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2009 Ford Escape Performance Review

July 20, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The V6 is a significant improvement over last year's version
Popular Mechanics

it has stayed competitive in a tough environment
Automobile.com

We handily beat that estimate in our testing, making it to 60 mph in a much-improved 8.9 seconds
Car and Driver

A host of performance upgrades boosts the 2009 Ford Escape's appeal to the discerning driver.

A new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine replaces last year’s 2.3-liter and features Ford’s intake Variable Cam Timing (I-VCT). The new powerplant boasts an 11 percent increase in horsepower, outputting 171 hp, while also getting 1 mpg better efficiency. “The company claims a front-drive four-banger Escape chops 1.7 seconds from its 0-to-60 time, bringing it down to 10.4 seconds. We handily beat that estimate in our testing, making it to 60 mph in a much-improved 8.9 seconds,” reports Car and Driver.

If you're looking for more oomph, the significantly enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 makes 240 horsepower, up 40 hp from 2008. “The V6 is a significant improvement over last year's version, though a tall first gear sacrifices a bit of off-the-line grunt in favor of fuel economy,” says Popular Mechanics.

According ConsumerGuide, “The 240-hp V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission make for a more responsive compact SUV compared to the old 200-hp V6/4-speed automatic combo. The transmission is the highlight of this powertrain, providing smooth upshifts and snappy downshifts when needed.”

Popular Mechanics says that when the smaller engine is “equipped with the 6-speed automatic, the four-cylinder produces reasonably strong acceleration—certainly enough to satisfy most daily driving conditions.” They also note, “On the road, all three Escape variants accelerate with more authority than before, but they feel more refined, too.” Automobile Magazine asserts the transmission’s “short off-the-line gear ratios are complemented by very long, widely spaced upper gears. Sixth gear is very long—great for highway fuel economy and quiet cruising.”

Fuel economy is as important to the new Escape’s engines as improved horsepower. According to ConsumerGuide, “an AWD V6 Escape averaged 20.0 mpg in driving slightly biased towards highway use. Similar Mercury Mariner AWD 4-cylinder averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving over the course of its 4802-mile extended-use evaluation.”

Automobile.com sums up the 2009 Ford Escape’s performance, saying “the Escape strikes a good balance between a small exterior size, easily manageable in parking lots and narrow streets, and interior space. Add the recent drivetrain, suspension, and safety upgrades, and an improved interior, and it has stayed competitive in a tough environment.”

Conclusion

Ford has vastly improved the performance of the 2009 Ford Escape, especially in acceleration and fuel efficiency.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:The V6 is a significant improvement over last year's versionPopular Mechanicsit has stayed competitive in a tough environmentAutomobile.comWe handily beat that estimate in our testing, making it to 60 mph in a much-improved 8.9 secondsCar and Driver A host of performance upgrades boosts the 2009 Ford Escape's appeal to the discerning driver. A new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine replaces last year’s 2.3-liter and features Ford’s intake Variable Cam Timing (I-VCT). The new powerplant boasts an 11 percent increase in horsepower, outputting 171 hp, while also getting 1 mpg better efficiency. “The company claims a front-drive four-banger Escape chops 1.7 seconds from its 0-to-60 time, bringing it down to 10.4 seconds. We handily beat that estimate in our testing, making it to 60 mph in a much-improved 8.9 seconds,” reports Car and Driver. If you're looking for more oomph, the significantly enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 makes 240 horsepower, up 40 hp from 2008. “The V6 is a significant improvement over last year's version, though a tall first gear sacrifices a bit of off-the-line grunt in favor of fuel economy,” says Popular Mechanics. According ConsumerGuide, “The 240-hp V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission make for a more responsive compact SUV compared to the old 200-hp V6/4-speed automatic combo. The transmission is the highlight of this powertrain, providing smooth upshifts and snappy downshifts when needed.” Popular Mechanics says that when the smaller engine is “equipped with the 6-speed automatic, the four-cylinder produces reasonably strong acceleration—certainly enough to satisfy most daily driving conditions.” They also note, “On the road, all three Escape variants accelerate with more authority than before, but they feel more refined, too.” Automobile Magazine asserts the transmission’s “short off-the-line gear ratios are complemented by very long, widely spaced upper gears. Sixth gear is very long—great for highway fuel economy and quiet cruising.” Fuel economy is as important to the new Escape’s engines as improved horsepower. According to ConsumerGuide, “an AWD V6 Escape averaged 20.0 mpg in driving slightly biased towards highway use. Similar Mercury Mariner AWD 4-cylinder averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving over the course of its 4802-mile extended-use evaluation.” Automobile.com sums up the 2009 Ford Escape’s performance, saying “the Escape strikes a good balance between a small exterior size, easily manageable in parking lots and narrow streets, and interior space. Add the recent drivetrain, suspension, and safety upgrades, and an improved interior, and it has stayed competitive in a tough environment.” ConclusionFord has vastly improved the performance of the 2009 Ford Escape, especially in acceleration and fuel efficiency. 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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