The 2009 Ford Escape receives more powerful engines following its freshening for the 2008 model year. This compact SUV is a five-passenger, 4-door wagon that includes a liftgate with opening glass. It shares its basic design with the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute.

Four-cylinder models have a 171-hp 2.5-liter engine. V6 versions have a 240-hp 3.0-liter engine. Compared to the 2008 Escape, that’s an increase of 18 hp for the 4-cylinder and 40 hp for the V6. The 4-cylinder engine is available with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, the V6 with a 6-speed automatic only.

A gas/electric Hybrid model is available. It teams a 153-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Towing capacity for 4-cylinder models is 1500 lb. V6 models can tow up to 3500 lb. The Escape is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Also available are leather upholstery, heated front
seats, rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system.

Specifications

Engine

• Standard Engine     2.5L I4
• Standard Transmission     VAR Speed Automatic
• Cylinders              4
• Horsepower @RPM     153@6000
• Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy     34 / 31
• Combined Fuel Economy     32
• Number of Valves     16
• Compression      12.3:1
• Displacement     2488 / 152
• Bore X Stroke     3.50×3.94
• Cruising Range     483.2 miles

Brakes, Steering, Suspension and Tires

• Brakes (Front)      Disc
• Brakes (Rear)     Drum
• Driveline     Front Wheel Drive
• Steering Diameter Left      36.7
• Steering Diameter Right     36.7
• Suspension (Front)     Independent
• Suspension (Rear)     Independent
• Tire Type     Passenger
• Tire Width     235 mm
• Tire Aspect Ratio     70
• Tire Construction     Radial
• Tire wheel Diameter     16 in.