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Trying to be an earliest adopter? Frank

Lots of good info here. If I may point out two things... The C-max curve is shallower than the others; starts higher, ends lower. A shallower RLHP curve means lower aerodynamic losses. If the C-max is really a 0.30 Cd, the other cars have much higher drag coefficients. The Escape's estimate of 0.34 seems reasonable, while Toyota's estimate is not supported by this data. The RAV4 is a slightly smaller car, based on raw dimensions, and the 4000 lb. RLHP curves of Escape and RAV4 track in parallel. That's consistent with similar Cd, with an offset due to the difference in cross-sectional area. The best part is the lower weight Escape falls below the C-max curve from 30-60 MPH. There's hope for the slightly built... I'll be on the 4000 lb. curve the moment I get in. HAve fun, Frank

Ford's done something smart in my book; it looks like they made the plug-in with the same interior as the hybrid. C-max Energi owners will appreciate the lack of battery hump, and the price of using chassis space otherwise used by the rear drivetrain is reasonable when you appreciate that AWD hybrids have lower mileage than FWD. Ford expects the plug-in market to be more mileage-sensitive, perhaps? EV range is an important selling point for plug-ins. I have a 2020 Escape Hybrid AWD on order, so I might be biased. I looked at the RAV4 and it's too truck-like for me. I like Ford's AWD approach (100% can go F/R) and dislike Toyota's use of Ni-metal hydride batteries. I'm curious what they've done to raise the EPA mileage with the 2019 model year; the drivetrain specs are very similar to yours, but the mileage is similar to the Escape's. HAve fun, Frank

I'd be surprised if you could see a difference in mileage between Michelin ES/AS and Premier AS. I never saw a difference when switching to/from snow tires twice a year. Of course, mine's not a plug-in, so I was looking at trip mileages, not EV distance. Available data says there could be 1-1.5% difference, but likely not worth what you give up. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=237 Comparing user reviews, it's clear you have a better tire, if only based on snow performance (not a big factor for you, I suspect) Premier: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=GTAS Energy Saver: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=AS And I'm still recommending Michelin's CrossClimate+, which got my interest due to 3PMS rating, but which also seem to be one heck of a tire in all conditions!! Have fun, Frank

The car is built on a Focus platform, and my snows are on Ford 16x6 wheels that work well (same diameter) with a 215/60R16 tire. Any Ford 5-bolt wheel from that size and larger should fit, or you could use any FWD Ford 17x7" wheel... Frank

It's enough of an issue to generate a lot of interest in Ford's next-gen hybrid....

I'd be curious if they did any recall software updates on the repair order. Frank

Apparently, Ford suffers from something similar to VW disease, of the self-destructive variety. Frank

If you look real close, I have measurement bars and fiducial lines in place to measure wheelbase, length and height. The box contains the measurement from the image and the spec, so I can compare scale. The next three numbers are the ratio of the spec/measurement. Ideally, the three are equal, (they're not) and at the same value for all three cars (they're not). But they're close... I didn't match scale. The last number is the length of the profile image file, a measure of profile scale chosen to match the windshield-roofline contour. The C-Max looks a lot more like the Escape than the other two. No scale data here. What I see is a cargo/aero tradeoff; the squarer vehicle will have larger EPA cargo capacity. Aerodynamics comes at the price of how many boxes you can fit. HAve fun, Frank

Profiles with template.pdf In the FWIW department, here are profiles of the newest Escape, RAV4 and CR-V superimposed with a minimum drag car profile. The idea is that the closer a car is to the profile, the better its chances for low aerodynamic drag coefficient, Cd. I'd put Escape first, RAV4 last (roof is too flat). Paul, thanks for clarifying that the car you're testing is the most expensive FWD Escape Hybrid you can buy. Add $1500 for the max AWD price. Do you have the owner's' manual? Sounds like different algorithms.... HAve fun, Frank

First time I've seen an EV power of 88Kw published for the Escape, same as the C-max.

Not surprising, given the rolling acceleration... C&D found the Escape's 30-50 MPH is 20% better, telling me that Toyota has tuned the ICE operating point toward efficiency and sluggish throttle response while Ford has tuned it for drivability. Sounds familiar? http://www.winonarenewableenergy.com/uploads/5/3/6/7/5367335/why_c-max_and_fusion_hybrids_are_getting_low_mpgs_2_printed.pdf RAV4's HVB technology rules it out. HAve fun, Frank

That's a dresser on a cargo platform. There's another dresser in the car. Strollers not a problem. Frank PS You don't want a 2013 C-Max... unless it's already on its second transmission.

"1.6-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack"

FYI https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a29878756/2020-ford-escape-hybrid-vs-2019-toyota-rav4-hybrid/ Frank

The SEL has 225/60R18 tires (727 rev/mi.), Titanium has 225/55R19 (723 rev/mi.), a 0.5% difference. Frank

I have mats like those you link. It's funny you think they hold water... they spill water so the dirt is concentrated around the edges. Dark black ring... In the snow belt, you need what Weathertech calls "floor liners." I've learned.... Frank

Not an issue in the "old days" when FWD was a British peculiarity, but try to explain it to someone who can only afford two snow tires. Until they end up in a ditch, that is. Frank

Mine are just shy of 40K miles, and howl like a wheel bearing! The snow tires are much quieter. Rotation likely the issue, as I had a sidewall blow-out on the RF, so I kept the deeper-tread tire on the front. Average tread depth is +/-0.1mm across the original three, but the unrotated RR tire is noisy. Have fun, Frank

Michelin makes a P225/50R17 93V and a 225/50R17 94V tire. They both fit, but have different load ratings. You're fine going up in load rating. Frank

Lead-acid battery life varies depending where you live. Mine is now 7 years old and still original, but, I live in Rochester, in the peak-life region, and this battery is clearly outliving expectations. You live in Ft. Worth. You've gone through 3 batteries in 84 months, about 2 months short of expected life in very hot areas. Based on environment, there's not much you can do, just plan on looking at the battery every couple years. Then there's the aging characteristic. Reserve Capacity is likely more important to hybrid operation than CCA. More on this here: https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_heat_and_harsh_loading_reduces_battery_life I see you cross-posted... why? It just splits the discussion. frank

-23F, maybe. I've started cars at -30F, so you shouldn't think of 23 degree above zero as much of a stress on lead acid batteries. Frank

Regarding battery age effect, I still have the original battery, and there has been no increase in frequency of occurrence. Frank

Not long to wait... https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a29577360/ford-electric-crossover-release-date/ Frank

Hmmm... I've found the right steering wheel pad sometimes acts up. Get a text, and it reads fine, but you can't leave that display. The arrows don't take you in the direction you expect. I'll try the fuse; radio hasn't stayed on for a couple years(?). Have fun, Frank