Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2009 Ford Escape Full Review
Date Published: 5/02/08
Also in the 2009 Ford Escape Review:
5.
6.
Ford Escape Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Ford Escape Review
The 2009 Ford Escape should receive more power following its freshening for the 2008 model year. This compact SUV is a five-passenger, 4-door wagon that includes a liftgate with opening glass. 4-cylinder models have a 171-hp 2.5-liter engine. V6 versions have a 240-hp 3.0-liter engine. Compared to the 2008 Escape, that's an increase of 18 hp in the 4-cylinder and 40 hp in the V6. The 4-cylinder engine is available with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, the V6 with a 6-speed automatic only. A gas/electric Hybrid model is available. It teams a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Power numbers for the 2009 Escape Hybrid are not yet available, but it should see an increase compared to 2008 models. Towing capacity for 4-cylinder models is 1500 lb. V6 models can tow up to 3500 lb. The Escape is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Traction control and an antiskid system are standard on all Escapes except the Hybrid, where they are unavailable. Also available are leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system. Escape shares its basic design with the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Ford Escape.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Ford Escape Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Automatic transmission performance (CVT) | Fuel economy (V6) |
| Fuel economy (Hybrid) | Interior materials |
| Rear seat room/comfort | Ride/handling |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No opportunity yet to drive a non-hybrid 4-cylinder model. With the V6, Escape moves with acceptable vigor, though the transmission can be slow to downshift for passing or merging. Escape Hybrid seldom feels underpowered, delivering good around-town response and decent enough highway merging, all with the help of the unobtrusive CVT. Our test Escape Hybrid ran exclusively on electric power under gentle acceleration up to about 30 mph as long as the air conditioner was not on.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4.9 |
No opportunity yet to drive a non-hybrid 4-cylinder model. With the V6, Escape moves with acceptable vigor, though the transmission can be slow to downshift for passing or merging. Escape Hybrid seldom feels underpowered, delivering good around-town response and decent enough highway merging, all with the help of the unobtrusive CVT. Our test Escape Hybrid ran exclusively on electric power under gentle acceleration up to about 30 mph as long as the air conditioner was not on.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD Limited averaged just 17.6 mpg. Far more frugal, our test 2WD Hybrid managed an impressive 31.2 mpg. All Escapes use regular-grade gas.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 4 | 9 | 5.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD Limited averaged just 17.6 mpg. Far more frugal, our test 2WD Hybrid managed an impressive 31.2 mpg. All Escapes use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Escape is reasonably comfortable for the most part. However, it suffers from a crude feel that reveals the nearly 10-year-old age of its basic design. Pavement imperfections reveal an unsophisticated suspension that allows big bumps and sharp ridges to register with a jolt.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Escape is reasonably comfortable for the most part. However, it suffers from a crude feel that reveals the nearly 10-year-old age of its basic design. Pavement imperfections reveal an unsophisticated suspension that allows big bumps and sharp ridges to register with a jolt.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Competent in gentle driving, but quick changes of direction show the steering to be slow and imprecise and trigger debilitating noseplow. The Hybrid's hard tires, which are designed for maximum fuel economy, squeal loudly in even modest cornering.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Competent in gentle driving, but quick changes of direction show the steering to be slow and imprecise and trigger debilitating noseplow. The Hybrid's hard tires, which are designed for maximum fuel economy, squeal loudly in even modest cornering.
Quietness
Coarse pavement sets up intrusive roar from the tires and suspension. Wind noise isn't well muffled, and our test Hybrid example suffered an annoying wind leak around the driver's window. All Escape and Mariner engines emit an unpleasant growl during rapid acceleration, a sound made worse by the tendency of the Hybrid's CVT to allow the engine to stay at high rpm for long periods. Mercury Mariner has additional sound insulation and is notably quieter in all circumstances.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Coarse pavement sets up intrusive roar from the tires and suspension. Wind noise isn't well muffled, and our test Hybrid example suffered an annoying wind leak around the driver's window. All Escape and Mariner engines emit an unpleasant growl during rapid acceleration, a sound made worse by the tendency of the Hybrid's CVT to allow the engine to stay at high rpm for long periods. Mercury Mariner has additional sound insulation and is notably quieter in all circumstances.
Controls
Major controls are logically located, but buttons for some secondary information functions are buried to the left of the steering column. The navigation system is relatively easy to program, and on Hybrid models, includes displays for powertrain energy flow.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Major controls are logically located, but buttons for some secondary information functions are buried to the left of the steering column. The navigation system is relatively easy to program, and on Hybrid models, includes displays for powertrain energy flow.
Details
Ford's intention to fashion a tough-truck industrial look results in an abundance of nonfunctional shapes and crevices molded into cheap looking, hard plastic panels. The main instruments and the auxiliary readout on top of the dashboard are covered by plastic that reflects surrounding trim in many light conditions, rendering them hard to read.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Ford's intention to fashion a tough-truck industrial look results in an abundance of nonfunctional shapes and crevices molded into cheap looking, hard plastic panels. The main instruments and the auxiliary readout on top of the dashboard are covered by plastic that reflects surrounding trim in many light conditions, rendering them hard to read.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good headroom and sufficient legroom for tall occupants. The seats may prove unsubstantial in size and support for larger folk and lack adjustable lumbar bolstering, resulting in subpar comfort on long drives.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Good headroom and sufficient legroom for tall occupants. The seats may prove unsubstantial in size and support for larger folk and lack adjustable lumbar bolstering, resulting in subpar comfort on long drives.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Knee clearance and foot space are well above the class norm, helped by a flat floor. Supportive and well-contoured seat is wide enough for short-trip three-adult comfort. Entry and departure are obstructed somewhat by smallish door openings.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Knee clearance and foot space are well above the class norm, helped by a flat floor. Supportive and well-contoured seat is wide enough for short-trip three-adult comfort. Entry and departure are obstructed somewhat by smallish door openings.
