Ford Faqs

The 2008 Ford Escape, the best seller among compact sport utility vehicles, gets a new look and a new interior for the 2008 model year. The changes apply to both the standard (gasoline-powered) Escape as well as to the gasoline/electric Escape Hybrid. It is expected to go on sale summer 2007, the 2008 Ford Escape was debuted at the November 2006 LA Auto Show and is expected to be priced similarly to the outgoing models.

To underscore the environmental concern expressed in the production of the Escape Hybrid, 2008 Escape will showcase the first U.S. automotive application of seating surfaces made entirely from 100 percent recycled materials. This material will be used not only in the Escape Hybrid, but in gasoline-powered 2008 Escape models as well.

The material’s supplier, Georgia-based InterfaceFABRIC, says that when compared to “virgin” fibers, the “post-industrial” product will conserve on an annual basis some 600,000 gallons of water, more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.8 million pounds. Other changes in the Escape’s interior include the introduction of Ford’s new “top of dash” display with exterior temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts on the top section of the dashboard, where the driver won’t have to divert attention far from the road ahead to check such information.

Safety features on the 2008 Escape will include front and side airbags for the front seats and side-curtain airbags that cover both rows, as well as AdvanceTrac (stability control) with anti-rollover technology. The exterior redesign includes a much more aggressive front end with a higher hood line, more massive grille and headlamps that sweep up over the ends of the front bumper. The beltline (point where the side glass sill meets the car’s shoulder) also is higher and strengthens the vehicle’s stance.

The gasoline-powered 2008 Ford Escape will be available with either a 153-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission or a 200-hp 3.0-liter V6 with a four-speed automatic. The V6 has 3500 pounds of towing capacity. The Escape Hybrid has a 133-hp four-cylinder engine linked to a 70-kilowatt electric motor.

The net result is 155 horsepower and acceleration similar to that of the V6, but with enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions. As a full hybrid, the Escape Hybrid can run only on electric power in low-load conditions. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission, or CVT.

One mechanical change for 2008 is the application of electric power-assisted steering technology designed to improve fuel economy while eliminating noises that can be associated with traditional hydraulic-assisted steering gear. Ford says changes in both the roof design and in the use of insulating materials make the 2008 Escape significantly quieter inside.