New and used cars reviews

After last year's facelift, the 2009 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV benefits from more power under the hood and improved suspension for better handling and ride. With a choice of either front- or all-wheel drive, the Ford Escape can be equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine good for 171 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, while a 3.0L V6 engine with 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque can be had on the XLT and Limited, paired to a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy with the FWD I4 automatic is 20 mpg city/28 mpg hwy and 23 mpg in combined driving, while 4WD drops that to 19/25/21. The FWD V6 gets an estimated 18/26/21, while the 4WD gets 17/24/20. The Ford Escape Hybrid has a 2.5L four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors, with a net output of 177 hp, coupled to a continuously variable transmission sans rotating belt. The motors work in tandem with the gas engine to provide seamless power and maximum efficiency. On the AWD Escape Hybrid, a third electric motor helps power the rear wheels when extra acceleration or traction is required. The FWD Ford Escape Hybrid fuel economy estimates are 34 mpg city/31 mpg hwy and 32 mpg in combined driving, while the AWD version is rated at 29/27/28. Safety features include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.