Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named Ford Escape Hybrid one of its “2009 Best New Family Vehicles.”

According to kbb.com, vehicles were chosen for this year’s list based on factors such as resale value, capability, kid-friendliness and fuel efficiency.

Kbb.com editors praised the Escape Hybrid for its improved – more powerful and more efficient – gas-electric powertrain and its fuel economy rating of 34 mpg in the city.

The Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet. It offers families value and versatility with five-passenger seating and plenty of storage capability.

Safe

Safety – the most important consideration for families – comes standard on the Escape Hybrid. All vehicles are equipped with a number of safety features, such as AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control®, Safety Canopy™, Personal Safety System®, tire pressure monitoring system and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seating positions.

Connected

In addition to SYNC, the Escape Hybrid offers family-friendly features such as SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel Link™.

Environmentally Friendly

The Escape Hybrid meets strict Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards. The 2009 model also features new comfort-designed seats with soy-based foam and eco-friendly seat fabrics made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials.

Quotes

"Not only is the Ford Escape Hybrid the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet, it also offers families the perfect combination of value and versatility. The Escape Hybrid offers the convenience and flexibility that many families need in an ultra fuel-efficient vehicle. You can fit five passengers plus a lot of cargo, such as sporting and camping equipment. It’s a fully functional SUV that happens to be a hybrid as well."
- David Finnegan, Ford Hybrid Marketing Manager

“After undergoing a major overhaul for the 2008 model year, the Ford Escape Hybrid is improved again for 2009 with a more powerful and more efficient gas-electric powertrain. Its fuel economy rating of 34 miles per gallon is even better than that of the Toyota Camry Hybrid.”
- Jack R. Nerad, Executive Editorial Director and Executive Market Analyst, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com