Interesting story on front page of Yahoo about a joint effort to make hybrid pickups and SUV's as a partnership effort. That my be the reason for them (Ford) not continuing the Escape hybrid after 2012.

 

If you look at the so-called new generation Escape for 2013, it isn't even Escape-like! I think the Escape is a gonner.

 

The current Escape model/style/version SHOULD be GONNER IMMHO...!

The Toyota Venza should be (IS..??) the model for the new one.

On the other hand I have seen no indication that the Escape's replacement will not have a hybrid version.

 

I can't recall where I read it, but the 2013 (based on a Ford C-platform, I believe) won't have Hybrid. It will use the Ecoboost. I have seen 1.7L and 2.0L as the engine offerings.

 

In today's world of rising fuel prices, why would anyone want to move from a Ford SUV/Crossover product to a Toyota product, pay thousands more upfornt and get worse fuel mileage.

 

I ran across this link in another forum: http://autoten.com/2011/03/12/2013-f...d-information/ and it states that there will be a Hybrid. The last picture of the covered up vehicle doesn't look like the ones above it.

 

I think they mean that the "next gen hybrid" will offer start/stop and a larger battery, plus regenerative braking to store power. This means that the 2013 will have auto stop/start, but not a hybrid powertrain like the 2012. No EV mode at all. That was my understanding of the article.

 

No. From what I read EV mode is still there because the future hybrid still have large battery and specifically regenerating braking which is key to full hybrid.

 

I suppose time will tell, but that is not my understanding.

 

Ford Escape article appearing in the Detroit News.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20111...ficient-Escape