After going through the trouble of an appearance makeover in 2008, the 2009 Ford Escape makes significant improvements to its powertrain, aerodynamics, and suspension in an effort to keep up with its Japanese competitors and deliver a more responsive and fun driving experience. The compact SUV comes in three trims (XLS, XLT, and Limited) in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, though the all-wheel drive is meant for extra traction in slippery situations more than for off-roading.

The first upgrade goes to the engine choices. The 2009 Escape ditches its old 2.3-liter inline four for a 2.5-liter inline four, adding 18 hp to deliver 171 hp overall. Once offered only with the base XLS, for 2009 it's available for all trims. In the XLS, it comes paired with a 5-speed manual, but for all other trims it gets a new 6-speed shiftable automatic that greatly improves upon the old 4-speed's difficulty finding the right gear. With the new 6-speed, this engine is both quieter and smoother during acceleration. The upgrade brings its 0-60 numbers to the old V6 standard of 10.4 seconds. The 3.0-liter V6 returns, but with tweaks to its pistons, heads, and intake and exhaust cams, enabling it to put out 240 hp, a 40-hp increase over last year.

Several other improvements contribute to the more streamlined ride in the 2009 Escape. Its new suspension feels more refined, while a lower chin spoiler, rear wheel spoilers, and new 16-inch low-resistance tires are designed to enhance the aerodynamics and therefore up overall fuel economy by 1 mpg. Both engines get slightly better mileage ratings – 21/27 mpg for the inline four and 20/25 for the V6.

Stability control is now standard for all trims, and combined with the new rear anti-sway bar, handling feels more solid and confident, though some reviewers said it made the steering feel overassisted. On the downside, brakes continue to feel soft and the Escape still exhibits the SUV tendency for body roll. The base XLS gets cruise control this year, while ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, and traction control remain part of the safety profile for the entire lineup.

Inside, an upgraded Sync system (optional only on the top-line Limited) is easier to use and more intuitive. Most of the interior changes came in 2008, and the Escape continues to offer a flexible amount of storage space for a compact SUV. In addition to its 29 cubic feet of cargo space that expands to 66 cubic feet, a central tiered storage console features removable bins and can hold a laptop. Rear seats fold flat, although they require the seat cushions to be pushed forward and the headrests removed. The cargo entry floor sits low for easy loading.

With a powerplant that rivals those in the CR-X and RAV4, improved fuel economy, a quieter and more comfortable ride for a small family, and mechanical upgrades that establish a stronger connection between driver and road, the 2009 Escape puts the fun back in functional.