I am leaning towards the Hybrid myself. im not sure I want to spend $1,000+ to upgrade my engine and then have to turn around and put premium gas in it. That is a double whammy to the pocket book. I don’t really think I will need the power. If I do any towing at all, it would be very light duty. Maybe small trailer with trash or landscaping equipment.
I can’t find anywhere if Ford also recommends premium im gas for the 2.5L hybrid set up?
I have a 2020 Escape Hybrid with the same engine (slightly different electric motors). In the owner's manual:
"Your vehicle is designed to operate on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. Some fuel stations, particularly those in high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels could result in engine damage that will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer."
I have noticed in my hybrid that 1) putting in non-ethanol or premium fuel, the engine runs smoother when it kicks on, 2) putting in non-ethanol or premium fuel, my performance is better (engine is peppier), 3) putting in non-ethanol or premium fuel the engine, I get at least an extra 5 MPG on my commute back and forth to work. I tried regular, regular at top tier, premium, plus, and ethanol free. I am trying to hit Top Tier gas stations, and run premium when I can't find regular ethanol free. YMMV.