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New car reviews » 2009 Ford Escape XLT

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Better than: Jeep Compass
But not as good as: Honda CR-V
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 58.66  

After trying the new-for-2009 Ford Escape, we were impressed by the improvements made over the 2008 version. Offering greater fuel efficiency and better acceleration than the outgoing model, the new 2.5-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission combine to make a much better finished product.

The towing capacity we would typically expect from an SUV was somewhat meager in the Escape XLT, however, as it seems the manufacturer has traded utility for efficiency. Our test car was rated to tow 1500 pounds, which is only good enough to haul a kart or small formula car—if you’ve got a lightweight trailer. Otherwise, you’ll want to look a little further upmarket; an Escape equipped with the V6 and towing package options is rated to haul a more useful 3500 pounds.

Other staff views:

Tim Suddard Publisher:

We logged over 1000 miles in the 2009 Ford Escape XLT FWD. Overall, this is a pleasant version of the small SUV, a class of vehicles that we have come to like. As a class, these vehicles are comfortable on the highway and very practical. Some offer off-road capability as well. They also get reasonable fuel mileage—in the mid-20s.

The Escape seems well made. Both outside and in, the fit and finish and quality of materials are more than reasonable. Mechanically, the Escape is easy to drive, has decent brakes, and offers car-like handling and ride comfort.

At just over $24,000, we would like to see all-wheel drive and not front-wheel drive. A sunroof, V6 engine and perhaps even leather interior wouldn’t hurt, either. While the 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine is more than adequate to propel the Escape, it does lack some civility.

If you don’t look at the competition, the Escape looks pretty good. If you do start to study what’s available in a $24,000 small SUV, you’ll see stuff like the Mitsubishi Outlander for a little less and the Honda CR-V for a little more. Then the Escape doesn’t look as attractive.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

The Escape was roomy and practical, but it wasn’t exciting at all to drive. I guess that’s what Americans want, but it was just kind of boring. How about the new Fusion instead? The starting prices are similar.

Reader comments:

1. sanyarcosean: — May 7, 2009 8:50 p.m.
   

   I have a 2005 Escape V6 that I bought used W/ 44,000 miles on it. I love it to death!! We tow a couple times a month with it, and it always does everything we ask of it!

2. scotaku: — May 8, 2009 6:22 a.m.
   

   My wife and I have a fwd 2004 Escape V6, also bought secondhand in late 2006 at 22K for $16 grand. The residual value was a slight sting then, but nice to have on our side now. It has some key advantages over its competition… first, it has an independent rear suspension. It’s no cone-dodger but it can avoid sudden obstacles without switching ends or worse. It has an older style liftgate with a separate opening glass. This has come in -very- handy for carrying our dog cage and luggage yet letting us maximize the space on top once the hatch is closed. The floor space in the hatch is not as compromised as other CUVs with coil-over rear suspensions and the more upright hatch gives back a few cubes the fastback-styled truckettes take away. Considering an Obama-incentived replacement this year, only the current Escape measures up… though my folks did buy a new Venza a month ago and it looks like it could match our Escape for carrying capacity.

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