What’s the downside?
Mostly, it’s a matter of getting used to the gas engine cutting out to save fuel when you sit at a traffic light or intersection. You only need the electric motor to get started, but it takes a while to train your brain to this.

How does an Escape Hybrid differ from the basic Escape?
This Escape model is a full hybrid, meaning that it can run on either its 2.3 liter gas engine, the electric traction motor, or both.

Photos: © Dan Lyons 2004