2009 Ford Escape vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Trevor Wild

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2 Jul 20, 2009

If you color within the lines, only a few measure up to the same narrow definition of a compact SUV as the 2009 Ford Escape.

Many people admire the styling of the Saturn Vue.

Like the Escape, the Vue offers a hybrid option (a second hybrid choice is on the way for the Vue).

The Hyundai Tucson drives more like the pre-2009 Escapes, but does so with a low price and an especially long warranty.

In terms of driving dynamics, the Honda CR-V is one of our all-time favorites, but some people have a hard time getting past the SUV's styling and the lack of optional V-6 power.

However, the SUV that comes closest to the Escape is the Dodge Journey.

In terms of styling, the Journey has strong looks that turn heads and plenty of features inside, such as multiple cubbies and rich infotainment options.

However, the Journey's interior design isn't pleasing to the eye, and the materials feel subpar for the category—not just in comparison to the Escape.

2009 Ford Escape Browse Used Listings	2009 Dodge Journey Browse Used Listings	2009 Saturn VUE Browse Used Listings	2008 Honda CR-V Browse Used Listings	2008 Hyundai Tucson Browse Used Listings	2008 Nissan Rogue Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.4 Though it looks decidedly old-school, the Ford Escape is a solid and stylish five-passenger, compact SUV that has been kept up-to-date.	8.4 As a smaller crossover, the Journey's a good alternative to the Saturn Vue and Subaru Forester, maybe even to a Dodge Grand Caravan--just don't pile on the expensive options.	8 With its available V-6 engine, the 2009 Saturn Vue is a bit more fun to drive than other compact SUVs; otherwise it’s not a standout.	7.8 The 2008 Honda CR-V doesn't have hip style or performance on tap, but it has the security, utility, and frugality that many sensible moms want.	7 The 2008 Hyundai Tucson no longer stands out in its class for performance or safety, but it’s still a great value.	7.8 With the 2009 Nissan Rogue, the crossover market gets another right-sized entry that’s just a little tighter inside than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
MSRP From
$20,435	$20,925	$23,280	$20,700	$17,235	$19,430
Gas Mileage
17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
2WD Sport Utility Vehicles	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility	2WD Sport Utility	FWD Sport Utility
Style Name
FWD 4dr I4 Man XLS	FWD 4dr SE	FWD 4dr I4 XE	2WD 5dr LX	FWD 4dr I4 Man GLS Ltd Avail	FWD 4dr S
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door	4dr SUV	4 Door SUV	5 Door	4 Door Sport Utility	4 Door
Transmission
Manual w/OD	Automatic	Automatic w/OD	Automatic	Manual w/OD	Continuously Variable