2009 Ford Escape
by Jim Prueter -12/2008

Just “average” compared to competition

For 2008, Ford completely revamped the Escape, the best selling small utility vehicle sold in America. With much needed bumper-to-bumper changes both inside and out, Escape still feels outdated compared to competitors like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Saturn Vue and others.

The new Escape looks like a condensed version of the Ford Explorer with a truck-like appearance. The new chrome grille on the base XLS model would easily feel at home on a Ford truck. Limited and Hybrid models have monochrome grilles that match the vehicle’s body color unless you opt for the extra-cost Chrome Package. Taillights are now clear and wrap around the corners of the rear fenders.

Inside, a completely new instrument panel looks like a mini version of the F-150 dash. There’s nothing cutting-edge or breakthrough here, just functional. Controls for audio system, climate control and other functions are intuitive and easy to use. Instrument panel backlighting is what Ford calls Ice Blue. Nice, but the scripting isn’t particularly easy to read at a glance.

For 2009 and 2008, we drove the hybrid version of the Escape. Our 2008 model came with the optional touch-screen navigation system. We thought the screen was too small but the graphics were easy to read and programming was easier than in most.

Inside there’s plenty of storage space with lots of cubbyholes for cell phones, glasses and pocket change. Storage bins are molded in the door bottoms. The center console is large — actually very large — and capable of holding a laptop computer. There are also two removable trays for stacking, and plenty of cup holders.

Changes for 2009 are minimal, with the most significant being a larger four-cylinder engine with more horsepower and better mileage. Ford says new advanced electronics in the hybrid model make switching from gas to electric mode smoother. We agree.

Thankfully, the brakes have been reworked for improved pedal feel. We sharply criticized the brakes on our 2008 tester, saying they were the worst we’ve tested on any vehicle in a long time. But Ford still uses out-of-style drum brakes on the rear axle for all Escapes except the hybrid. We can’t figure out why, since four-wheel discs were standard on the Escape prior to the makeover last year. Strange and not keeping up with class competition.

While Ford made the cabin larger, it still feels small compared to the RAV4 and CR-V. At 66.3 cubic feet, overall cargo space is the smallest in its class.

For 2009, Escape is offered in four trim levels plus the hybrid version, all with front-wheel drive standard or optional full time all-wheel drive on all except the XLS with a manual shifter. The four-cylinder is standard with a V-6 optional in the XLT and Limited models.

Also for 2009, the horsepower in the 3.0-liter V-6 has been upped from 200 to 240 and is mated to an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the four-speed automatic from last year. The base Escape XLS is powered by the new 2.5-liter 173-horsepower in-line four-cylinder engine (which replaces last year’s 2.3-liter 153-horsepower) with either the standard five-speed manual shifter or a new six-speed automatic.

Our 2009 Escape Hybrid tester was powered by a 153-horsepower Atkinson Cycle version of the four-cylinder engine and a 94-kilowatt electric motor. The hybrid can run on complete electric power up to 25 mph. Acceleration is quite responsive and feels more like that of the V-6 Escape offering. On the highway, the hybrid feels pretty much like a standard gasoline-powered Escape. Fuel economy for the hybrid is rated at 34 miles per gallon in the city, 31 highway.

Stopped in traffic or at a light the hybrid battery pack sends power to the electric power steering and power brakes so the driver feels no difference in either. However, a recurring complaint from when we tested the 2005 model is with the engine-belt-driven air-conditioner compressor that shuts down when the vehicle is in “battery” mode.

That simply will not do in hot climates, because the air-conditioner shuts off once the gas engine stops and electric mode takes over. The air only works when you slide the climate control lever to the “Max-AC” setting, which then keeps the gasoline engine running. This completely defeats the advantage of having a hybrid and is a major flaw that many have brought to Ford’s attention. They seem either unconcerned or unwilling to address it.

Ford went to great lengths to make the cabin quieter at highway speeds. That, we deem a success. We thought the Escape handles well, rides comfortably, and isn’t overly unbalanced on curves and cornering. Bumps and uneven pavement are handled with comfort and ease.

Standard safety gear includes front, side and canopy curtain-style airbags, electronic stability control and Ford’s Roll Stability Control system. For some reason the hybrid Escape model does not include stability control or Roll Stability Control either standard or as an option.

Escape earned the highest rating (Good) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in front- and side-impact crash tests. In government testing, it earned four-stars for driver protection and five-stars for passenger protection in front impacts and the highest possible five-star rating in side impacts.

Overall we remain less than impressed with the average-at-best Escape, especially compared to competition from Subaru, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai.