Not content with its aesthetic updates from 2008, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid adds more power and makes adjustments to its gas-electric powerplant to improve stability, traction, and performance.
A new 2.5-liter inline four replaces the old 2.3, raising overall horsepower to 177 hp in combination with the electric motor. Paired with the eCVT (electronic continuously variable transmission), the 2009 Escape Hybrid promises 34/30 mpg or 400-500 miles on one tank of gas, what Ford claims to be a 70% increase in fuel economy over the regular Escape. And the eCVT guarantees seamless shifting for a smoother ride.
The hybrid system features regenerative braking (to recharge the 330V Ni-MH battery) and engine cutoff during stops and idling. Tweaks to the electric motor and the hybrid software have reduced the jolts and stutters that often came when the engine started back up or the system transitioned from the electric motor to the gas engine. This contributes to a more fluid and quiet ride, with some reviewers now unaware when the switchover takes place. As with many hybrids, the electric motor can power the SUV on its own, and for 2009 the maximum speed the motor can power alone has increased to 40 mph (up from 25).
Available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the latest Escape Hybrid displays better traction and road grip, thanks to a long-needed revision to the braking system. What once felt spongy and required several strong efforts now feels sharper and more responsive. Electronic stability control has also been added this year, along with a new anti-sway rear stabilizer bar for a more confident feeling of control behind the wheel during turns. Adjustments to the suspension further aid stability by creating a more balanced distribution of weight with the rear-mounted batteries.
On the outside, the 2009 Escape Hybrid gets the same updates as its regular version, with front chin and rear wheel spoilers and 16-inch wheels with low-resistance Michelin tires. Inside, you'll find a roomy SUV designed for small families, with a generous 41 inches of legroom up front and nearly 36 in the back. Rear seats fold flat (after pushing up the seat cushions) to expand the 29 cubic feet of space to 66 cubic feet. Additional storage is found in the expansive center console. The hybrid comes well-equipped, with full power features, cruise control, remote entry, a 6-CD player, and heated leather seats made out of recycled material. A standard sunroof opens up the interior even more.
The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid SUV on the market, and it continues to improve its handling and performance to help diehard SUV fans make a painless and seamless transition into more environmentally friendly driving behavior. As its price continues to climb, however, drivers need to weigh whether the slight extra savings at the gas pump will add up to the cost differential between the hybrid and the regular Escape.
I am thinking about purchasing a Ford Escape but was wondering if their head rests were removable? (I plan on adding headrest collars and headrest covers to the car if I purchase it and the headrest must be removable for the items I already purchased)
Front wheel drive, 70,000 miles
The A/C compressor turns off every 2/3 minutes or so, and then turns on. Sometimes the compressor stays on for longer, however a audible click is heard from the a/c line (not the click that sounds when the clutch is enganged). The gauges read that there is full freon, however, the numbers for both high and low side fluctuate when the clicking noise or when the compressor cycles.
Last year I was my compressor has failed, and I got it changed. The guy at the shop told me there was a leak in my low pressure side? Or was it the high. It was the smaller of the two pipes, but he then insisted it was fine. This year around May I lost all my freon, and the car a/c was blowing hot. I went, they just filled up the freon. I went back again last week, and the guy said it was the pipe. Got the pipe replaced, and now a/c blew cold ish air for 2 days. then went completely hot, but compressor runs. Went back, idk what they did but after 5 minutes the a/c line was cold and I had cold air. They said my compressor was going bad again thats why i didn't have cold air. but wtf? The a/c works fine currently, but I know the problem will come back. NOW I notice this new sound. When the a/c is at max, there is no problem. however, when the a/c isn't maxed out there is cold air for about 5 minutes, then this PSHH sound gas escaping? Or pressure release sound, and the compressor stops for 5-10 seconds, and warm air blows. Then it goes back to normal. I was wondering what might this be? Accumulator? Expansion valve? Or is it the sensor? Also, if there are any part #'s given that would be nice too, as I like buying my own parts. Thanks.
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: navigation · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.04
Engine
EV battery capacity: 1.8 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 94 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 70 · Electric Motor Torque: 100 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 136 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.04
Engine
EV battery capacity: 1.8 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 94 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 70 · Electric Motor Torque: 100 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 136 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.04
Engine
EV battery capacity: 1.8 kWh · Electric Motor HP: 94 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 70 · Electric Motor Torque: 100 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 136 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.04
Engine
EV battery capacity: 1.8 kWh · Electric Motor HP: 94 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 70 · Electric Motor Torque: 100 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 136 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up