It’s mighty easy to find things to like about the 2009 Escape. From an eco-friendly viewpoint, the seats use soy-based foam and seat fabrics use recycled materials. The green treatment extends to the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the new 6-speed automatic transmission, a combination that contributes to the 2009 SUV getting about a one mpg increase in city and highway fuel economy versus the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine from the 2008 model year. Escape’s ride and handling benefits from the addition of a new rear stabilizer bar, shock absorber adjustments, and a retuned steering system. Calibration changes in the braking system equate to shorter stopping distances.

The new 4-cylinder engine with intake variable cam timing provides 171 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 171 pounds-feet of torque at 4500 rpm versus the former 4-cylinder’s 153 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 152 pounds-feet of torque at 4250 rpm. Escape’s optional V6 engine – with new cylinder heads, pistons, injectors and other parts – provides 240 horsepower at 6550 rpm and 223 pounds-feet of torque at 4300 rpm versus the 2008 V6 engine that provided 200 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 193 pounds-feet of torque at 4850 rpm. The V6 engine mates to a new 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive versus a four-speed automatic in 2008. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard with the 4-cylinder engine. Estimated mpg for the Escape with 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission is 20 city and 28 highway. MSRP of front wheel drive Escape XLT with 4-cylinder and 6-speed automatic transmission is $22,730.