While the folks at Ford were among the first to introduce both V-6 and gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains to the compact SUV category, no car company can afford to rest on its laurels in this highly competitive segment. Which explains the long list of significant improvements found in the 2009 Ford Escape.
Some of the biggest changes are under the hood, including a larger and more powerful 171-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an available 3.0-liter V-6 that now pumps out 40 additional horsepower. Not surprisingly, performance is noticeably improved for gasoline-powered models and there’s even a slight bump in fuel economy to boot. Changes to Escape Hybrid’s powertrain damping and regenerative braking systems also help smooth out much of the choppiness found in the previous model.
Inside, the Escape still lacks the cramped third-row seat found in several competitors. While that’s not a particularly great loss, so-so leg room for second-row passengers puts it at a disadvantage for buyers looking to take a load of older teens or adults along for the ride. On the upside, Ford’s hands-free SYNC system and a new touch-screen navigation system with Sirius Travel Link service that can, among other neat tricks, find the cheapest gas prices along your route are both gee-whiz options that can’t be had elsewhere.
Put it all together and you’ve got a decent little SUV that is a significant improvement over previous generations.
Strengths:
More powerful engines for 2009
Hybrid version offers up to 34 mpg
Improved ride and handling
Weaknesses:
Behind all these tweaks is a dated design
Rear seat not as comfortable as some
Still lags behind the best small SUVs on the road
Bottom Line:
With more power, improved fuel economy, better handling, and a couple of cutting-edge options, this is the best Escape yet.
3.0-liter V-6 engine
Four-wheel drive system
17-inch alloy wheels
Towing package
Navigation system
Rear seat DVD video entertainment system
Premium 320-watt audio system with 7 speakers
Safety features
/*Antilock Brakes:*/ Standard /*Brake Assist:*/ Standard /*Electronic Stability Control:*/ Standard /*Traction Control:*/ Standard /*Multistage Front Airbags:*/ Standard /*Side-Impact Airbags:*/ Standard /*Side-Curtain Airbags:*/ Standard /*Active Front Head Restraints:*/ Not available /*Height Adjustable Shoulder Belts:*/ Standard /*Safety Belt Pretensioners:*/ Standard /*Center Rear Shoulder Belt:*/ Standard /*Childproof Rear Door Locks:*/ Standard /*Daytime Running Lights:*/ Not available /*Tire Pressure Monitor:*/ Standard
Standard features
/*XLS:*/
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
Five-speed manual transmission
16-inch alloy wheels
Variable-intermittent windshield wipers
Power-adjustable outside mirrors
Rear window wiper/washer
Rear window defroster
Air conditioning
Cloth upholstery
60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks
Cruise control
Power windows
Power door locks
Tilt-adjustable steering column
AM/FM/CD stereo
Auxiliary audio input jack
/*XLT adds:*/
Six-speed automatic transmission
Front foglights
Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Keyless entry
Outside temperature display
Floor mats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Satellite radio
/*Limited adds:*/
Leather upholstery
Six-disc CD changer
Sync hands-free communication system
/*Hybrid Base:*/
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine/hybrid powertrain
Continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT)
Cloth upholstery
Automatic climate control
Steering wheel audio controls
Sync hands-free communication system
/*Hybrid Limited adds:*/
Power sunroof
Rear ultrasonic parking assist
Leather upholstery
Keyless entry
Six-disc CD changer
Warranty
/*Bumper-to-bumper:*/ 3 years/36,000 miles /*Powertrain:*/ 5 years/60,000 miles /*Corrosion:*/ 5 years/ unlimited miles /*Roadside Assistance:*/ 5 years/60,000 miles
