2009 Ford Escape Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Ford Escape overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Ford Escape, and includes Ford Escape safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Just one year after restyling the Escape and installing a new interior, Ford rolls out a fresh powertrain lineup with more power and better fuel economy. Ford has also massaged the Escape’s suspension, steering and braking systems to make the SUV more responsive and pleasurable to drive. Microsoft Sync infotainment technology debuts on the 2009 Escape, offering owners the ability to pair cell phones and media players for wireless communication and entertainment, while the optional navigation system can now be equipped with Sirius Travel Link services. Other changes include standard low rolling resistance tires wrapped around alloy wheels, an Easy Fuel capless fuel filling system, standard cruise control, and available ambient interior lighting. Finally, the upscale Limited version is offered with the four-cylinder engine and the hybrid powertrain for 2009, in addition to the available V6.

For 2009, there are five different Escape models on sale: XLS, XLT, Hybrid, Limited, and Hybrid Limited. Each comes standard with front-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system that can distribute as much as 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels if necessary.

At the bottom of the Escape roster resides the XLS, which includes air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power mirrors, and a stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack. With front-wheel drive, a manual gearbox is standard. You can opt for an automatic, or you can get 4WD, which comes with the automatic transmission. Low rolling resistance tires and alloy wheels are also standard on the XLS, and you can pay extra to get Sync technology, remote engine starting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a package to upgrade the cargo area.

Most people choose the Escape XLT because it includes an automatic transmission, as well as fog lights, dark tinted rear windows, roof rails, and a keypad entry system. The XLT also gets a power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, a compass, an outside temperature indicator, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, and floor mats. Highlights of the options list include Sync, a premium Audiophile sound system with a CD changer, navigation, leather upholstery, a power moonroof, remote engine starting, and a towing package. You can also upgrade to a V6 engine with this model.

Limited models have leather, Sync, a CD changer, chrome wheels, ambient cabin lighting, and additional body-color exterior trim. Since almost all of this stuff is available on the XLT, we wonder why Ford bothers with the Limited model in the first place. Actually, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and mirrors, and rear parking sensors are exclusive options offered only on the Limited. Otherwise, it can be equipped with navigation, premium Audiophile sound, a power sunroof, remote engine starting, and a towing package.

The Escape Hybrid builds on XLT equipment with standard Sync technology, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a 110-volt power outlet. It also comes with a unique gasoline/electric powertrain that can go up to 25 mph on battery power alone. The Escape Hybrid Limited is outfitted just like other Limited models, but includes a power sunroof as standard equipment. Navigation and remote engine starting are the only options on the Escape Hybrid models.

For 2009, Ford completely overhauls the Escape’s engine lineup. The XLS, XLT and Limited come standard with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 171 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, gains of more than 10 percent over last year, while getting better fuel economy with the new six-speed automatic that is optional on the XLS model and standard on both the XLT and Limited. With the manual transmission, fuel economy remains at 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. With the automatic, the front-drive models get 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway while the 4WD models return 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The Escape’s optional V6 engine gets reworked with intake variable valve timing, a new compression ratio, and lots of new internal bits and pieces. The result is a 40-horse bump in power to 240 ponies, and a jump in torque to 223 lb-ft. The new six-speed automatic is the only transmission choice here, and fuel economy rates 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 17/24 with 4WD. This engine is optional on the XLT and Limited models.

The Escape Hybrid also gets a new gasoline engine, an Atkinson cycle version of the 2.5-liter that comes standard on XLS, XLT and Limited models. Ford says it has refined the transition between the gas engine and the electric drive system, and that the braking system is also improved with better pedal feel. As before, the gas engine is paired with a rechargeable battery pack, an electric drive motor, and a continuously variable transmission. Regenerative brakes recharge the battery, and the Escape Hybrid can get up to 25 mph on electricity alone. Fuel economy ratings are 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 29-city/27-highway with 4WD.

Six airbags, including side curtains equipped with a Safety Canopy feature that inflates them for an extended period of time during a rollover crash, are standard on the 2009 Ford Escape. AdvanceTrac stability and traction control system with Roll Stability Control is also included, along with an antilock braking system. Rear parking sensors are optional on the Escape Limited.

The 2009 Escape’s crash-test performance improves dramatically. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has re-tested the 2009 Ford Escape, and the SUV gets 5-Star ratings across the board except for rollover resistance, which rates a middling 3 Stars with front- or all-wheel drive. Scores also improve with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Escape now gets the best rating, Good, for all crash-test evaluations except for roof crush strength, which rates Marginal.

Unfortunately, reliability continues to be challenging. Consumer Reports still reports that reliability is below average, and J.D. Power and Associates has dropped its dependability rating to average this year.

The 2009 Ford Escape seems to have it all. It’s affordable, roomy, utilitarian, and able to travel farther off the pavement than most other crossover SUVs. A new engine lineup produces more power and a new transmission delivers better highway fuel economy. Plus, the Escape appears to be extremely safe as long as you don’t roll it over. You can dress one up as no-frills basic transportation or you can outfit one with lots of little luxuries. There’s even a hybrid version that gets up to 34 mpg in the city. We’d love to be able to recommend the Escape. But its dependability is unimpressive.

By Christian Wardlaw