I'm in the market for a new vehicle and the Escape is the car I've set my focus on. I have two choices either an SEL(Gasoline only) for $31000 or a Titanium Hybrid for $38000. That's a $7000 difference that I can use on gas (I drive an average of 25000KM per year). What are your thoughts? What should I go for? I really like the Hybrid because it has all the bells and whistles but I don't know if $7000 extra is worth it. Also, side question for Hybrid owners: How bad is the mileage during winter? We have brutal winters where I live and I heard the battery loses quite a bit of its efficiency. You may have already bought a vehicle, but in case you haven't, here's my two cents worth about the hybrid. I had a Prius for 11 years and loved it. Didn't like that the new one did not offer Android Auto, so I didn't look at the new Prius in 2020. I had had an Escape years ago and loved it, so returned to Ford and my new car was finally delivered on Dec 11, 2020. Now, not even 2 years later, my 2020 Escape Titanium Hybrid just had to have the starter battery installed for the second time, and the car is getting ready to turn 13,000 miles. The Covid pandemic and other reasons kept me from driving my usual 8,000/yr. I just learned this week that the Escape hybrid differs from the Prius charging system. The Escape starter battery charges from the alternator, whereas the Prius' regenerative braking system charged the starter battery and the hybrid battery. I've read in other forums that the starter battery is too small to handle all the computers and accessories. My dealership service guy suggested I get a Trickle charger, which I had never heard of, and use it, especially since I don't drive a lot during the winter. I've also had a lot of issues with the Sync system. The first 6 - months I had the car, I was at the dealership frequently. VERY frustrating. This week, the Check Engine light came on and the display screen stopped coming up when I started the car. Now, after a day of diagnostics, Ford is having to order 2 parts. I don't have their names, but fortunately I can still run the car until they come in and I can get the car back to the dealership. Luckily, it's still under warranty, but I fear what will happen when the initial warranty runs out. I really hope I have not bought a lemon. I bought an Extended Warranty, but it doesn't cover "maintenance" work, such as replacing the battery. I really love the car - it drives well and I think 40-43 mpg for a small SUV is good. It will definitely lose mpg during the winter, but only a couple of mpg here in North Carolina, if I remember correctly from last winter. Good luck to you! If my Escape lasts the 10 years I bought it for, I will not buy another Ford.
