Improved Engines Arrive in Escape for ‘09

Last year marked the launch of the ‘08 Ford Escape, a re-skin of the popular compact SUV that affected the exterior and the interior. Now, for ‘09, Ford has just announced that it’ll be updating the Escape’s powertrain lineup too.

The big news for the Escape is that both the four-cylinder and V6 models will be receiving power increases. The previous 2.3-liter inline-four will be replaced by a slightly bigger 2.5-liter inline-five with intake variable cam timing, which now generates 170 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid features this new engine too, adapted to the lean-burning Atkinson cycle. As for the V6, its displacement stays the same at 3.0 liters, however the horsepower gains are even greater, with 230 horsepower in place of the previous 200. Both four- and six-cylinder engines receive a new six-speed automatic, which helps to account for a 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy and improved acceleration with smoother shifts.

Additional key changes include a mild tailoring of the exterior to improve the vehicle’s airflow, reducing wind resistance while cruising for all models, as well as the new capless fuel filler system, the Sync v.2.0 infotainment interface, and Sirius Travel Link. Ford has also tweaked the Escape Hybrid to provide a more seamless transition between regenerative braking and friction braking, while improvements to the software seek to make the transition between electrical assist and the gasoline-powered motor undetectable. Also, RSC stability control becomes standard equipment for ‘09.

In the States, these changes will also be applied to the Escape’s upscale twin, the Mercury Mariner.