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Enter the 2009 Ford Escape featuring increased strength, enhanced safety
and new add-ons to continue this well-aging platform's ability to attract and
excite purchasers far and wide. The previous year's 2.3L V4 is replaced with a
2.5L V4 that produces 171 hp. There is also an available 3.0L V6 that
demonstrates a respectable 240 hp. The base trim with the 2.5L engine features a
5-speed manual transmission, while all other trims including those with the 3.0L
engine utilize a 6-speed automatic tranny.
Enhanced safety features for the 2009 Escape include front, front-side and side
curtain airbags; Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system
featuring anti-roll technology; 4-wheel anti-lock braking and an electronic tire
pressure monitoring system.
The Ford Escape has established itself as the best-selling small SUV in the
United States. It rides higher and positions the driver at a superior vantage
point than does it competition like the Honda CR-V. It also outperforms its
class in towing capabilities being able to handle 3500 pounds with efficient
ease. It's interior is surprisingly spacious, especially when considering the
Escape's compact exterior design. It rides smooth and parks easy granting its
drivers comfort and simplistic handling.
Every available trim, including those with the 3.0L V6 and the Escape Hybrid,
rate very well in fuel efficiency when compared with other class members. Every
variant of the Ford Escape is offered with your choice of either
front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. Speaking of the Hybrid, besides lower
carbon emissions and higher gas milage, this gas/electric mixer drives just as
smooth as the gas-only models and is very user-friendly as well.
MSRPs on these 2009 Fords begin at around $19,000 for the V4 Escape XLS 2WD and
top out at around $30,000 for the V6 Escape Limited with 4WD and all the
high-tech features to spoil you rotten. The Escape Hybris cost roughly $2,000
more than similarly-equipped V6 Limited trims. The Ford Escape is a very
visually-appealing vehicle that shows class and style wherever it is driven. Its
big-truck design standards have helped to keep it as a class leader for years
and years. The 2009 model of the Ford Escape promises to be a better
dollar-for-feature bargain than any previous year.
Ford customers also love to brag about the impressive amount of cargo space
behind the rear seat as well as the amount available when the rear seats are
folded down flat. It's an impressive view to look behind yourself as you're
hauling what seemingly would take a larger vehicle to match. Although the Ford
Escape is designed to seat 5 comfortably, you can always fit an extra person or
two in when in a pinch.
Most small SUVs lack the options available in the 2009 Escape. Some interesting
choices include the Cargo Convenience option for an additional $395 and the
Audiophile Package for $695. The Cargo Convenience option grants you a
retractable cargo area and very cool compartmentalized bins for storage in the
rear. The Audiophile Package, as you may expect, let's you crank out the tunes
from a powerful stereo system featuring 7 separate speakers with added
sub-woofers all from an in-dash 6-CD changer/player. Chrome wheels, power
moonroofs, leather seats and heated steering wheels will all accentuate your
top-grade NAV system nicely, all optional, of course.
All in all, the 2009 Ford Escape is a small SUV with a big reputation for
comfort, style, dependability, convenience and fuel efficiency. Short list this
SUV if you're in the market and benefit from the Escapes established standards
for durable excellence.
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