2009 Ford Escape – Good things come in small packages By:  CHARITY BOOZIER Automotive Journalist I remember when my daughter was learning to read.  She and I discussed the Ford line of sports utility vehicles and their “matching” names.  Escape, Explorer, Expedition, and Excursion.  She was very disappointed that the Escape sounded the same, but was spelled differently.  Thankfully, the Escape is packed with comfort and capability just like any other Ford SUV.  It is a small package filled with all kinds of good stuff.

What better place to start than where we spend the most time: inside the vehicle.  The interior of the Escape has been designed to seat 5 people.  Leather and heated seats are options for various models.  The Limited Luxury option also includes heated side mirrors, reverse sensor, and dual climate control.  For those who search for eco friendly and green alternatives, the 2009 XLT Escape has been equipped with eco friendly cloth covered seats composed of post industrial material and bio based polyurethane foam cushions.

More than just sitting, there are many other aspects of the interior that are crucial for a comfortable and pleasant drive.  For me, that often means that I really need to know where I am going and specific directions on how to arrive there.  With the optional navigation and SIRIUS travel link I can not only dismiss worrying about the trip, but can also receive traffic and weather updates.  This option also includes a jukebox function to organize and manage my music on the road.  Of course, my husband would just plug his MP3 player into the SYNC® system along with his phone and other electronic devices.

As a mom, I am more concerned with other daily trips in the Escape, especially those including children and the mess that they inevitably bring into the car.  I am pleased to hear that Ford provides an optional wet trunk underneath the rear cargo for all those muddy tennis shoes, sandy towels, dripping pool toys, and sloppy uniforms.  After unloading, just haul out the wet/dry vacuum and clean out the hard plastic interior.  Wait, have the kids clean out the mess.  If there is not room inside the car for all that clutter, the Cargo Package includes a wonderful roof rack that can also hold all kinds of additional paraphernalia that is needed for families.

Still need more room?  Just hook up that trailer.  The Escape can tow 1500 pounds, but with the optional tow package, tow weight increases to 3500 pounds.  My family would use this for the trailer and a great weekend away camping.

Enough of the interior, what about under the hood?  In addition to that tow package, the XLT model is equipped with a 240 hp Duratec 30 3.0L V6 engine to provide the power needed to haul that trailer or boat.  A new 6-speed transmission has been designed to provide good acceleration at low speeds and greater fuel economy at high speeds.  This particular engine is labeled for 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.  The XLS model is equipped with a 2.5 L I-4 171 hp engine that supports either a manual or standard transmission.

All models come with either front wheel drive or 4WD.  The 4WD system is always on and ready to assist drivers out of mud, snow or any other predicament that requires more traction and control.

With a base price of around $20,000, the Escape provides a lot of power in a small package.  Additional options will increase that price, but each family can customize their own vehicle to fit their own needs.