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This report provides a quick overview of the features and specs for the 2009 Ford Escape. Get our expert review of the Ford here.
By Joe Wiesenfelder
Cars.com
June 20, 2008
Vehicle Overview In 2008, Ford's smallest CUV lost its cutesy exterior and interior for a new bold styling direction. For 2009, the boxy brute gets added firepower and increased fuel efficiency. The Escape's competition includes the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Saturn Vue.
New for 2009 Available six-speed automatic transmission, redesigned seats, available Sync multimedia interface.
Exterior The Escape looks more like a Ford Explorer now, but with a plunging chrome grille in some trim levels that would be equally at home on a Volkswagen Jetta or Golf. A raised hood and higher beltline may make the SUV look tougher, but they probably don't do much for visibility. At 174.7 inches long and 71.1 inches wide, the Escape is the shortest of its competitors, but not by much.
Fuel cap removed in favor of capless refueling nozzle
New 16-inch low-rolling-resistance tires
New aerodynamic refinements
Larger front air dam
Interior The 2008 Escape got a totally revised interior, making it blocky and square. Along with improved materials, the cabin is quieter and the seats more environmentally friendly, with seat fabric made out of 100 percent post-industrial-waste plastic. Passenger volume remains the same, at 99 cubic feet; that's slightly tighter than the CR-V and RAV4 but larger than the Vue.
Cruise control now standard
Available ambient lighting
Available Sync multimedia interface
Standard auxiliary input jack
Blue backlighting
Redesigned seats use environmentally friendly construction
Under the Hood Changes under the hood include many performance and fuel-efficiency modifications that help the Escape sip less gas, provide more passing power and handle more securely.
New 171-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder (171 pounds-feet of torque)
New 240-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 (223 pounds-feet of torque)
Available six-speed automatic transmission
Five-speed manual
Drive-by-wire throttle control
Chassis system upgrades improve ride comfort and handling
Safety The 2009 Ford Escape features an array of standard safety technologies. The Escape's braking system has been revised in an effort to improve brake pedal feel and allow shorter stopping distances.
Antilock brakes
Roll stability control
Dual-stage front airbags
Front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags
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