I purchased a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD when they were first available (Gotta love the dealer backlog) & haven't regretted it for a single day. I love my Escape & will absolutely purchase a new one when the time has come to "Upgrade". I now have just over 130,000 miles on it & haven't had to replace or repair anything except for the passenger Tie-rod & regular maintenance items such as filters, spark plugs, fluids, brake pads, & tires. Which is phenominal in my opinion considering that I tow with it, I've taken it off-road many times & through some really rough mountainous back-roads in Virginia several times.
I've had no problems in the winter, although gas mileage drops more than I expected when it's cold. My 4WD averages up to 28-40 MPG in summer depending on road conditions & driving habits. Winter is 20-25 MPG depending on temperature, use of the windsheild Defogger, road condition, & driving habits. I've found that fuel quality is also a factor. Despite Ford's recommendation for regular fuel only, I stick w/ quality Mid-grade or premium for the most miles to my $. I also successfully practice a few "efficiency driving habits" that I've found on other forums to help w/ the hybrid battery charging, regenerative braking, etc, all intended to increase efficiency even further.
It handles great in the snow & I've easily (yet carefully) driven through deep road slush & snow drifts as high as 2+ feet without incident. I've never personally had any traction issues w/ the original "Ecomony" tires which are designed for greater efficiency. And they lasted me over 80,000 miles if I remember correctly. However many forum-goers have complained of traction & noise disappointments w/ the original tires compared to more expensive replacement tires. Although those upgraded & more expensive tires negatively affected the Escape's "MPG".
Additionally, despite Ford's recommendation to not tow with the Escape Hybrid, I installed an after-market towing package 3 or 4 years ago & have been VERY impressed with my hybrid's towing capability, handling, & performance. I've been towing light trailers (Flat-bed w/ (2) large Quads) & 16-18 foot boats ever since without ANY disappointment. Plus I get personal satisfaction when on-lookers are shocked that a "Hybrid" is capable of pulling these boats out of steep boat launch ramps.
Lastly, when it comes to maintenance, I completely maintain my own vehicles. I was very happy to learn that, although a hybrid, 99% of the maintenance is exactly the same as a standard non-hybrid vehicle. Brakes, engine maintenance, tune-ups, etc. The SINGLE most tricky part is ensuring that the Dealers give you the correct "Hybrid" parts. I've learned that there are very minor differences in many of the parts between a 2005 V-6 Escape & a 2005 Escape Hybrid. Such as filters, tie-rods, brake pads, & rotors as an example. so getting the right part is critical.
Anyway, sorry for the lengthy response. All said & done, I absolutely recommend the Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD to ANYBODY that doesn't require any excessively heavy towing. Hands-down the best vehicle I've ever owned (besides my '86 Mustang)
& would definitely purchase another one.