Ford Escape Hybrid and PHEV Luggage Test: How much fits in the cargo area?

Technically, this is a luggage test of the Escape Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid since they both have the same 34.4 cubic-foot cargo number, versus the 37.5 cubic-feet of the gas-only version I previously luggage tested. However, I'm going to make this the new standard bearer for the entire Escape lineup. The 2 extra inches of height you get with the gas-only Escape doesn't seem to make a lick of difference considering the overall results did not get worse. If anything, they got a bit better since I made a few more Tetris attempts this time. Furthermore, I was able to sample a key cargo area element I couldn't before, and I tried my best to fit my bonus-item 38-quart cooler aboard since it so easily fits in the Escape's competitors.

In short, it doesn't seem to matter if you get a hybrid (you even keep the spare tire) and I did a more complete job this time around. In the end, though, the conclusion is the same: The Escape has the third-smallest cargo area of a non-luxury compact SUV I've tested. Only the Dodge Hornet and Jeep Compass have held less. But it does have some things going for it.

Here is the cargo area of the Escape PHEV. Again, its official number is 34.4 cubic-feet, but I have a strong suspicion given my findings of both tests that volume was measured with the 60/40-split back seat slid all the way forward. You'll see the proof later.

The Escape has a dual-level cargo floor, but the height difference is minuscule compared to others in the segment. The gap gets even smaller with the hybrid/PHEV. It was surprisingly difficult to fit the cargo floor between that nubbin and the foam tool holder below. You can actually see the floor touching that nubbin. By contrast, it does not in the regular Escape (the second/right picture above), illustrating the admittedly subtle height differences.

All pictures below are with the floor at the higher level. I did one attempt with the floor lowered and it made absolutely no difference, so I skipped the rest.

As with every Luggage Test, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).

Quite simply, I did a much better job loading my bags in the Escape this time. I'll blame the fact it was September 2020 and I had a month-old infant at home during a pandemic.

The bags fit much better in this formation (the original had the fancy bag up high blocking most of the view).

That said, the smaller roller is obviously awkwardly placed, and there's virtually no room leftover. All the Escape's competitors have abundant room left over.

This would be my proof that the Escape's official volume figure is achieved by sliding the back seat fully forward. A total of 34.4 cubic-feet should make it only a little smaller than a CR-V Hybrid, but as you can see in the side-by-side photos above, the results aren't even close.

OK, so let's talk about that sliding seat.

Here is the regular Escape with the exact same bags and the back seat slid all the way forward this time. Looks a lot more like the CR-V, doesn't it?

I wasn't using the cooler back then, but it absolutely would've fit, as it does in the CR-V with room to spare.

However, the trouble with using the sliding back seat is that you seriously reduce back seat legroom. No one can sit behind me with the driver seat all the way back (there's not exactly a wealth of legroom upfront, either). You either have to have an especially short driver, an especially generous front passenger OR (!) utilize the 60/40-split.