Cargo Room
Generous space enhanced by a low-level load deck and convenient opening tailgate glass. The rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and seat bottoms flipped forward. Cabin small-item storage is only average.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8.1 |
Generous space enhanced by a low-level load deck and convenient opening tailgate glass. The rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and seat bottoms flipped forward. Cabin small-item storage is only average.
Value within Class
The 2008 Ford Escape is little changed dynamically despite a freshening that brings "bolder," more truck-like styling. Compared with other compact SUVs with newer designs, Escape and the similar Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner feel dated. With the V6 engine, fuel economy trails class leaders as well. The surprisingly frugal Hybrid may be the best value here, offering acceptable performance while topping 30 mpg in our real-world testing.
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6.4 |
The 2008 Ford Escape is little changed dynamically despite a freshening that brings "bolder," more truck-like styling. Compared with other compact SUVs with newer designs, Escape and the similar Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner feel dated. With the V6 engine, fuel economy trails class leaders as well. The surprisingly frugal Hybrid may be the best value here, offering acceptable performance while topping 30 mpg in our real-world testing.
Total Score
| 4WD Limited | 2WD Hybrid | Class Average |
| 58 | 63 | 62.5 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 54 | |
| Average Score | 62 | |
| High Score | 70 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Ford Escape Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/01/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD XLS 4-door wagon, manual | $19,715 | $18,617 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD XLS 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,925 | $19,731 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| AWD XLS 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,675 | $21,341 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,730 | $21,164 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| AWD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,480 | $22,756 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD XLT V6 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,740 | $22,083 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| AWD XLT V6 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,490 | $23,676 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Limited 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,195 | $22,498 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Limited 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,945 | $24,090 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Limited V6 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,195 | $23,408 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Limited V6 4-door wagon, automatic | $26,945 | $25,000 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Hybrid Base 4-door wagon, CVT | $28,305 | $26,237 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Hybrid Base 4-door wagon, CVT | $30,055 | $27,830 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Hybrid Limited 4-door wagon, CVT | $30,635 | $28,358 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Hybrid Limited 4-door wagon, CVT | $32,385 | $29,951 | $695 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XLS
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 6-speed automatic transmission.
XLT adds to XLS:
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 6-way power driver seat, keypad entry, satellite radio, compass, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rails, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 235/70R16 white-letter tires .
Limited adds to XLT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, voice recognition.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Bright alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Hybrid Base adds to XLT:
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, voice recognition.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: keypad entry.
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Hybrid Limited adds to Hybrid Base:
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, keypad entry, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, cargo cover.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sun and Sync Value Pkg.
|
||
|
XLT
|
$1,190
|
$1,012
|
|
Power sunroof, iPod adapter, wireless cell link, voice recognition.
|
||
|
Moon and Tune Pkg.
|
||
|
Limited
|
$1,190
|
$1,012
|
|
Power sunroof, Audiophile sound system.
|
||
|
Leather Comfort Pkg.
|
||
|
XLT
|
$745
|
$633
|
|
Leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting.
|
||
|
Luxury Pkg.
|
||
|
Limited
|
$795
|
$676
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system, heated front seats and mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate controls.
|
||
|
Cargo Pkg.
|
||
|
XLS
|
$395
|
$336
|
|
XLT, Limited
|
$295
|
$251
|
|
Cargo cover, storage bin, under floor storage bin, roof rack.
|
||
|
Class II Trailer Towing Pkg.
|
||
|
XLT V6, Limited V6
|
$345
|
$293
|
|
Trailer hitch receiver, 4-wire harness.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Hybrid Base
|
$2,695
|
$2,291
|
|
Limited, Hybrid Limited
|
$2,395
|
$2,036
|
|
Limited w/Moon and Tunes Pkg.
|
$1,195
|
$1,696
|
|
Includes AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. Hybrid includes energy-flow graphic display. NA w/Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
XLT, Limited, Hybrid Base
|
$795
|
$676
|
|
Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
||
|
XLT
|
$695
|
$591
|
|
Limited
|
$395
|
$336
|
|
Sync
|
||
|
XLS automatic, XLT
|
$395
|
$336
|
|
iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, voice recognition. Requires automatic day/night rearview mirror w/Sync controls. Std. Limited, Hybrid Base, Hybrid Limited.
|
||
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror w/Sync controls
|
||
|
XLS automatic, XLT
|
$145
|
$123
|
|
Requires Sync.
|
||
|
Remote engine start
|
||
|
Hybrid Base, Hybrid Limited, Limited, XLS, XLT
|
$345
|
$293
|
|
NA XLS manual.
|
||
|
Cargo tray
|
||
|
Limited, XLS, XLT
|
$90
|
$77
|
|
NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
Floormats
|
||
|
XLS
|
$55
|
$47
|
|
Rubber floormats
|
||
|
Limited, XLS, XLT
|
$55
|
$47
|
|
NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Roof rack
|
||
|
Hybrid Base
|
$45
|
$38
|
|
Side step bars
|
||
|
XLT, Limited, Hybrid Base, Hybrid Limited
|
$345
|
$293
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
17-inch chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
XLT V6, Limited V6
|
$695
|
$591
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Ford Escape Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Escape 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3254 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 66.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | dohc I4/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /153 | 3.0 /181 | 2.5 /153 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 171 @ 6000 | 240 @ 6550 | @ |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 171 @ 4500 | 223 @ 4300 | @ |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 5-speed manual | NA/NA | --/-- | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | NA/NA | NA/NA | --/-- |
| CVT automatic | --/-- | --/-- | NA/NA |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Escape 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Ford Escape Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Ford Escape Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
