Do you feel a sense of déjà vu? No, you haven’t traveled back in time to the early 2010s. While this website’s design might evoke memories of the Obama era, it’s indeed the present day, and we’re behind the wheel of a vehicle that feels like a blast from the past – a 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid Taxi.
This isn’t just any used car; it’s a retired New York City taxi, fresh off the streets after clocking over 400,000 miles on its original hybrid powertrain. Stripped of its taxi meter and roof medallion, this veteran vehicle is remarkably close to its working condition when Ford took possession of it.
Ford presented this high-mileage hybrid as a marketing initiative, aiming to demonstrate the long-term reliability of their hybrid technology to journalists and the public. Initially skeptical, after spending time with this taxi, we’ve become believers in its durability.
Driving a Taxi with Moon Miles: Experience and Initial Impressions
This isn’t your typical car review. Assessing the fit and finish of a vehicle that has endured years of relentless use as a New York City taxi is an unusual task. Driven by countless drivers and carrying a diverse range of passengers for nearly seven years, this Escape Hybrid has traveled a distance equivalent to a trip to the moon and a significant portion of the return journey. The interior shows its age, with evidence of taxi equipment installations leaving holes in the dashboard, a malfunctioning power window on the driver’s side, and a sun visor prone to drooping.
Inside and Out: Assessing the Wear and Tear
The seats, both front and rear, bear the marks of heavy use. Black vinyl covers on the split-folding rear bench are reinforced with duct tape on the street side, showcasing a pragmatic approach to repairs. The front seats are similarly worn; the driver’s seat vinyl could benefit from more duct tape, while the cloth on the passenger seat and driver’s seatback appears beyond restorative cleaning. The rubberized flooring, designed for easy cleaning, is worn down from the constant foot traffic of Manhattan riders.
Surprisingly, the exterior appears much better than the interior, considering its history. Minor color mismatches, particularly on the driver’s side front quarter panel, are noticeable, but these are likely attributable to the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission’s repair standards rather than Ford’s original manufacturing. A hole remains on the hood, a reminder of the now-removed taxi medallion.
For anyone familiar with New York City taxis, the condition is unsurprising. Passengers expect functionality, not luxury. While our reviewer’s daughters were initially excited about a ride in a real NYC taxi, the reality of a well-used cab quickly changed their minds, preferring the school bus over this hybrid taxi.
Hybrid Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Still Going Strong?
Despite its age and mileage, this is still a hybrid vehicle. When new, the EPA estimated fuel economy at 34 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. These figures seem believable even now. Data from Fuelly indicates that Escape Hybrids with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieve around 31.0 mpg over their lifespan, demonstrating consistent fuel efficiency.
Reports suggest that this 2012 Escape Hybrid is not an isolated case of durability. Reaching half a million miles or more is not uncommon for these hybrid taxis, highlighting the robustness of the powertrain.
The drivetrain in this heavily used Escape Hybrid performs admirably. While the engine noise can be somewhat rough when the gasoline engine engages, the transitions between electric and gasoline power are smooth. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) lacks the drawbacks often associated with CVTs; initially, it felt like a traditional automatic transmission. Power delivery is adequate, with sufficient low-end torque for city driving and passing maneuvers.
The suspension, likely serviced before being provided for review, showed no signs of typical wear and tear noises like clunks or rattles. Steering and handling were surprisingly composed for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Ignoring the cosmetic wear and tear, the only noticeable indication of its age was some noise potentially from the catalytic converter area when the gasoline engine started.
More Than Just One Taxi: Durability Confirmed
This review, while centered on a single vehicle, points to a broader trend. The consistent performance and longevity of the Ford Escape Hybrid in demanding taxi service suggest inherent durability in its design and engineering. The high mileage achieved by this and similar vehicles is not simply luck but rather a testament to the robust hybrid system.
The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid: A Worthy Successor?
Ford’s public relations effort with this veteran taxi is clearly intended to promote the new 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. Early reviews of the 2020 model have been positive, and if the new version maintains the reliability of its predecessor, it presents a compelling value proposition.
The 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid Taxi, in its signature School Bus Yellow, had an MSRP of $32,940 in 2012 (including delivery). Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $37,398.70 today. The 2020 Escape Hybrid, in a lightly optioned configuration, starts at a lower price of $30,095.
While you might not get it in taxi yellow, the new Ford Escape Hybrid appears to be a worthy successor, potentially offering similar long-term reliability and improved features at a competitive price. For those considering a hybrid SUV, the Ford Escape Hybrid, based on the impressive durability of its earlier models, deserves serious consideration.
