2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Escaping frequent fill ups. By Larry Edsall, New Car Test Drive .com

The Ford Escape is the best-selling compact sport utility vehicle in the United States. Now it's available in a hybrid version. And, no, you don't have to plug it in.

What is a hybrid? It's a vehicle that draws power from the combination of a traditional gasoline engine and an electric motor and special battery pack. The Escape Hybrid is the first such SUV available in the United States, and also the first hybrid with available all-wheel drive and 1000 pounds of towing capacity, and allows buyers to enjoy the benefits of a small SUV while greatly enhancing fuel economy and lowering emissions.

By combing a four-cylinder gasoline engine with the boost from the electric power pack, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid provides acceleration much like the regular Escape equipped with an optional V6 engine, but the Hybrid returns twice the fuel economy in city driving and nearly double on the highway.

Many people are pleasantly surprised to learn that hybrid vehicles such as the Escape never have to be plugged into any sort of electrical outlet. The vehicle's battery pack is automatically recharged by the gasoline engine and by regenerative braking, technology that takes the otherwise wasted energy generated by braking and sends it to the battery pack.

There is a price premium that must be paid for equipping a car with a hybrid powertrain, but there also are federal and perhaps even state or local tax benefits available to help offset that cost.

The Escape Hybrid is available with front-wheel drive ($26,380) and all-wheel drive ($28,005). It comes in one well-equipped trim level. Options include leather seating, upgraded audio equipment, side-curtain airbags and a navigation system.

For comparison, the standard two-wheel-drive Escape with a four-cylinder engine has a base price of $19,265 and the top of the line, all-wheel-drive version with a V6 engine starts at $26,365, about the same price as the two-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid that provides similar acceleration and perhaps even better overall dynamic performance.

The most expensive option on the Escape Hybrid is the Energy, Audiophile and Navigation system package ($1,850) that includes an upgraded Audiophile audio system, CD-based satellite navigation and a display on the nav screen that illustrates instant and recent fuel economy and the way energy flows between the gasoline engine, electric motor, battery pack and wheels.

If you're among those who want a hybrid, you likely will opt for this package because it graphically and immediately demonstrates the benefits you derive from the technology. By paying some attention to the graphs, you'll find yourself becoming an even more environmentally friendly and fiscally efficient motorist.

A safety package ($595) includes side-curtain airbags that cover all seating areas as well as side airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger. Such airbags can provide life-saving protection in a collision.

Other options are a leather comfort group ($575), an appearance package ($625) with front and side fascias, Ford's MACH audio with 6-disc changer ($565), a 110-volt AC power outlet ($110), a retractable rear cargo cover ($75) and rear carpeted floor mats ($25).

The 110-volt AC power outlet can be a practical option, whether you plan to tailgate or camp, or might want to plug in an air compressor or other equipment. Many accessories from Ford dealers or aftermarket companies are available for the standard Escape and they also fit the Escape Hybrid.