2009 Ford Escape: Road Test
2009 Ford Escape ▼
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- MSRP: $20,435 - $33,725
- Invoice: $19,245 - $31,135
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Our road test for the 2009 Ford Escape includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Ford Escape from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Ford Escape, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Ford Escape help you decide if a 2009 Ford Escape is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
The 240-hp V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission make for a more responsive compact SUV compared to the old 200-hp V6/4-speed automatic combo. The transmission is the highlight of this powertrain, providing smooth upshifts and snappy downshifts when needed.
The 2009 Hybrid, with its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine, provides stronger acceleration than previous Escape Hybrid models. The CVT does its best to keep the engine in the strongest part of its power band. Passing response is not strong, especially impressive above 60 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD V6 Escape averaged 20.0 mpg in driving slightly biased towards highway use. Similar Mercury Mariner AWD 4-cylinder averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving over the course of its 4802-mile extended-use evaluation.
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Escape Hybrid averaged 24.5 mpg in a test that included driving mostly in hot weather where the air conditioner was on. Engaging the AC prevents the hybrid system from shutting off the gas engine. An AWD Hybrid averaged 25.9 mpg in sub-zero weather that also prevented engine shut off. Another AWD Hybrid averaged 28.2 mpg in mild weather, where the hybrid system regularly shut off the gas engine.
All Escapes use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Pleasant, given the age of its basic design. Bumps are heard more than they're felt. Some float is noticeable at highway speeds, but it's not bothersome.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Body lean in turns is well controlled. The steering feels overboosted and numb, especially at low speeds. A tidy turning radius helps in low-speed maneuvering. Hybrid's braking intermittently touchy at low speeds.
QUIETNESS
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
The V6 engine is smoother and quieter than the conventional or hybrid 4-cylinder. The 4-cylinder is especially loud and crude sounding. All Escape engines trail rival 4- and 6-cylinder engines for overall refinement. Wind and road noise are present but are not in significant quantity to be overly bothersome.
CONTROLS
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
The climate controls are simple to use. The navigation system absorbs most audio controls. It complicates some functions by requiring multiple button and/or touch-screen presses for some simple tasks. Redundant steering-wheel buttons and voice programming via Ford's Sync system help.
DETAILS
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Disappointing overall. Escape's interior imparts a low-buck atmosphere with lots of hard plastic trim and odd panel textures.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
While the optional sunroof cuts into headroom a bit, most adults should find more than adequate headroom. Legroom is good for most adults, though taller riders would benefit from longer seat tracks. The seats themselves are comfortably supportive. Visibility is very good in all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Another Escape strong point. Knee and foot space are ample, aided by a flat floor. Three adults will fit for short trips on the nicely shaped rear bench. Entry and exit are hampered a bit by narrow door openings.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
A low, level load deck and opening tailgate glass make for handy cargo loading and hauling. Rear seatbacks do fold flat, but require multiple, inconvenient steps to do so. Cabin small-item storage includes several bins, cubbies, and map pockets in all four doors.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
Ford's compact crossover has its strengths, including an excellent 6-speed automatic transmission, comfortable passenger accommodations, and the availability of a gas/electric hybrid model. Escape suffers from crude-sounding engines, low-rent cabin appointments, and a basic design that's nearly a decade old. Don't outright dismiss it, but check out Escape's competitors first.
Total Score
| AWD XLT V6 | AWD Limited V6 | 2WD Hybrid Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 60.9 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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