Positioning:
Ford's first hybrid SUV, positioned as an environmentally conscious and fuel-efficient alternative in the compact SUV segment.
Competitors:
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (though introduced later, it was a key competitor in the hybrid SUV space), potentially other fuel-efficient SUVs of the era.
Hybrid Technology:
Integration of Ford's Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a gasoline engine, allowing for electric-only propulsion, blended power, and regenerative braking.
Body Style:
Compact SUV with a distinctive styling that differentiated it from its gasoline-only counterpart.
Engine Coverage:
2.3L Duratec HE I4 (Hybrid Powertrain)
Powertrain Coverage:
Hybrid Synergy Drive System, Electric Motor, Battery Pack, Power Control Module, Regenerative Braking
Transmission Coverage:
Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with Integrated Electric Motor
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes (including ABS and Regenerative Braking), Wheels, Tires
Body And Interior Coverage:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Upholstery, HVAC, Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Electrical Coverage:
All Electrical Systems, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Hybrid Control Module (HCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Compatibility:
Windows (95/98/ME/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10), Linux, MAC OS, iOS, Android
Powertrain Systems:
Internal Combustion Engine (Duratec HE 2.3L), Hybrid Synergy Drive, High-Voltage Battery System, Electric Motor/Generator, Power Inverter, Regenerative Braking System, Fuel Delivery, Exhaust and Emission Control
Drivetrain Systems:
eCVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission), Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Chassis Systems:
Front and Rear Suspension (Independent), Power Rack and Pinion Steering, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Electrical Systems:
Complete Electrical Schematics, Lighting (Exterior and Interior), Instrument Cluster, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Hybrid Control Module (HCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Power Distribution, Fuses, Relays, Sensors
Maintenance Procedures:
Fluid Changes (Engine Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel, Cabin), Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, Scan Tool Data Interpretation for Hybrid Systems
Repair Procedures:
Engine Component Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild/Replacement, Hybrid System Component Replacement (Motor, Battery, Inverter), Brake System Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Service, HVAC System Repair, Body Panel Repair/Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Technical Information Access:
Torque Specifications, Tightening Sequences, Component Alignment Procedures, Calibration Procedures for Hybrid Systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full component rebuilds, including specialized procedures for the hybrid powertrain.
Engine Code:
Duratec HE (Hybrid Engine)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2300 cc)
Combined Horsepower:
Approximately 155 hp (133 hp from gasoline engine + 94 hp electric motor, system output is not a simple sum)
Gasoline Engine Horsepower:
133 hp @ 5200 rpm
Electric Motor Horsepower:
94 hp
Combined Torque:
Approximately 170 lb-ft (gasoline engine) + 153 lb-ft (electric motor)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Emission Control Systems:
Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Transmission Type:
Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Optional Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was available on non-hybrid Escape models, but FWD was standard for the Escape Hybrid.
Hybrid Integration:
Seamlessly integrates gasoline engine power with electric motor power and charging capabilities.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V (for specific transmission components if applicable, but hybrid systems often have sealed units with specialized fluids. Manual will specify.)
Length:
Approximately 174.7 inches
Width:
Approximately 71.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 66.3 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 7.4 inches
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approximately 36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 66.2 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,600 - 3,700 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 4,600 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-star driver and passenger (2006 model year tested)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for comparable models tested)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - likely optional or standard on later years)
Passive Safety Features:
Frontal Airbags (Driver and Passenger), Side Impact Airbags (Front Seats), Safety Canopy System (Side Curtain Airbags - likely optional or standard), Front Seatbelt Pretensioners, LATCH Child Seat Anchorage System
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM/CD audio system. Optional premium sound systems and in-dash CD changers were available. Some models might have had early satellite radio integration.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, Traction Control, available Reverse Sensing System.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary input for audio devices on some models. No integrated Bluetooth or advanced connectivity features typical of modern vehicles.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic 5W-20).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Coolant Flush And Replacement:
First flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using Motorcraft Premium Long Life Coolant VC-30).
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or Ford WSS-M2C945-A compliant.
Engine Coolant Specification:
Ford Premium Long Life Coolant (Gold Color), Ford WSS-M97B44-D.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified).
Power Steering Fluid:
Ford specified power steering fluid, or MERCON V.
Hybrid Battery Degradation:
Like all hybrid batteries, the NiMH battery pack can degrade over time, leading to reduced electric-only range and efficiency. This is typically a long-term issue.
Hybrid System Warnings:
Potential for hybrid system error codes related to the battery, inverter, or control modules, often requiring specialized diagnostic tools.
Transmission Issues:
While generally reliable, some reports of issues with the eCVT system or its integration with the electric motor might require specific attention during diagnostics and repair.
Evap System Failures:
Common on many vehicles of this era, EVAP system leaks can cause check engine lights.
Ford Heritage:
Ford has a long history of manufacturing reliable and versatile vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. The introduction of the Escape Hybrid marked a significant step into hybrid technology for the brand.
First Generation Launch:
The Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced for the 2005 model year, making it one of the first hybrid SUVs available on the market.
Platform Basis:
Based on the Mazda GF-platform (shared with Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner), modified for hybrid integration.
Hybrid System Development:
Ford partnered with Toyota early on for hybrid technology, leveraging their Synergy Drive system in the initial Escape Hybrid models.
Manufacturing Location:
Kansas City Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Missouri, USA
Production Years:
2005-2012 (First Generation)
Epa Fuel Economy Recognition:
Recognized for its fuel efficiency, achieving significantly higher MPG compared to its gasoline-only counterpart, often cited as a leader in its class at the time of release.
Emissions Certification:
Meets stringent EPA emissions standards, often classified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) or similar designation depending on specific configuration and state.