Unless you've got a jones for leafy badges, the exterior styling of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is a secondary reason for your purchase. From a distance, you will look like most any other SUV hog on the road.

Point is, the look of the Escape Hybrid is just like the regular Escape; pleasing to view, not weird or strange. It looks like what it is - a comfortable SUV that gets the job done and looks nice doing it. Minor changes include that leafy insignia, an air vent in the D-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle, and 16-inch wheels with exposed lug nuts. There's also an appearance package, should you need the attention, which offers silver body-cladding and bright trim.

Design changes to the 2005 Ford Escape lineup include a new face with jeweled headlights, and an updated interior that improves on the Escape's reputation as a capable, comfortable SUV. Cloth material for the seats is standard, comfortable and has a feel of durability - there is also a leather option package available. The spare tire has been moved from the inside to the outside, under the floor. Differences between the regular Escape and the Escape Hybrid are few and mainly found in the instrument cluster. The hybrid model has gauges designed to report on the hybrid powertrain, and the optional navigation screen - a 4-inch liquid-crystal setup - includes a visual display of fuel use and the operating status of the system.

It makes you feel like Flash Gordon, too - an added bonus.
Closer to Earth, there is seating for five and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The battery pack is under the rear load floor, and it barely reduces cargo room because it's thin. Ford's tape measures indicate that there is 27 cubic feet of available cargo space with five people in the car, which means that there is room for groceries, golf bags and the other things we need to stow in back.