In 2004 the first American-made hybrid was introduced by Ford, and the Ford Escape was the first hybrid SUV worldwide. Despite winning the "Truck of the Year Award" at the 2005 International Auto Show in Detroit, the Escape hybrid has had a rough go of it competing with top hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Lexus Rx400h hybrid. The Escape doesn't come close to the luxury available in the two mentioned cars, but it does have a few features that surpass the Toyota and Lexus:

• The Escape can stay in electric mode for longer periods than any other hybrid on the road, including coupes and sedans like the Prius.
• The price is right: $5,000 less than the Highlander hybrid and $20,000 less than the Lexus hybrid
• The fuel economy in the Escape is better than the Toyota and Lexus

• Price Range: $25,075 MSRP to 26,825
• Fuel Economy: 36/31 MPG(2wd); 33/29 MPG (4wd)

• Body Type: 5-door body on frame SUV

• Layout: front engine, 2wd and 4wd

• Gas Engine: 2.L I4 Atkinson Cycle Engine and Electric Motor

• Hybrid System Power: 155 horsepower
• Transmission: electronically controlled continuously variable

• Brakes: Standard power 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Regenerative Braking System

• Seating Capacity: 5

• Cargo Cap: 66.0 cu ft.

• Ground Clearance: 8.6 inches

• Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds

• Warranty (mo/km): 3 year/36,000 mile limited bumper-to-bumper plan blus an extended 8 year/100,000 mile limited warranty covering hybrid components
• Safety: Safety Canopy System with rollover sensor and side curtain airbags, front seat side-mounted airbags,

• Meets the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle standards
• Eco-friendly seating and fabric made from 100% post-industrial waste plastics and polyester fibers that would have ended up in landfills.
• Uses a nickel-metal hydride battery. The regenerative braking system recharges the battery when you brake so it doesn't need to be plugged in.
• Satellite radio, a navigation system and an audio input jack for MP3 players are options