2009 Ford Escape Las Vegas NV

November 18, 2009   By Jon Alain Guzik, Editor-in-Chief



2009 Ford Escape
DriverSide Overview
The 2009 Ford Escape is a refresh of the 2008 model. The company’s smallest SUV is solidly constructed and makes no pretenses about being kin to the larger Explorer . While other small SUVs may drive more like their sedan cousins, the Escape is 100 percent rugged, despite its unibody construction. The Escape is available with a number of engine and drivetrain options, from an economical four-cylinder to a more robust V-6. Our favorite version is the hybrid, which manages to get a cool 34 mpg in the city thanks to an electric motor that powers the vehicle up to 25 mph, making it one of the most eco-friendly SUVs on the planet. Get one in green and call it Kermit.
 
What's to Like
A comfortable command position and plenty of power when equipped with the 3.0-liter V-6, all wrapped in a compact SUV package. The hybrid’s 2.3-liter four-cylinder produces phenomenal gas mileage while still providing the size and space you expect from an SUV.








What's Not to Like
We wish the Escape was more car-like in its interior as the rugged Tonka toy look seems out of place in a hybrid, the instrument panel is well constructed but some buttons are placed too low in the dash, causing the driver to spend more time looking for the controls and less time focusing on the road.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
A sporty SUV this is not, but we found the Escape to perform well during both urban commutes and long freeway hauls. The ride is somewhat stiff and, with the large wheels and tires, you can feel all the bumps expected from an SUV, even a small one. Still, the seats are comfortable and the cabin offers a large amount of leg and headroom. The 3.0-liter V-6 dishes out plenty of power for such a small vehicle, but the four-cylinder and hybrid engines sometimes groan under the weight of the SUV. It’s a small price to pay for such great gas mileage.
 
Engine and Drivetrain
Ford offers a number of engines and transmissions for the Escape, including a peppy 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 171 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid version adds a 93 horsepower Atkinson cycle electric motor to the four-banger. A 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivers 240 horsepower and is standard in Limited trim or available as an option on the XLT model. Transmissions include a 6-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual and, on the hybrid, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
 
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
A leather comfort package is available for XLT and Limited models, and now, the hybrid model. All Escapes come with electronic power steering, remote keyless entry, power door locks and power windows. Outside, pop up rear hatch glass is smart for 2009 and a power moonroof is available for XLT and Limited trims. We also recommend the SIRIUS Travel Link, the...

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