Inside, the vehicle builds on last year's successful makeover with a comprehensive instrument panel that's easy to use. Even the famous SYNC multimedia system (now a can't-miss Ford feature) proves user-friendly.
For those who have been living on a deserted island over the past few months, SYNC is a sophisticated communications and entertainment technology offering full iPod integration with voice command and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for your cell phone. The latter helps manage phone calls and text messages, although the voice quality of the speaker could be improved.
Elsewhere, it's hard to overlook the abundance of room for passengers and their luggage. Access to the cargo area poses no problem, especially with the relatively low loading floor. Meanwhile, occupants enjoy plenty of headroom courtesy of the Escape's tall, boxy profile. They also benefit from excellent visibility as a result of the seats being high and the windows being generously-sized.
And off we go!
Of course, beyond their equipment levels and looks, it's the driving experience that draws people to compact SUVs. In that regard, the Escape is largely devoid of shortcomings.
On top of a 4-cylinder engine that's more than adequate in daily driving conditions, my tester came with a light-duty all-wheel drive system for safe, surefooted trips to the campground. However, said AWD is nowhere near competent enough to handle true off-road escapades. This little ute will gladly take you to your destination in civilized fashion, but it has never been intended for extreme adventures off the beaten path. (You probably knew that already, but I still feel obligated to remind you...)
The steering is no longer hydraulically assisted; it uses a power system that may be slightly less responsive but significantly more precise. Add a commendable suspension and you get a small family hauler that will always deliver the goods.
Obviously, there's room for improvement. For instance, road noise is a bit loud and handling at highway speeds suffers from a few jolts. Overall, though, this machine is pretty well balanced.
In fact, thanks to a more powerful engine and generous interior room, the 2009 Ford Escape is proof that it doesn't need a complete transformation since it already stands on par with most competitors, if not one step ahead.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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| SYNC is a sophisticated communications and entertainment technology offering iPod integration and Bluetooth. |
For those who have been living on a deserted island over the past few months, SYNC is a sophisticated communications and entertainment technology offering full iPod integration with voice command and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for your cell phone. The latter helps manage phone calls and text messages, although the voice quality of the speaker could be improved.
Elsewhere, it's hard to overlook the abundance of room for passengers and their luggage. Access to the cargo area poses no problem, especially with the relatively low loading floor. Meanwhile, occupants enjoy plenty of headroom courtesy of the Escape's tall, boxy profile. They also benefit from excellent visibility as a result of the seats being high and the windows being generously-sized.
And off we go!
Of course, beyond their equipment levels and looks, it's the driving experience that draws people to compact SUVs. In that regard, the Escape is largely devoid of shortcomings.
On top of a 4-cylinder engine that's more than adequate in daily driving conditions, my tester came with a light-duty all-wheel drive system for safe, surefooted trips to the campground. However, said AWD is nowhere near competent enough to handle true off-road escapades. This little ute will gladly take you to your destination in civilized fashion, but it has never been intended for extreme adventures off the beaten path. (You probably knew that already, but I still feel obligated to remind you...)
The steering is no longer hydraulically assisted; it uses a power system that may be slightly less responsive but significantly more precise. Add a commendable suspension and you get a small family hauler that will always deliver the goods.
Obviously, there's room for improvement. For instance, road noise is a bit loud and handling at highway speeds suffers from a few jolts. Overall, though, this machine is pretty well balanced.
In fact, thanks to a more powerful engine and generous interior room, the 2009 Ford Escape is proof that it doesn't need a complete transformation since it already stands on par with most competitors, if not one step ahead.
 |
| Overall, though, this machine is pretty well balanced. |
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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