Review of the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
The 2008 model year brought significant cosmetic changes to the Ford Escape, adding sharper lines and a more rugged exterior. For 2009, Ford has turned its attention under the hood and revamped the 2009 Ford Escape hybrid’s mechanics. By bringing the SUV’s inner-workings up to speed, the auto giant is hoping to see sales even higher than it did during a record-breaking ’08.
What’s new?
For the $28,000-$32,000 that it will cost to get you into an ’09 Escape, you’ll find more power, smoother handling and improved mileage. You can now drive a little further on every fill up, as the ’09 hybrid Escape’s mpg rating has improved to 34 city and 31 highway (an improvement of 1 mile per gallon over the 2008 hybrid Escape).
The 2.5 liter engine in the ‘09 Escape is Ford’s first attempt at using variable valve timing in conjuction with their Atkinson cycle hybrid engine. The result is an almost unnoticeable transition between electric and gas modes. Ford outfitted all 2009 Escapes with a new power train and upgraded the four speed automatic transmission to a six speed automatic transmission. As a result, the car hugs tight turns and shifts smoothly.
A major change in the hybrid version now allows you to drive the Escape in “all electric mode” from 0-40 mph before the gas engine takes over. The previous model made the switch at 30 miles per hour. On the outside, some minor adjustments to the spoilers and wheels allow for better aerodynamics and result in the car achieving two or three more miles per gallon.
A new electronic braking system increases the 2009 SUV’s stability and provides better feel of the brake pedal. Ford claims this change offers a more seamless crossover from regenerative to traditional braking. Another first for small hybrids is AdvanceTrac with RCS, Ford’s patented stability control system that includes rollover stability control, now standard on the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid (and the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid).
Optional equipment includes Ford’s increasingly popular SYNC system (voice activated in-car communication and entertainment system), this year with “911 assist”. Buyers can also opt for the new Sirius Travel Link system for real time traffic, weather, and fuel price notifications.
Availability
According to a press release from Ford Motor Company, the 2009 Ford Escape is scheduled to be available sometime during the summer of 2008, although no specific mention of the hybrid model’s availability was made.
Future of the Ford Escape
At this year’s New York Auto Show, Ford also unveiled the results of its partnership with Southern California Edison: a plug-in hybrid Escape. The 20 prototypes the team has built are very similar to the 2008 Escapes, with a 2.3 liter, four cylinder engine, but subsequent prototypes being built this summer will feature the same 2.5 liter, four cylinder that the ’09 has. The plug-in version also swaps the 2kwh nickel metal hydride battery for a 10kwh lithium ion battery and plug on the left side of the car.
Throughout the next year and a half, Ford hopes to test and improve these cars and have the plug-in hybrid ready for sale within the next five years.
Additional Information On The ‘09 Escape Hybrid SUV:
Ford Motor Company – 2009 Escape Official Press Release
AutoblogGreen
TheTruthAboutCars
Original source: http://www.hybridsuv.com/ford-escape/2009-ford-escape-hybrid
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