Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high-res gallery

The very first production hybrid from a Detroit automaker has been with us since 2004 and going into the 2009 model year it has finally completed its second generation transformation. In 2007, Ford redesigned the all the visible elements of the Escape but largely carried over mechanical components. We drove the updated 2009 model a couple of months ago over a brief route and now we've had a chance to spend a full week with the revamped hybrid.

In June of last year we drove the then new 2008 Escape hybrid and came away reasonably impressed. The styling of the newest Escape had less of the soft-roader look of the original in favor of a "tougher, chunkier appearance" more in keeping with its truck siblings. The only visual distinction between the '08 and '09 models is a deeper, wider front air-dam and small spats in front of the rear wheels. These improve the air flow around the bottom of the vehicle, cutting highway fuel consumption by about 0.67 mpg at 70 mph. The really key differences in the '09 model aren't apparent to visual inspection and you can read how those panned out after the jump.


Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high res gallery

When we visited with the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid last year, it had just received a whole new look. It went from the softer, rounder appearance of the first-generation model that debuted in 2001 to a sharper-edged look more in keeping with its big brothers in the Ford Truck lineup. The 2008 changes were almost entirely visual with most of the major mechanical bits carried over from 2007. Nonetheless, the changes seem to resonate with consumers. Sales of the Escape were up almost ten percent in the first four months of 2008 compared to last year, even while the market as a whole was down.

For 2009, Ford has addressed the mechanical side of the Escape equation with new powertrains across the board along with a host of other upgrades. Both the four and six cylinder engines have been upgraded and the former four speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a brand new six speed that we told you about last week. The hybrid model has also been rewarded with a new brake system that provides better pedal feel and finally adds traction and stability control. We headed out to the wilds of Pinkney MI to sample the upgraded Escape and you can read about it after the jump.


Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.