I’m a hunter and use my car to get to hunting spots, carry gear, and transport game. Back in June, I bought a used 2021 Escape PHEV with 70,000 km on it for under $30,000 CAD. It seemed like a good deal.
I wanted a hybrid SUV that could be recharged. After comparing options like a Subaru or a RAV4, I leaned towards Ford since I’ve been driving Escapes for years, and I was told the extra battery weight would help with traction. Other factors, like budget and security concerns (the RAV4 is often stolen where I live), pushed me to go with the Escape.
At first, I loved the car. But last weekend, while heading to hunt geese, I drove down a farmer’s road alongside a recently plowed cornfield and got stuck in a small rut that I didn’t think twice about crossing. The farmer had to pull me out with his tractor. The week before, I struggled to climb a grassy hill to get back on the road.
Now I’m wondering if I made the wrong choice. Should I sell it and get an SUV with better traction?
Only you know what you need. How often do you end up in situations like that? Have you tried the different drive modes, like slippery? Would it make sense to invest in off-road tyres?
AWD would’ve been useful if you often go off-road. I wish AWD was an option for the Escape PHEV, like it is with the Lincoln version. It’s a common complaint.
Traction aside, the new Escapes have lower ground clearance. For the PHEV, it’s partly because of the battery. I used to drive a 2005 Mazda Tribute (basically the older boxy Escape) and could do forest roads. With my 2022 PHEV, I avoid them. For mountain hikes, I rely on a friend’s 4WD truck.
Tatum said:
We used to take a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville for hunting. It’s a low car, and we had to manage steep hills. We made it work.
Hey, I had a 1995 SSEi back in the day. Great car until maintenance became too much. For the person who posted this, they should’ve gone for an AWD. I wouldn’t take my Escape off pavement.
@Jocelyn
A friend of mine had a supercharged Bonneville too, and it racked up tons of mileage. Ours was sold at 181k km and was still running great until the new owners neglected it. Such a shame.
Only you can decide what works for you, but I’ve taken my Escape PHEV on rough trails, and it did better than I expected. Just make sure to get proper tyres for winter.
I’m in a similar spot. Wanted the RAV4, but my partner made the call for the Escape. Thinking of getting a used beater with AWD for those tricky situations. Or maybe I’ll add a hitch and carry a dirt bike.
Josie said:
If you’re keeping it, consider buying traction ramps or even a mini winch. I’m definitely avoiding anything worse than dirt roads with mine.
The Escape PHEV is more for everyday use, not off-road adventures. If you’re serious about off-roading, look at trucks or Jeeps. For what it’s worth, we love our Escape PHEV. Sorry you got stuck.
