01-22-08: While the new 2008 Escape that made its debut last year wont look different, it will get a boost of power and efficiency for 2009. Ford announced today that the small SUV will get all new engines this fall that will help to keep the Escape at the top of sales charts.
For the base engine, Ford is replacing the 2.3 liter four with a new 2.5 liter plant that will be mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Escape and the Mercury Mariner sibling will benefit from an 11% increase in horsepower to 170 and a 1mpg increase in mpg.
The simultaneous power and efficiency increase comes with the use of intake variable cam timing (IVCT) boasts a 17-horsepower increase in output over the outgoing 2.3-liter engine. Responsive with its peak 166 ft. lb. of torque, the engine also is refined, with dual-mode crankshaft damping, electronic throttle control and PowerPC engine electronic control. Best yet this new engine will also be implemented in the popular Escape and Mariner Hybrid models.
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“More than ever, the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are the ultimate vehicles for commuters in the daily battle with urban traffic congestion,” said Cischke. “For every eight Escape and Mariner vehicles we sell, one of them is a hybrid, and the appeal is growing.”
Those wishing to opt for more power get a new engine as well. The venerable 3.0 liter Duratec DOHC V6 gets a makeover that nets a healthy 30hp increase while also attaining a 1 mpg gain. The improvements include new cylinder heads, intake tract, redesigned pistons and a new fuel injection system. In addition, the 3.0 V6 will now be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This should be good news for Escape, which has been one of Ford’s bright spots in the past couple of years. While many buyers have been moving away from full sized SUV’s, the Escape has provided a place for them to go. Offering an off-road feel and capability that many crossovers have given up, the Escape has remained popular with those wanting true utility.
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