Engine: 2.3-liter, 16-valve, dohc Atkinson Cycle inline four plus 65-watt (87 hp) electric traction motor and 28-watt (38-hp) motor for recharging battery pack

Engine Options: Hybrid powertrain with 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, permanent magnet electric motor, regenerative braking system and 330-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack

Transmission: continuously variable transmission

Transmission Options: continuously variable (CVT)

Standard Safety Equipment: dual front airbags, LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system, perimeter alarm

Optional Safety Equipment: safety canopy with side air curtains and front side-impact airbags, 24-hour roadside assistance

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles plus extended warranty of a minimum of 8 years/100,000 miles on CVT, hybrid battery pack and DC converter)

Assembled In: Kansas City, Missouri

Model Tested: Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD ($26,380)

Standard Equipment: fog lamps, privacy glass, power windows/locks/mirrors, lift gate with flip-up glass, roof rack with 2 crossbars, rear defroster and two-speed rear wiper, six-way power driver's seat, AM/FMM with in-dash 6-CD changer, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, message center, air conditioning, illuminated entry, four-wheel dics brakes with anti-lock system, remote entry, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 235/70 all-season tires

Options as Tested: appearance package ($625), energy/audiophile/navigation system ($1,850), safety package ($595), rear floor mats ($25), 110-volt power outlet ($110), leather comfort group ($575), retractable cargo cover ($75)

Destination Charge: 590

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front engine (rear battery pack), front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 133 hp @ 6000 rpm (plus electric motor)

Torque: 129 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm (plus electric motor)

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 36/31

Wheelbase: 103.2 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 174.9/71.8/70.0 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.1/60.2 inches

Turning Cycle: 37.7 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 40.4/53.4/41.6 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 39.2/49.1/36.3 inches

Trunk Volume: 65.5 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent

Ground Clearance: 8 inches

Curb Weight: 3620 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 235/70R16

Brakes: disc/disc

Fuel Capacity: 15.0 Gallons