“Were it me buying the Maverick, I’d opt for the ordinary 2.0 L turbo 4, as it’s the highest horsepower of all the offerings and it’s a proven engine.”
The hybrid can come with that same engine but as I just read not in 4WD.
Hybrid uses the 2.5L non-turbo “Atkinson-cycle” 4 cylinder.
The 2.5 has 162 hp, but when combined with the electric drive motors, totals 191. Torque for the 2.5 is only 155, but with the added electric motors, you can add 173 for a total of 328 lb-ft.
The 2.0 ecoboost turbo has 250 hp, and 277 lb-ft of torque.
The 2.0 Ecoboost is designed to operate over a wider RPM band, whereas the 2.5 that is included with the hybrid is a design that has a narrower power band, but good efficiency. It matches nicely with the continuously variable transmission, whereas the 2.0 has an 8 speed auto.
I think the Escape offers a plug-in electric/hybrid that is a good compromise for commuters that take a trip from time to time.