Here’s the basics:
I need a small 4x4 that gets good MPGs, can haul 3 kids (in car-seats) my wife & I plus all our camping stuff up some moderate off-road trails back to rarely used camping spots as well as serve as my daily driver. I don't plan to take it bouldering or through 18" of mud. I do head up trails that leave stock subaru's crying at the bottom.

Is the Escape hybrid 4x4 up to the task?
Does it have 4-lo (we actually do need and use it on some of the trails)?
Has anyone actually taken one off-road? Please post proof of its capability.


If it is just designed to handle a light snow dusting, that's fine, too. I can't get any dealer to let me try one on the local trails for some reason...