I find it unlikely that the Vue 2-Mode will beat the Escape's 34 mpg city.

The Escape has much more power than a Prius and goes 0-60 under 10 seconds - not too far off a V6 escape, but that's way slower than the 7.3 I've seen quoted for the Vue 2 mode.

 

IIRC the vue weighs about 10% more than a escape hybrid, so I cant imagine it matching the escapes mpg. It seems like the correct answer is the 2.4 plus the two mode system. But... two mode is suppose to assist on the highway unlike other hybrids, maybe they plan on some 2.54 gears and turning 1500 rpm at 70 with the highway mode stepping in alot to assist. My wifes 3.6 in the Aura will try to pull from 1200 rpm in 4th, 5th and 6th. It actually has more pull in 6th at those rpms than I would had expected. VVT might be a part of this.

I too am STUMPED why the 5.3 isnt used in the trucks, yes the bigger motor has more torque, but why not compensate with lower gearing. I suspect the six speed would allow for use of the 5.3 in these applications, once again the highway mode should be assisting with additional torque.

 

AFM maybe allowing it to run on 3 cylinders?

 

any news on price?