While going to Barrie yesterday to look at the 05 Stang, got to look at the new Hybrid...which the wife currently has on order.Very clean package thruout. The only thing I don't understand is no towing package offered The battery is just below the rear deck but I can't see why a hitch can't be made to fit. Anyway this thing is going to be a hube hit, Especially for around $30000.

 

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i'm pretty sure ford says you can tow up to 1000lbs with the escape hybrid.


I really like the hybrid badge with the leaf, subtle and attractive. I hope that finds its way onto all the ford hybrid products.

THat is the freestyle in the last one right? How tall is the freestyle compared to the escape?

 

The Freestyle's probably shorter than the Escape, right? Or pretty close in height, at least. I can't wait to see the performance numbers on this hybrid. It may very well be the quickest hybrid in mass production yet.

 

Yep. Towing on the Hybrid is limited to 1k, which is probably why Ford doesn't offer a towing package. Irony is people will probably install a Class III on the thing aftermarket... (The Escape towing package uses the annoying Class II (1 1/4") Hitch) AFAIK only one company has an aftermarket hitch that works with the 05s at this point.

 

The electric motor's life would most likely be reduced significantly if you were to have a heavy load. Besides, if you plan on towing a lot, an Escape probably isn't the best choice, you should have something larger with a more powerful engine.

 

I would be using it for a jet-ski which dosen't tow hard.......but I get your point.As I understand it the Gas engine simply picks up when the load/driving conditions demand it.