2009 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED AWD V6 Test Drive

  

2009 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED AWD V6 Test Drive – ‘ESCAPE TO BETTER MPG’

While sales of full-size, low mpg sport utilities have been taking a dive, sales of smaller, compact sport utility vehicles has risen and seems to be the vehicle of choice for a growing number of active singles, couples and families. The new 2009 Ford Escape is leading the way in all categories and continues to be the sales leader.

 

A new powertrain lineup, with a more powerful and fuel-efficient 2.5 liter I-4 engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission, leads the list of enhancements for the 2009 Ford Escape. Besides the new fuel-efficiency combination, refined aerodynamics and new low-rolling-resistance tires also enhance fuel economy while contributing to a quieter, more refined cabin environment. In 2009 the Escape also introduces an ‘Easy Fuel’ capless refueling system that keeps any dangerous emissions from leaving the fuel tank, new multi-color ambient lighting and standard cruise-control.

With the new I-4 engine and the front-wheel-drive six-speed, you can expect EPA specs of 20mpg/city and 28mpg/highway. Depending on how carefully you drive the Escape, you can reach figures even higher.

 

A re-worked 3.0 liter V6 engine has 20% more horsepower and a 1mpg fuel economy improvement. This more powerful optional engine with front-wheel-drive gives back a very good 20mpg/city and 28mpg/highway, the AWD setup a little less at 17/24mpg.
The new 2.5 liter hybrid Escape has the segments best mpg specs of 34/31mpg with front-wheel-drive and 29/27mpg with AWD.

Standard on all Escape models are ABS and Ford’s exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC (roll stability control). It is the only electronic stability control system with two gyroscopic effect sensors, and it measures vehicle motion about both the yaw and roll axes. The system automatically engages counter measures to help you maintain maximum control and reduce the risk of rollover.

Ford is offering customers more power with better fuel efficiency, a quieter, more comfort with new enhanced handling capability.

The new 2.5 liter I-4 makes 171hp and 171lb.ft. of toque and is more refined than the 2.3 liter engine it replaced. It features intake variable cam timing, dual-mode crankshaft damping, electronic throttle control and PowerPC engine electronic control. Key new elements include intake and exhaust manifolds, camshafts, pistons and bore size. The i-VCT technology optimizes the valve timing for performance and efficiency, creating a broad torque curve and delivering increased power and improved fuel efficiency at the same time. The Escape Hybrid also will feature a version of the new engine that uses the fuel-efficient Atkinson Cycle for combustion.

The new six-speed has a taller top gear that reduces engine speed while cruising and shifting at lower engine speed in each gear help make the new six-speed 4 to 6% more fuel efficient than the four-speed it replaces.

The new six-speed is calibrated for cruising fuel efficiency with sacrificing launch feel and performance feel in lower gears. A wider range of gear ratios are keys to the six-speed transmission’s ability to deliver this combination of performance and fuel economy.

The new Escape’s optional new 3.0 liter V6 engine features a new 10.3:1 compression ratio to gain 40hp more compared to the 3.0 liter it replaced. The 240hp V6 is equipped with i-VCT and electronic throttle control along with new cylinder heads, intake and exhaust cams, injectors, intake and exhaust manifolds, and pistons. It comes standard with the new six-speed automatic.

As mentioned above, other fuel efficiency improvements include the new 16X7in. light alloy wheels, new 16in. Michelin Latitude Tour design that features a unique mold design, reduced weight and a new generation tread pattern optimized for reduced fuel consumption. Aerodynamic refinements include a redesigned front bumper spoiler and new rear tire spoilers. Also, Electric Power Assist Steering is standard. It replaces the traditional hydraulic power steering pump, and because it operates only when required for steering assistance, it contributes to lower fuel consumption than the hydraulic pump, which operated constantly during engine operation.

 

The new Escape features a series of chassis system upgrades to the fully independent suspension that improves dynamic capability, steering response and ride comfort. The revised and retuned suspension includes a new rear stabilizer bar and revised shock absorber tuning that help deliver a balance of enhanced ride comfort and handling confidence. The steering system has been retuned for better control, feel for the road and tighter cornering capabilities. The new Escape is fun and easy to drive. With the optional Intelligent AWD system, you feel confident while driving on slick or wet pavement.

