2009 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD Review

I’m a fan of compact to mid-size SUVs due to the any weather, any chore practicality they bring with ownership. People with active lifestyles find these vehicles to be indispensable however fuel consumption and environmental concerns have always been a killjoy of sorts but Ford is working to change that.

For 2009, the compact eco-friendly SUV dispenses a total of 153 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque.

2009 brings more power and hybrid refinement
Since introducing the Escape Hybrid as a 2005 model, Ford has put much emphasis into boosting its real-world power and refining its hybrid operation. For 2009, the compact eco-friendly SUV dispenses a total of 153 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque.

A portion of the additional boost is attributable to an increase in engine displacement, which rose from 2.3-litres in 2008 to 2.5-litres for ’09. The enlarged 4-cylinder powerplant is the first Atkinson cycle engine by Ford to utilize variable valve timing. This adaptation improves performance over a wider operational range.

The mightier engine serves as the heart of the Escape’s hybrid system. Ford has reworked its engine processor technology to enable unobtrusive transitions from electric power to electric and gas combined. This procedure now occurs with far less abruptness than before, which polishes operational refinement to an impressive state.

CVT transmission maximizes performance and fuel economy
Anytime a manufacturer achieves more power combined with greater fuel efficiency, it’s a win - win for driver and environment.

Ford achieved such with the new Escape Hybrid, and while most of the credit is attributable to engine revisions, some must be shared with the smooth functioning Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that connects the hybrid powertrain with the wheels; and in the case of my tester, that’s all four wheels.

On the transmission’s limiting side is the inability to geardown more than a single notch with the Escape’s autostick. Other CVTs I’ve tested allow greater levels of engine braking through a progressive selection of multiple geardown points.

The enlarged 4-cylinder powerplant is the first Atkinson cycle engine by Ford to utilize variable valve timing.