After an 8-year gap, the Ford Escape hybrid is back. Ford’s compact crossover utility vehicle is offered with choice of two gasoline engines (1.5-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder and 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder) as well as a gasoline-electric hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The tested 2020 Ford Escape SE Sport AWD gets its groove from a 4th-generation hybrid propulsion system. A week-long drive accented the gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle’s smooth ride. For 2020, Escape provides the automaker’s Co-Pilot360 driver assist technologies as standard fare. That safety package includes automatic high-beam headlamps, lane keeping assist/alert, rearview camera, hill start assist, and blind spot information system with cross traffic alert.

Powering the tested Escape hybrid is an Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine, two electric motors, and a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s packaged under the second row seat. Transmission is an e-CVT. Escape’s five selectable drive modes (eco, normal, sport, slippery, snow/sand) adapt the electronic stability control and traction control systems to fit the conditions. For cargo hauling, there’s more than 34 cubic feet when the 60/40 split-fold rear seat is moved fully forward. With the rear seat folded, there’s 60.8 cubic feet of stow space. The 106.7-inch wheelbase Escape hybrid AWD collects an estimated 43 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Estimated driving range is 568 miles. MSRP for Escape hybrid SE Sport starts at $28,265.