On examining the features of the Toyota Prius vs. the Ford Escape the Toyota Prius clearly wins the popularity contest. However the Ford Escape remains the top of the pops in hybrids SUVs. Hybrid cars combine a gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor. Hybrids have been available in the United States since 1999. Hybrid cars get improved gas mileage and produce less pollution per mile making them cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.
The Toyota Prius produces 90 percent fewer harmful emissions than a similar gasoline engine. At present hybrids cost $3500 to $6000 more than gas engines and this makes them less cost-effective. Of course you will save money in terms of fuel efficiency but only if gas prices stay low. You will also have to foot the bill for an expensive battery. Hybrid batteries cost from $1,000 to $3,000. Let’s take a look at the features of the Toyota Prius vs. the Ford Escape.
Toyota Prius vs. the Ford Escape
* Toyota Prius – The Prius has won several awards over the past few years and is probably the most sought after hybrid. (When evaluating the Toyota Prius vs. the Ford Escape bear in mind that the Escape is an SUV and thus subject to different criteria). The Prius offers an astounding 50+ mpg! If you want a Prius you’ll be put on a waiting list so try to find the shortest one possible. Toyota will begin hybrid production in the United States in 2006.
The Toyota Prius has a city/highway rating of 55 miles to the gallon. It uses 100% electric power at low speeds but is more energy efficient in city streets than on highways. It’s a mid-size vehicle but if you’re tall it may lack headroom. Officially it seats five people. As far as the Toyota Prius vs. the Ford Escape are concerned the SUV definitely offers more space.
The Prius offers very low levels of pollution. It features up to 89% fewer smog-forming emissions than a ordinary new car. This fulfills and exceeds the standards for a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV). It has a ‘76 horsepower engine and 67 horsepower electric engine. As far as power is concerned the Toyota Prius vs. the Ford Escape offers less power.
* Ford Escape – This car was first manufactured in 2004 and was the first American made SUV hybrid. It claimed a fuel efficiency rating of around 30 mpg. Some owners have reported that actual mileage is in the mid 20s. Ford plans to produce only 20,000 units. Two new SUV hybrids, the Lexus Rx400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are now moving in on the Escape’s territory. But as far as the Toyota Prius vs. the Ford Escape are concerned the Prius offers superior mpg.
However the Ford Escape Hybrid still offers better mpg than the two new SUVs. The Escape is also going to be cheaper than a Highlander Hybrid (by $5000) and $20,000 cheaper than the Lexus SUV. In terms of fuel economy the Escape still beats out the competition. In terms of the Toyota Prius vs. the Ford Escape the Escape offers reasonable mileage per gallon for an SUV.
The Escape offers a 155 horsepower system. This is slower than the 270 hp systems but still offers enough power. When it comes to rating the Toyota Prius vs. the Ford Escape the Prius is still the top contender for hybrid honors. Toyota have announced that a new Camry hybrid will soon be manufactured in Kentucky.
