For 2009, Ford has given the Escape, its sub-compact SUV, an eco-friendly overhaul [and has also provided some fairly comical marketing photos of the Escape as this rugged, off-road vehicle].
The conventional 2009 Escape models will be fully integrated with FFV [Flexible Fuel Vehicle] technology, allowing them to be powered by E85 ethanol fuel. Getting a power boost all across the board, both the Escape Hybrid and the base-trim Escape receive 2.5L, 4-cylinder in-line engines to replace their previous 2.3L I4’s, equaling an overall boost in horsepower from 153-hp to 171-hp.
The upgrade in power can be directly attributed to the new intake variable cam timing found in the 2.5L engines, a feature which makes the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid the first Atkinson cycle hybrid with variable-valve timing [a fact really only fully appreciated by the guys who read Popular Mechanics]. Not to be left out, a bigger 3.5L V6 engine, higher compression ratio and a new fuel-injection system provide a 30-hp power pump for the 2009 Ford Escape Limited, netting a total 230-hp over previous years’ 200-hp. Despite the performance modifications, Easy Fuel cap-less fueling technology as well as roll-resistant Michelin tires claim to increase EPA fuel efficiency on conventional Escape’s by 1mpg.
Bottom line: with Ford playing such an aggressive game of catch-up, it almost doesn’t seem fair for us to continue picking on the Toyota Prius. Almost.
| 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid | |
| Base Price | $29,305 - $31,055 |
| Vehicle Layout | Front gasoline/hybrid engine, FWD/4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
| Engines | 2.5L/171-hp/ I4 Atkinson Cycle Engine and Electric Motor; 2.5L/171-hp/I4; 3.5L/230hp/ V6 |
| Electric Motor [Hybrid Only] | Permanent Magnet AC synchronous motor/330V NiMH/94-hp[70 kW] |
| Transmissions | Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable; 5-sp manual; 6-sp automatic |
| Curb Weight | 3792 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 in |
| Length x Width x Height | 174.7 in x 71.1 in x 70.2 |
| Ground Clearance | 8.6 in |
| EPA city/hwy Fuel Econ. | 34/30 mpg [ECCV FWD]; 29/27 [ECCV 4WD]; 22/28 mpg [Manual FWD]; 18-20/24-26 mpg [Automatic FWD]; 17-19/22-24 mpg [Automatic 4WD] |
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Fuel alternatives are a hot topic around the web and around the globe. We have discussed many of the options here on this site that are being studied and that are seeking a share on the market place. It has even been mentioned that you could be making your own fuel at home. The designs to build your own still for ethanol or distillers for biodiesel are just a search away online. However some of the concern over building your own still may have just been eased by a UK company.