With innovative styling, exceptional performance and best-in-class fuel economy, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is proof that Ford still does it best.
In the compact SUV segment, Ford's Escape Hybrid stands alone when it comes to fuel efficiency. A new 2.5-liter I-4 engine is capable of a spirited 171 hp, 11 percent more than last year's model. It has also been specially tuned and optimized to maximize performance and squeeze every ounce of energy from every drop of fuel.
Ford's new six-speed automatic transmission learns and adjusts to your driving style in order to shift smoother and power faster than ever before. What's more, the transmission's integral cold-weather bypass system heats and lubricates the engine quicker, ensuring less wasted fuel.
The Escapes improved and impressive 3.0-liter V6 also increases fuel efficiency for 2009. Controlled by a six-speed automatic transmission, Ford's V6 achieves 240 hp, an additional 40 horses over last year's engine. Improved engineering gives the V6 a fuel efficiency rating of up to 26 mpg.
The 3.0-liter also debuts Cam Torque Actuated (CTA) iVCT technology, an industry-first that utilizes camshaft torsional energy instead of oil to phase the engine's camshafts. All you need to know is the system uses the existing power in the engine and allows the use of a smaller oil pump, and that helps improve fuel economy.
For 2009, Ford's Hybrid is even more frugal with a one-mpg improvement, now estimated at 34 city/31 highway mpg. Based on a 2.5-liter I-4 engine running on the Atkinson combustion cycle, the Escape's hybrid power plant ensures seamless transitions between gas and electric energy. Conservation is boosted by a gas/electric switch that makes the change to combustion at 40 mph instead of 30.
In addition to being the mileage champ in its class, the 2009 Ford Escape is a very capable compact SUV that makes a delightful and handy family car in XLS, XLT and Limited trim levels. The XLS features 16-inch alloys, keyless entry and a CD stereo. Ford's XLT trim incorporates foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an upgraded interior. Lastly, the Escape Limited adds an upgraded exterior, an elegant leather interior and Ford's advanced SYNC system. If you are into MP3 players and cell phones, the Ford SYNC system is a must-have feature. It allows voice control for your phone, the navigation system and the audio system.
A power sunroof, navigation system, heated seats, chrome accents and a premium 320-watt stereo are also available features. Pricing begins at an MSRP of $19,140.
Inside, the Escape continues its excellence. The front seats are well bolstered and comfortable, and material quality, fit and finish are quite good. There's plenty of storage space including a center console box big enough to swallow a laptop and some reconfigurable bins. The Escape's rear seat is plenty roomy. There are 29 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 66 cubes with the second row folded down.
Time to plan your escape in the 2009 Ford Escape!
