2009 Ford Escape: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Ford Escape receives more powerful engines 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. It shares its basic design with the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute. Four-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 for the 4-cylinder and 40 hp for 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 153-hp 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). 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, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Also available are leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear-obstacle detection, and a navigation system.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Saturn Vue and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the GMC Terrain, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.