has been mentioned below:
"There's a body-color rear spoiler and skid plates across the range, while all except the SE Plug-In get black roof rack side rails as standard."- Carbuzz.com
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV retains the same design language as the outgoing 2020 model and comes with the 10 exterior color palettes too. The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV also gets all the bells and whistles in terms of exterior features like automatic LED projector headlights with LED DRLs, lip spoiler, powered side mirrors, and many more, making it one of the best looking compact SUV on sale currently. This LED headlight coupled with the hexagonal grille and a wide air dam offers the 2021 Escape PHEV excellent road presence as well. Along with that, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV's width of 74.1" and the wheelbase of 106.7", both of which are the best of the lot, helps the 2021 Escape PHEV to come out as the most spacious offering of the segment.
2021 Ford Escape PHEV looks well-proportioned from all sides
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV turned out to be one of the biggest and best-looking compact SUVs of the segment. The wheelbase and width of the 2021 Escape PHEV were the longest and widest of the lot, surpassing both the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime and the 2021 Kia Niro PHEV. However, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV turned out to be the best in the segment in terms of length, which is almost 5" longer than the 2021 Escape PHEV. The height is also marginally better for the 2021 Outlander PHEV. Some of the exterior features on offer with the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV has been mentioned below:
"With seven airbags as standard, the safety suite is also bolstered with a standard rearview camera, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, and many more coming in as standard"- Carbuzz.com
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV hasn't been crash-tested by both the NHTSA and IIHS yet. However, the regular 2021 Ford Escape managed to receive an excellent overall crash safety rating of 5-stars, with the same 5-star rating in the frontal and side-impact test. However, the rollover test received a lower 4-star rating. In the IIHS crash test, the 2021 Ford Escape turned out to be the top safety pick, with a good rating in almost all the subsections.
2021 Ford Escape PHEV comes with a host of standard driver-assistance features
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV also comes with a host of standard safety and driver-assistance features, making the ride even safer than some of the rivals. Features like 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, driveline traction control, stability control, forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, etc are offered as standard. If you want even more driver-assistance features, Ford also offers the coveted Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ package for an additional MSRP of $700, which includes adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, speed sign recognition, and many more.
2021 Ford Escape PHEV Vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV
Available for sale at a base MSRP of $38,100, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prim PHEV is much more powerful than the 2021 Escape PHEV, putting out a better 0-60 mph acceleration time. It also gets a better towing capacity too. Along with that, the interior quality of the 2021 RAV4 Prime PHEV is better due to better quality and general fit and finish. However, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV trumps over the 2021 RAV4 Prime PHEV in the gas mileage and interior space on offer. It also comes with a longer list of interior and safety features, all of which are offered at almost $5,000 lesser than Toyota.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV
2021 Ford Escape PHEV Vs 2021 Kia Niro PHEV
The 2021 Kia Niro PHEV is the closest competitor of the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV and manages to undercut Ford in terms of price with a base selling price of $29,490. The 2021 Kia Niro PHEV also gets better interior quality, superior gas mileage, and a slightly better ride and handling. In terms of interior and infotainment features too, both of them are quite similar. However, the 2021 Escape PHEV is more spacious, offers better cargo capacity, and is more powerful too. Ford offers more driver-assistance features as standard as well.
2021 Kira Niro PHEV
2021 Ford Escape PHEV Vs 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV is one of the best options on sale if you are in search of a compact plug-in hybrid SUV due to the punchy powertrain, impeccable gas mileage, and roomy cabin. This compact SUV is one of the best for families due to the inclusion of many interior and driver-assistance features as standard. Along with that, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV also retains the cheeky and elegant design language of the outgoing 2020 model. Hence, if you are alright with the mediocre fit and finish on offer and average driving dynamics, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV should be on top of your list if you are in search of a compact family SUV.
What is the annual maintenance cost of the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV?
The annual maintenance cost for a 2021 Ford Escape PHEV ranges from $80 to $2,358, depending upon the service you are going for. Hence, the annual maintenance cost of a Ford Escape PHEV, on average, comes out around $236.
How many miles will a 2021 Ford Escape PHEV last?
The 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid should easily last for more than 130,000 miles as the powertrain setup of the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV has one of the lowest issue rates in the segment.
What is the infotainment on offer with the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV?
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV comes with the 8" touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 3 connectivity, which offers many features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, and many more as standard.
What is the cargo capacity on offer with the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV?
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV comes with 30.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Pros - Quiet ride. Good fuel economy. Cushy ride quality.
Cons - Not-so smooth engine. Fussy cluster menu.
A smart Ford hybrid! I bought the Escape from a friend who wanted an upgrade. The car has been in good condition even though with a considerable 6k miles odo readng. allows "gliding" the car at over 80mph speeds. I have always managed a 40+mpg no matter how I drive. However, the instrument cluster menu and the steering controls were really fussy to use at first and took their own time to get used to it. Even though engine isn't that smooth, the electric motor gives definitive bost from standstill and even The car definitely is a value, fuel-saving and comfortable compact SUV to own.
Pros - Easy to drive, fuel economy, smooth ride quality
Cons - Tech is complicated, too many buttons to press, rear camera resolution
Not sure... In the compact crossover segment, there are plenty of good vehicles to choose from but Ford Escape is not one of them. So, do your research and find the vehicle that suits you the best. Don’t rush the decision It is decent but there are better crossovers available in the market. like me.
