Ford's Escape is one of the original compact SUVs that have become so popular. As fuel prices climbed over the years, this segment grew in strength as people sought the benefits of SUV ownership while rejecting the atrocious fuel economy of larger, V8-powered rigs.
Fresh truck-like styling
Today's test subject is an economical 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive (FWD) example of this burgeoning automotive segment. It's also a rugged unit based on a truck platform rather than a fortified passenger car chassis.
The Escape underwent a significant styling revision for 2008. Little has changed visually for 2009, and that's okay given last year's exemplary job. I'm fond of the vehicle's chrome grille and flared fender wells. Chrome alloy wheels added further twinkle and shine to my loaded tester.
The attractiveness of Ford's recent pen-work boldly announces itself in the Escape's cabin. The architecture here was completely revamped in 2008, giving us a design that remains just as modern and functional for 2009. Large, easy to read analogue gauges dominate the instrument panel while large, easy to use rotary audio and HVAC dials highlight the comprehensive centre stack.
Increased output from 4-banger
With greater output from its DOHC 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine and better fuel economy, Ford is enhancing Escape ownership for the frugal. The revitalized mill, which utilizes Variable Valve Control, is now capable of generating 170 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm and 171 pound-feet of torque 4,500 rpm.
Those are healthy readings for an engine featuring fuel consumption ratings of 10.1 and 7.2 L/100km of city and highway driving respectively. Of course the 4WD Escape doesn't fare quite as well but it's not far behind.
Perhaps more impressive than its ability to squeeze plenty of distance from a tank of liquid gold is the engine's ability to put some decent hustle into the Escape's driving dynamics. Unless trailer towing is a requirement, the 4-cylinder Escape is suitably powered for most folks in most applications.
Sure, more punch may be desired when it comes to highway passing but those are fairly rare events for the majority of drivers. Unless passing opportunities require shock and awe performance, the Escape will do just fine with its base engine and its new six-speed automatic transmission, which augments both passing performance and economy.
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| The Ford Escape is one of the original compact SUVs that have become so popular. |
Fresh truck-like styling
Today's test subject is an economical 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive (FWD) example of this burgeoning automotive segment. It's also a rugged unit based on a truck platform rather than a fortified passenger car chassis.
The Escape underwent a significant styling revision for 2008. Little has changed visually for 2009, and that's okay given last year's exemplary job. I'm fond of the vehicle's chrome grille and flared fender wells. Chrome alloy wheels added further twinkle and shine to my loaded tester.
The attractiveness of Ford's recent pen-work boldly announces itself in the Escape's cabin. The architecture here was completely revamped in 2008, giving us a design that remains just as modern and functional for 2009. Large, easy to read analogue gauges dominate the instrument panel while large, easy to use rotary audio and HVAC dials highlight the comprehensive centre stack.
Increased output from 4-banger
With greater output from its DOHC 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine and better fuel economy, Ford is enhancing Escape ownership for the frugal. The revitalized mill, which utilizes Variable Valve Control, is now capable of generating 170 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm and 171 pound-feet of torque 4,500 rpm.
Those are healthy readings for an engine featuring fuel consumption ratings of 10.1 and 7.2 L/100km of city and highway driving respectively. Of course the 4WD Escape doesn't fare quite as well but it's not far behind.
Perhaps more impressive than its ability to squeeze plenty of distance from a tank of liquid gold is the engine's ability to put some decent hustle into the Escape's driving dynamics. Unless trailer towing is a requirement, the 4-cylinder Escape is suitably powered for most folks in most applications.
Sure, more punch may be desired when it comes to highway passing but those are fairly rare events for the majority of drivers. Unless passing opportunities require shock and awe performance, the Escape will do just fine with its base engine and its new six-speed automatic transmission, which augments both passing performance and economy.
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| The 4-cylinder engine generates 170 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. |