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2009 Ford Escape Features Review

July 20, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Expect to pay a bigger monthly premium for this level of on-the-road connectivity
Popular Mechanics

complicates some functions by requiring multiple button and/or touch-screen presses
ConsumerGuide

Travel Link also does a whole bunch of other cool stuff
Car and Driver

The 2009 Ford Escape offers some cool, cutting-edge technological features, but unfortunately most are available only as expensive options.

Popular Mechanics says, “Sync comes standard on Escape Limited and Escape Hybrid Limited models, and is optional on all other models." They add that the voice-activated navigation system “uses Sirius Travel Link, which includes such goodies as weather maps, movie listings and a fuel-finder system that locates and sorts nearby gas stations by price, location and brand.”

ConsumerGuide warns that while the navigation system absorbs most audio controls, “it complicates some functions by requiring multiple button and/or touch-screen presses for some simple tasks. Redundant steering-wheel buttons and voice programming via Ford's Sync system help.”

Car and Driver points out that “Travel Link also does a whole bunch of other cool stuff such as locating the cheapest and closest gas stations and linking with the nav system to get you there, or hooking up with your cell phone to make restaurant reservations. The system will let you watch a DVD (while parked, of course), rip MP3s to the 10-gig hard drive, and upload family photos to use as wallpaper.” And Popular Mechanics adds a dose of reality, advising, “Expect to pay a bigger monthly premium for this level of on-the-road connectivity.”

About the ergonomics of the Escape features, Automobile.com says “the instruments are shielded from glare and easy to see while the audio and climate system controls on the center stack are within easy reach. As has been typical of Ford for years, buttons and knobs are large and well-marked.”

Conclusion

Yes, the 2009 Ford Escape can be equipped with a ton of features, but no, they don't come cheap.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Expect to pay a bigger monthly premium for this level of on-the-road connectivityPopular Mechanicscomplicates some functions by requiring multiple button and/or touch-screen pressesConsumerGuideTravel Link also does a whole bunch of other cool stuffCar and Driver The 2009 Ford Escape offers some cool, cutting-edge technological features, but unfortunately most are available only as expensive options. Popular Mechanics says, “Sync comes standard on Escape Limited and Escape Hybrid Limited models, and is optional on all other models." They add that the voice-activated navigation system “uses Sirius Travel Link, which includes such goodies as weather maps, movie listings and a fuel-finder system that locates and sorts nearby gas stations by price, location and brand.” ConsumerGuide warns that while the navigation system absorbs most audio controls, “it complicates some functions by requiring multiple button and/or touch-screen presses for some simple tasks. Redundant steering-wheel buttons and voice programming via Ford's Sync system help.” Car and Driver points out that “Travel Link also does a whole bunch of other cool stuff such as locating the cheapest and closest gas stations and linking with the nav system to get you there, or hooking up with your cell phone to make restaurant reservations. The system will let you watch a DVD (while parked, of course), rip MP3s to the 10-gig hard drive, and upload family photos to use as wallpaper.” And Popular Mechanics adds a dose of reality, advising, “Expect to pay a bigger monthly premium for this level of on-the-road connectivity.” About the ergonomics of the Escape features, Automobile.com says “the instruments are shielded from glare and easy to see while the audio and climate system controls on the center stack are within easy reach. As has been typical of Ford for years, buttons and knobs are large and well-marked.” ConclusionYes, the 2009 Ford Escape can be equipped with a ton of features, but no, they don't come cheap. 2009 FORD ESCAPE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Popular Mechanics: "Exterior changes are subtle" Automobile Magazine: "receives a redesigned center stack" Car and Driver: "Not even a thorough interior and exterior refresh could save the 2008 iteration from a seventh-place finish” If you want ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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.

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See the Ford Escape in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  kingoftheroad88 #1, Posted: 10/11/2009

    I don't know why but the design of this car is totally alien to me. Nevertheless some people like it

  2. By  Car Insurane Maniac #2, Posted: 11/1/2009

    Well this car's security features: a combination of seven safety technologies, including new dual-stage front air bags, side air bags, and a front passenger sensor system could be the best pick of buyers and probably it will lower the insurance rates.

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