The electronic center differential can transfer torque to any wheel and any side to keep you on track and out of trouble.

 

The braking system also incorporates new improvements. With 11.9in vented rotors up front and 10in. drum in the rear, the engineering team focused on enhancing initial braking system responsiveness and making further fine-tuning calibrations for the ABS, resulting in better brake feel and shorter stopping distance. The feel is much more linear and confidence building.

The interior is roomy, comfortable and loaded with high-tech options that no other competitor can offer.

New, comfort-designed seats feature soy-based foam that substitutes for petroleum-based products to conserve limited resources and reduce CO2 emissions. The new dark ebony trim on the center stack, console and front doors, along with chrome accents, give the Escape a touch of elegance. The instrument cluster is easy to see with big 120mph speedometer, 8,000rpm tachometer and smaller gauges for fuel and engine coolant temperature. The standard center readout lets you program the Escape for your individual needs and shows important information about the performance of the vehicle.

 

All buttons, dials and switches are within easy reach and all are fully illuminated for safe nighttime driving. Visibility in front, side and rear is excellent. The rear 60/40-split bench seat is comfortable for three children or two adults. Cargo space behind is 29.2cu.ft. and 66.3cu.ft. when the second row is folded flat. The front seat also folds flat to easily load longer items.

 

My Limited model came with a long list of standard equipment including power 6-way driver’s seat, leather trimmed seats, SYNC Voice Activated System, AM-FM In-Dash 6-CD/MP3 with auxiliary jack, dual climate control system, leather wrapped steering wheel with tilt, and buttons for cruise control and audio, ambient lighting, auto-dim rearview mirror, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, outside temperature/compass heading readouts, power windows/door locks, automatic headlights, Satellite radio, grab handle on the passenger-side A-pillar (I would like to see grab handles at each door), storage pockets behind each front bucket seat, thick-cut pile carpeting, front/rear floor mats, and dual sunglass holders in the overhead console.

 

The list of options include a power sunroof, 2.93 axle ratio, navigation system with an upgraded audio system featuring seven speakers and a subwoofer, power-heated side mirrors, heated front seats, reverse parking sensor system, lockable hidden wet trunk, roof rack to expand cargo capacity, retractable cargo cover for extra security, and Class II trailer towing.

 

Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac with RSC, safety canopy side airbags for first and second rows, personal safety system a suite of seven safety technologies including new dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, three-point safety belts for all five seating positions, tire pressure monitoring system, LATCH system for child seats, front and rear crush zones with steel beams in each door.

 

The bold, Ford styling further sets the new Escape apart from other small sport utility or crossover vehicles. The bold front bumper features a big chrome center piece grille and lower bumper, strong halogen headlamps behind clear lens and round foglamps at the sides of the lower bumper. A power-domed hood leads up to the raked windshield pillars, then over a flat roof and straight down to the rear fascia which features a pop-out tinted glass, wide opening liftgate, big step-up bumper and big, wraparound lamp clusters.

 

The profile shows flared fenders, thick lower side skirts with pads to protect the vehicle when traveling over off-road trails, and aero-styled side mirrors.
The new 2009 Ford Escape offers active singles, couples and families a versatile vehicle to match there every need. The new I-4 engine with six-speed Front-Wheel-Drive leads the segment in mpg. You have a choice of three engines mated to one advanced six-speed transmission, and hybrid technology to further stretch your fuel mileage.

 

It is also rated Five Stars in Side Crashes, Four Stars in Frontal Crashes and Three Stars for Rollover Protection. Prices range $20,140.00 for the base XLS, up to $23,060.00 for a loaded V6 AWD Limited that I tested. No wonder the Ford Escape has been the segment leader in sales since its introduction several years ago. A Best Buy!

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: $27,330
Type: Compact SUV
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 174.7 in.
Width: 71.1 in.
Height: 67.8 in.
Wheel Base: 103.1 in.
Ground Clearance: 8.4 in.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.4 in.
Front Hip Room: 53.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 56.6 in.
Rear Head Room: 39.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room: 49.1 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.6 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.6 in.
Luggage Capacity: 29.2 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 66 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance
0-60 mph: 8.7 seconds
Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 240 hp
Max Horsepower: 6550 rpm
Torque: 223 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4300 rpm
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 36.7 ft.

Fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway) 18/23 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway) 297/380