Is the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid using pretty much the same technology as the Prius? I heard Toyota is leasing their technology to Ford for this purpose. Some truth, insight, and/or links to prior postings on the subject would all be highly appreciated. because if you need a 4WD car, why not get the Hybrid Ford Escape?
When I purched my Prius in October 2005 the sales person told me that Toyota sold the 1st generation tecnology to Ford. Joe
I haven't read up on this for a long time so this is worth what you've paid for it My understanding of the Escape Hybrid is that Ford developed all the technology in house. When they finished it all up they realized that some of their tech would violate Toyota patents. They then worked with Toyota to license portions of the Synergy drive system for use on their car. The Escape system has a lot of differences with Toyota's, but also some similarities. Someone on PChat drove an escape awhile back and wrote a review about it. Try searching to see what you can find.
I may have written a review here on the 05 Escape Hybrid (should be in the same thread as the 05 Accord Hybrid). I've yet to write up a review of the 08 Escape Hybrid that I test drove last month.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbullard @ Jun 5 2007, 12:01 PM) [snapback]455764[/snapback]</div> First, the Escape is not a "car". Looking beyond that, you'll want to note that the Ford 4WD hybrid system is quite different from what Toyota/Lexus offers. From Ford, you get a traditional differential setup that shunts thrust via a driveshaft to the rear tires. With HSD, you get an additional electric motor. All power to the rear wheels comes from that. Literally, the only connection to the rest of the system is a wire. It's pretty cool.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbullard @ Jun 5 2007, 12:01 PM) [snapback]455764[/snapback]</div> A friend at work just picked up an 08 Escape Hybrid. It would appear to be using technology similar to Toyota's original Prius. For example, the engine needs to be running to use the AC, and the information screens in his MFD look spookily like first generation prius screens. He was a bit shocked when i took him for a ride in the Prius...
I saw a new Ford Escape in the parking lot at work today. Hmm, that's two hybrids now. However, my Prius is better They did get a white Escape, though, so they have SOME taste
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Jun 5 2007, 08:35 PM) [snapback]456184[/snapback]</div> Whoa! I've been studying a lot about the Prius and this is the first mention of power going to the rear wheels?? I was under the impression that the Prius is a front-wheel drive vehicle only :blink:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(telstar @ Aug 1 2007, 05:24 PM) [snapback]488955[/snapback]</div> If you read John's comments in the context of the discussion, you'd realize that he was referring to the hybrid 4WD system used on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Lexus Rx400h.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Jun 5 2007, 09:35 PM) [snapback]456184[/snapback]</div> Cool, but I've always wondered how well the Highlander system worked under a long demand with a low charge? Likely, no difference, but the Escape was called the more capable hybrid offroad, in a review posted here awhile ago. It's been awhile since I've actually looked at an article about it, but that's how I recall it. The deal between the two involved a patent swap. Ford got the hybrid stuff, and Toyota got diesel and/or emmission tech. Emission controls for diesels? The Tundra diesel coming out may have some powerstroke parentage in it.
