2009 Ford Escape

The old 153-horsepower 2.3-liter four has been bored and stroked to a 171-horsepower 2.5-liter, and the 3.0-liter V-6 gets new cylinder heads, injectors, intake and exhaust cams, manifolds and pistons, and a compression ratio bump from 10.0:1 to 10.3:1. So now the V-6 actually has a V-6-like horsepower number, up 40 ponies to 240. Both engines get intelligent variable valve timing. The 2009 Ford Escape hybrid gets the new 2.5-liter, too, and for '09 runs on the Atkinson cycle. It has a new engine processor and a new powertrain damping system, to cut vibrations and feedback. The biggest change, though, is that you no longer have to buy one of the bottom-feeder trim levels to get four-cylinder fuel economy. The 2.5 is available all the way up to the 2009 Ford Escape Limited and Mercury Mariner Premier versions.

That makes the extra 18 horses for the four-banger the most important improvement. The 171-horse Escape isn't a rocket. It's simply an adequate engine in a smallish crossover, the right vehicle for those who like to ride higher than in cars, carry a few things and manage 21/27 mpg (FWD) or 20/25 (AWD), assuming the EPA backs up Ford on its estimates.

The base 2009 Ford Escape is a lot of vehicle for less than $21,000. It's cool that Ford offers a stick shift, but unfortunately it's not a very good one. The stiff, short-travel clutch pedal felt especially strange at the end of a workday during which I had driven our Four Seasons Volkswagen Jetta TDI (one of the smoothest-driving cars I've ever piloted). On the other hand, the clutch didn't feel nearly so weird compared with the Caterham R400 Superlight (which I also drove recently), which has a clutch-pedal travel of about two inches or so. The 2009 Ford Escape rides nicely and handles well, although the steering feels pretty numb. The very basic interior looks and feels better than those of earlier Escapes, but you won't be fooled into thinking you're in a $40,000 vehicle.

The biggest changes are bestowed on the 2009 Escape's four-cylinder engine, with displacement growing from 2.3 to 2.5 liters. The revised engine puts out 171 hp (up from 153). The I-4 model now makes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 1.7 fewer seconds, which is comparable to the outgoing V-6 Escape. The I-4 will now be available on all 2009 Ford Escape trim levels, adding a Limited model for those seeking a more luxurious trucklet that's still easy on gas. The 3.0-liter V-6 was not forgotten in the upgrades. While its displacement stays the same, horsepower increases by a noticeable 40 hp for a total of 240. The newfound power comes courtesy of a higher compression ratio (10.3:1), as well as new cylinder heads, cams, injectors, pistons, and intake and exhaust manifolds. Part of the fuel economy boost is due to a new six-speed automatic transmission, offered on both the four- and six-cylinder models (a five-speed manual is still standard on four-cylinder Ford Escapes).

It hits sixty two seconds quicker and also delivers 1 mpg better on each of the EPA fuel economy cycles (estimated 19/24 for front-wheel-drive Escape V-6 models, 18/23 for all-wheel-drive V-6 models.) All 2009 Escape models benefit from tires with lower rolling resistance and aerodynamic tweaks to increase highway economy. Like before, a five-speed manual transmission is available with front-wheel-drive four-cylinder models, and it does even better than the automatics at the pumps: 22 mpg city, 28 highway. Of course, the idea of a three-pedal Escape doesn't make our hearts race. But wait - there's more. With estimated EPA numbers of 34/30 (front-wheel drive) and 29/27 highway, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is the fuel economy champ. Using a modified, Atkinson-cycle version of the new 2.5-liter, it's also quicker than last year's 2.3-liter Hybrid while offering similar fuel economy. Total system horsepower is 177, but in an impromptu drag race between a Hybrid and a V-6 Ford Escape, the Hybrid took the V-6 off the line - and held a slight lead until about 40 mph. Since hybrids make the most sense in low-speed city traffic, that's the speed range that really matters.

Ford's hybrid-electric powertrain powers not only the 2009 Escape Hybrid, but the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Mazda Tribute HEV as well. While the Escape Hybrid was rated to get 34 city/31 highway mpg, Ward's testing revealed the Escape easily surpassed the official ratings.

It's a crossover sport/utility vehicle. But it's more refined and quieter at speed. And by the way, Ford claims the lower-front air dam saves 3/4-mpg at 70 mph. The low rolling resistance tires makes the steering feel lighter at low speeds. Suspension is stable and reasonably comfortable over crusty roads. As for "fun to drive," you don't want to take any CUV this tall too deeply into the curves, anyway. This one is no exception.

For '09, Ford replaces the 2.3-liter, 153-horsepower four with a new 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower engine with intake variable cam timing (IVCT) and replaces four-speed automatics in both four- and V-6-powered Escape / Mariners with a six-speed automatic. Ford still offers a reason to upgrade: the 3.5-liter V-6 gets a 30-horse boost to 230 horsepower, new pistons, cylinder heads and a new fuel injection system.

The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner get powertrain upgrades for 2009, bringing the four-cylinder model to just 30 fewer horses than the original V-6. The new four, also fitted to the hybrid, is a 2.5-liter unit with variable cam timing on the intake side, for 170 horsepower (up 17); V-6 models will get a boost of 30. Equally important, both engines will come with a six-speed automatic rather than a four-speed. Minor 2009 Ford Escape revisions include a freshened front-end look and more soy-sourced seat foam to save on petroleum.

Word comes today that the Ford Escape Hybrid / Mercury Mariner Hybrid has surpassed Toyota's Highlander Hybrid and the Toyota Prius in crash test ratings. The Escape / Mariner, in both normal and hybrid forms, have received a best-in-class five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, beating out the Highlander and Prius, which average four stars. Ford achieved the best in class rating by working to improve the 2009 Escape's body and safety features, as well as strategically integrating high-strength steel into the chassis.

The 2.5-liter is now available all the way up to the Ford Escape Limited and Mercury Mariner Premier versions. Small engines are big now, even with buyers who can afford more. That makes the extra 18 horses for the four-banger the most important improvement. The 171-horse 2009 Ford Escape isn't a rocket--it's simply an adequate engine in a smallish crossover, the right vehicle for those who like to ride higher than in cars, carry a few things, and manage 21/27 mpg (FWD) or 20/25 (AWD).