DEARBORN, Michigan — In a move sure to confuse future members of the Ford Escape Fan Club, Ford has updated the 2009 small-ute with a suite of mechanical improvements. You might remember that only last year Ford completely restyled its Honda CR-V/Toyota RAV4 fighter.
So perhaps the '08 models, which look like a new generation but don't drive like it, will become a collector's item. Either that, or owners of last year's model will feel a bit hoodwinked.
The major changes for '09 include more powerful engines, both in the base four-cylinder model and the optional 3.0-liter V6. A 171-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-4 replaces the weak and wheezy 153-hp 2.3-liter. Bolted to the newly available six-speed automatic transmission, the four-cylinder model is now as quick to 60 mph as last year's V6/four-speed automatic model. That means right around 10 seconds, based on our test of a V6-powered all-wheel-drive 2008 version.
Thanks to better breathing and a reworked engine computer, the optional 3.0-liter V6 gets a meaningful 40-hp boost without an increase in displacement. The V6 also comes with the six-speed automatic that is a modified version of the unit used in the Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX. Thanks to the additional gears, new lower-rolling-resistance Michelin tires and a deeper front chin spoiler and rear-wheel spats, Ford anticipates all models will return an additional mile to the gallon of gas compared to last year's models (21 city/27 highway for the four-cylinder, automatic version).
Along with the new tires and a retuned suspension, all Escapes get a rear antiroll bar for 2009, making us inadvertently comment, "It didn't have a rear antiroll bar before?" Nope. Back to back drives of the comparably equipped 2008 and 2009 models reveal the upgraded suspension to be the new model's most noticeable improvement. Ford has also retuned the steering for better feel. With minimal investment, the package is now quieter and more connected to the road than ever before, making you wonder why it wasn't always this way. The Escape still makes due with relatively weak brakes, including rear drums.
The hybrid model now uses the 2.5-liter four and Ford has finally figured out how to include stability control, something old hybrids did without. Other '09 improvements include: a better navigation system, more effectively integrated with the newly available Sync system; a silly interior ambient lighting system and a standard 110-volt AC power outlet.
The base 2009 Escape starts at $20,410 (including destination), a $575 increase over the '08 model.
What this means to you: If you happened to be considering a 2008 Escape, you should wait for the '09s to roll onto the lot in July. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
So perhaps the '08 models, which look like a new generation but don't drive like it, will become a collector's item. Either that, or owners of last year's model will feel a bit hoodwinked.
The major changes for '09 include more powerful engines, both in the base four-cylinder model and the optional 3.0-liter V6. A 171-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-4 replaces the weak and wheezy 153-hp 2.3-liter. Bolted to the newly available six-speed automatic transmission, the four-cylinder model is now as quick to 60 mph as last year's V6/four-speed automatic model. That means right around 10 seconds, based on our test of a V6-powered all-wheel-drive 2008 version.
Thanks to better breathing and a reworked engine computer, the optional 3.0-liter V6 gets a meaningful 40-hp boost without an increase in displacement. The V6 also comes with the six-speed automatic that is a modified version of the unit used in the Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX. Thanks to the additional gears, new lower-rolling-resistance Michelin tires and a deeper front chin spoiler and rear-wheel spats, Ford anticipates all models will return an additional mile to the gallon of gas compared to last year's models (21 city/27 highway for the four-cylinder, automatic version).
Along with the new tires and a retuned suspension, all Escapes get a rear antiroll bar for 2009, making us inadvertently comment, "It didn't have a rear antiroll bar before?" Nope. Back to back drives of the comparably equipped 2008 and 2009 models reveal the upgraded suspension to be the new model's most noticeable improvement. Ford has also retuned the steering for better feel. With minimal investment, the package is now quieter and more connected to the road than ever before, making you wonder why it wasn't always this way. The Escape still makes due with relatively weak brakes, including rear drums.
The hybrid model now uses the 2.5-liter four and Ford has finally figured out how to include stability control, something old hybrids did without. Other '09 improvements include: a better navigation system, more effectively integrated with the newly available Sync system; a silly interior ambient lighting system and a standard 110-volt AC power outlet.
The base 2009 Escape starts at $20,410 (including destination), a $575 increase over the '08 model.
What this means to you: If you happened to be considering a 2008 Escape, you should wait for the '09s to roll onto the lot in July. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
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