Hi. I'm seriously thinking of purchasing an older model Escape AWD Hybrid. (2009-12) I live off-grid at 6000', 6 miles of mountain dirt road from pavement to cabin. I drive it twice a week minimum. Will a hybrid AWD hold up in that kind of environment. I also will encounter snow & mud at times. I'm thinking about the weight of the batteries and the jarring ride. Also, if I'm driving the dirt road at 15 mph I'd be in electric mode, do I have the power for driving up a mountain dirt road from 500' to 6000' in mud or snow. Thought I would see what Escape users say. I could always go regular engine with 4x4, but I thought the hybrid would be a nice alternative. I currently drive an older 4x4 truck & and an FWD pick-up.

 

I purchased an older 1st gen escape for the soul purpose of driving on the beach out here in ocean park wa. So having to deal with loose deep sand and sometimes muddy conditions i did the following to my escape...installed a 2 inch leveling lift kit to the suspension installed 1 inch spacers to the wheel hubs and installed 16 inch mud and snow tires on the stock rims...all items purchased from amazon...all in all im pleased with my escapes performance i know its not a full blown 4x4 but this thing is like a side by side atv on steroids

 

I just bought a 2005 as a project vehicle. Do you have photos of yours? And maybe links to the gear off Amazon? Thanks!

 

Agreed these Escapes aren't Wranglers or old school Broncos but still capable. I lifted mine as well, and run 32" off road Generals on stock 17" rims. Added 4" to clearance.

 

Thinking of lifting my 2012 Escape. Looking at the Old Man Emu setup, however, that is more of a leveling kit I believe. Can you share some pics and where did you get your lift kit. Just need some ideas. Thank you. 👍

 

I found mine on eBay. Here's links
Tema4x4 40mm Rear coil spacers for Ford ESCAPE MAVERICK Lift Kit | eBay
2001-2012 Escape Tribute Mariner 2WD/4WD Steel Front 2" Lift Kit | eBay
My mechanic got the replacement springs, then I had it re aligned when adding the 32" general Grabber tires.
These tires are great for street, snow, sand and dirt, but not so much for mud.
I've been running my Escape in Wharton State Forest, the Pinelands region of NJ. Been awesome and handles everything well. Surprisingly well balanced vehicle and the full time 4wd just never quits. I really think Ford didn't realize they had built such a capable vehicle. they were too focused on the "soccer mom" vehicle trend.