Plug-in hybridSUVsare still flying under the radar, but that won’t last much longer. As automakers rethink their rush to go fully electric, PHEVs are stepping in as the smart, flexible middle ground.
The reality is, fully phasing out gas-powered cars by 2030 isn’t looking likely. So, more brands are pivoting—investing in hybrid and plug-in hybrid tech that offers real-world practicality without the range anxiety ofEVs.
If you’re after a budget-friendly PHEV SUV that can handle daily family duty and long road trips, there’s one used American crossover that quietly nails the formula. It’s efficient, affordable, and still holds its own thanks to solid features and adependable drivetrain.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Ford’s websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, IIHS, J.D. Power, and the NHTSA.
The 2022 Ford Escape PHEV Checks All the Boxes for Small Families
105 MPGe Without Sacrificing Everyday Usability
The Ford Escape PHEV strikes a smart balance between fuel efficiency and long-range comfort. It’s a great option if you’re planning road trips but don’t want to give up space or ride quality.
When running on electric power alone, the 2022 model israted at 105 MPGe, which works out to about 32 kWh per 100 miles. That gives you around 37 miles of electric-only driving—plenty for errands or a typical commute.
Once the battery’s tapped out, the gas engine takes over with a solid 40 MPG combined. Thanks to a 12-gallon tank, you’re looking at around 520 miles of total range before needing to refuel.
105 MPGe/32 kWh/100 Miles
40 MPG
14.4 kWh
$4,000
$900
Cost to Drive 25 Miles (GAS/EV)
$1.97/$1.20
Cost to Fill the Tank
$38
According to the EPA, the Ford Escape PHEV could save you around $4,000 in fuel costs over five years. That’s real money back in your pocket, just for driving smarter.
You’ll spend about $900 annually on a mix of electricity and gas—significantly less than most gas-only SUVs. And when it comes to daily driving, the numbers are even more convincing.
Driving 25 miles on electricity costs just $1.20, compared to $1.97 on gas alone. That’s nearly 40 percent cheaper per trip if you stick to electric.
Need to fill up? A full gas tank runs about $38, while a full battery recharge only sets you back $2.30 based on average electricity rates.
Powered by a 200-HP Plug-in Hybrid System
The 2022Ford EscapePHEV pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with a permanent-magnet electric motor. Together, they work seamlessly through a direct-drive eCVT transmission.
On its own, the gas engine pumps out 165 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. But when the electric motor kicks in, total power jumps to a solid 200 horsepower for smooth acceleration.
2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder and One Permanent-Magnet Motor
200 HP
155 LB-FT (ICE)
Direct-Drive eCVT
0–60 MPH
127 MPH
Towing Capacity
1,500 LBS.
Performance isn’t the Escape PHEV’s strongest suit—it takes 7.7 seconds to hit 60 mph and tops out at a modest 127 mph. It’s more about smooth, efficient driving than quick launches or high-speed thrills.
Towing capacity is also limited to 1,500 pounds, which could be a drawback if you’re planning on hauling a trailer or small camper. For most families, though, it’s more than enough for bikes, a cargo rack, or weekend gear.
Interestingly, the 2.5-liter engine under the hood has roots in a Mazda design that dates back to 2008. It’s known forbeing reliable, with a proven track record that’s made it a favorite for hybrid applications.
Mazda’s L-series engine is an aluminum-block inline-four with dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, and—on some versions—direct injection for better efficiency. Its lightweight design offers a nice balance of durability and performance.
Forddidn’t just drop the engine in as-is. For the Escape PHEV, engineers reworked the cylinder head, intake system, and cooling setup to better mesh with the hybrid drivetrain.
They also fine-tuned the combustion process to reduce friction and improve thermal efficiency—key for hybrid use. Switching to the Atkinson cycle helped boost fuel economy, while the electric motor fills in the torque gaps.
A redesigned exhaust gas recirculation system and electronic throttle tuning gave it cleaner emissions and a smoother feel at the pedal. Ford also beefed up internal parts to handle the constant starting and stopping that comes with hybrid driving.
The 2022 Escape PHEV Delivers Big Value for Used Buyers
According toEdmunds True Cost to Own Calculator, you can find a well-maintained 2022 Ford Escape PHEV for as little as $21,908. That’s for the base SE trim, which still comes nicely equipped for the price.
Standard features include dual-zone climate control, a 6.5-inch central LCD in the analog cluster, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen running Sync 3.0 with six speakers. You’ll also get cloth seats, a urethane steering wheel, and manual adjustments up front.
Step up to the SEL and the price starts around $23,279. That upgrade gets you sporty bucket seats with Ford’s leather-like ActiveX material, heated front seats, power adjustment for the driver, and a heated, more premium steering wheel.
The Titanium trim sits at the top of the lineup, but it’s surprisingly affordable at about $23,644 in good condition. This version adds a digital gauge cluster, ambient lighting, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror for a more upscale feel.
60.8 Cubic-Feet
34.4 Cubic-Feet
Up front, the Escape PHEV gives you 30 inches of headroom and a generous 42.4 inches of legroom—plenty of space to stretch out. In the back, passengers get 39.3 inches of headroom and nearly 39 inches of legroom, which is solid for a compact SUV.
Behind the rear seats, there’s 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for groceries, gear, or a stroller. Fold the rear bench flat, and that number jumps to 60.8 cubic feet, giving you tons of flexibility for road trips or weekend projects.
The Escape PHEV Might Be the Best Plug-in You’re Not Considering
The 2022 Ford Escape PHEV earned an impressive80 out of 100from J.D. Power overall. That includes solid marks for quality and reliability (81), resale value (82), and a respectable 76 for the driving experience.
Safety is another strong suit. Every Escape PHEV comes standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 system, which includes automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, and a rearview camera.
If you want the most safety tech packed in, the Titanium trim is your go-to. It adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, evasive steering assist, and even speed sign recognition for extra peace of mind.
Pros
Cons
The 2022 Escape PHEV earns afive-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, making it a solid choice for road-trippers and daily drivers alike. It scores four stars in both frontal crash and rollover tests, but nails a perfect five stars in the side-impact category.
Over atthe IIHS, it performs just as well, picking up mostly “Good” ratings across the board. That strong showing helped it earn a coveted Top Safety Pick designation—another reason it stands out in the plug-in SUV crowd.
