The Ford Escape long was the top-selling small SUV in America after its 2001 debut and remains among top-sellers in its class. Many of these SUVs increasingly are being referred to as "crossovers" because of their handy size and carlike nature.
The 2009 Escape has the same basic design as the Mercury Mariner and Japanese Mazda Tribute. It continues with an older but updated and proven design. The 2008 version got bolder styling, better steering and increased noise insulation. It also got a more comfortable, functional interior, which still looks rather plain.
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The new Escape has more punch. The standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder has been enlarged to 2.5 liters and generates 171 horsepower, or an increase of 18 ponies. And the 3-liter V-6's horsepower is up from 200 to 240.
A new six-speed automatic transmission is a big improvement over last year's ancient four-speed automatic.
The Hybrid has a spunky 153-horsepower gas/electric powertrain that has its own version of the new 2.5-liter "four" and needs no plug-in charging. It allows the Escape to deliver generally lively performance partly because its electric motor gives it especially good torque.
The Hybrid provides an impressive 34 in the city and 31 on highways with front-wheel drive or 29 and 27 with all-wheel drive (AWD) and comes only with a continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission -- not to be confused with the new six-speed automatic.
However, the Hybrid is the costliest Escape, with list prices of $30,635 with front-drive and $32,385 with AWD. While no slug on highways, it's best suited to city driving, where it can run on 100 percent electric power up to a higher speed this year -- a claimed 40 mph, maximizing city fuel economy. The transition between gas and electric operation is pretty smooth.
Escape list prices are all over the place, depending on the engine, transmission, trim level (entry XLS, mid-range XLT and top-line Limited) and if the Escape has front- or the costlier AWD setup. They range from $19,715 for the base front-drive XLS with a four-cylinder/five-speed manual transmission combo to $32,385 for the AWD Limited Hybrid.
Even the base XLS four-cylinder is fairly well-equipped with items including air conditioning, tilt wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, split folding rear seat, rear wiper/washer and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.
Higher-line versions naturally have more features. For instance, the XLT adds a power driver seat and the Limited features items including leather upholstery. The top-line Hybrid Limited adds a handy rear-obstacle detection system, heated front seats and a power sunroof, although you can get those features as options on lower-cost regular models.
All Escapes have plenty of safety features, including traction control, front-side and curtain air bags with rollover deployment, anti-lock brakes and an anti-skid system.
The regular 2.5-liter four-cylinder works with a five-speed manual or the responsive new six-speed automatic, while the V-6 is hooked only to the six-speed automatic -- as is the XLS four-cylinder AWD model.
Remember $4-plus gasoline prices? Well, no Escape is a gas hog, although fuel economy figures for the four-cylinder and V-6 versions also are all over the place, depending on their transmission and if they have front- or all-wheel drive.
Excluding the Hybrid, estimated fuel economy ranges from 22 in the city to 28 on highways for the four-cylinder and manual to 17 and 24 for the V-6 with the automatic and AWD (or 18 and 26 with front-drive).
My test Escape had the four-cylinder, automatic transmission and rear-drive. Its economy is a respectable 20 city, 28 highway -- figures that dip to 19 and 25 with AWD. It had far stronger highway performance than last year's four-cylinder, which didn't have much punch above 60 mph. However, the new four isn't as smooth or quiet as the more-potent V-6.
All engines require only regular-grade fuel.
The carlike Escape is enjoyable to drive and has a handy size that helps allow it to be called a crossover vehicle. Its speed-sensitive electric power steering, which improves fuel economy, provides good control, and a small turning radius helps low-speed maneuvering in tight spots. The ride is firm but supple, and handling is sharp. Progressive brake action enables smooth stops.
Large outside door handles are easily grasped. So are smaller inside ones, although they look like they're made from rather cheap plastic. Sliding in and out calls for a little extra effort, but narrow rear door openings hamper entry and exit a little. The front bucket seats provide especially good support, and the Escape comfortably seats five tall adults.
Main gauges can be easily read, but the fuel and coolant temperature gauges are too small. Power window controls on the driver's door are nicely placed to help accidentally prevent opening a rear window instead of a front one.
Front/rear cupholders are easily reached. But while climate controls are large, radio controls are small -- although they can be used fairly easily after you become accustomed to them.
The front console storage bin is deep, but the glove compartment doesn't hold much besides the owner's manual. Front doors have decent-sized storage pockets, but rear door pockets are practically useless.
The large cargo area has a moderately high opening. Its tailgate has an opening top glass section to allow quick loading of small objects. Rear seatbacks can be flipped forward easily to increase the cargo area, but don't sit flat.
The Escape lacks the personality and refinement of some rivals, such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, but gets high marks for overall competence.
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