The long-awaited Ford Escape PHEV has finally arrived in Australia, priced from $53,440 plus on-road costs – though a price rise is already slated for July 1.
Serving as Ford’s first of at least five electrified vehicles arriving in Australia before the end of 2024, the first Escape ST-Line PHEVs are being delivered to customers this month, following two years’ worth of delays.
Ford Australia has also confirmed that from July 1, 2022, the Escape ST-Line PHEV’s pricing will increase by $1000 to $54,440 before on-roads. When the current-generation Escape first launched in 2020, the PHEV was priced from $52,940.
Power in the Escape ST-Line PHEV comes from a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor and a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined power output is quoted at 167kW.
The Escape plug-in hybrid uses a CVT automatic and drives the front wheels exclusively.
Combined fuel consumption is rated at a frugal 1.5L/100km with an emissions rating of 33g/km of CO2. Ford claims an electric driving range “in excess of 50 kilometres” per charge.
Plug-in rivals include the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid Exceed ($53,990), the MG HS Plus EV Essence ($48,990 drive-away), and the soon-to-be replaced Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid Sport ($50,490). You could also pit the Escape PHEV against the non-plug-in Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD Hybrid ($52,700).
Being based on the ST-Line specification, the plug-in Escape gets:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- LED fog lights
- LED tail lights
- ST-Line exterior styling
- ST-Line exterior styling
- Paddle shifters
- Alloy pedals
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired)
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless phone charging
- DAB+ digital radio
- FordPass Connect services
- Six-speaker sound system
- Ambient lighting
- Privacy glass
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lamps
- Keyless entry and start
- Remote start
ST-Line PHEV extras include:
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- 10-speaker premium sound system
- Partial leather upholstery
Options
ST-Line Pack – $1950
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Head-up display
- Heated front seats
- Power tailgate
Park Pack – $1500
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Front camera
- Door edge guards
Prestige paint – $675
2022 Ford Escape pricing
- Ford Escape FWD: $36,490
- Ford Escape ST-Line FWD: $38,490
- Ford Escape ST-Line AWD: $41,490
- Ford Escape Vignale FWD: $47,090
- Ford Escape Vignale AWD: $50,090
- Ford Escape ST-Line PHEV FWD: $53,440*
*Escape ST-Line PHEV price will increase to $54,440 from July 1, 2022
Prices exclude on-road costs
MORE: Everything Ford Escape
