2022 Ford Escape ST-Line PHEV on sale from $53,440

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
• Sports suspension
• 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