Overview & Reviews
A slightly larger, more powerful engine, the addition of stability control and the debut of Ford's Sync system (which allows voice commands to a cell phone, audio system and navigation system) highlight the tweaks made to the Ford Escape Hybrid for 2009. Other changes include the addition of a Limited trim level, the adoption of a capless fuel-filler system and ambient cabin lighting.
- Surprisingly powerful hybrid drivetrain, gets 30 mpg in the real world, comfortable and roomy interior.
- Pricey for its size, noisy under hard acceleration, fussy rear-seat-folding process, handling not as sporty as some rivals, disappointing braking performance.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 36.00-
Got a great deal - cash for my clunker - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By George - July 17 - 2:36 pmWow, with a Cash-for-Clunker deal already from the dealer for $4500 (my 1991 Ford Explorer), and $958 tax credit Federal and $3,906 tax credit (yes!) Colorado, I got a great deal, so this Hybrid wasnt so expensive for us. Being a "Full Hybrid", both the Electric Motor and gas Engine drive the wheels at the same time, and usually electric-only under 40 mph unless you step on it. When coasting downhill over 40 mph, the gas engine is on, but not using gas, as the fuel injectors close. Amazinghow it all works. Great gas milage so far - 32 mpg mostly city so far and have driven less than 1,000 miles.
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Wow - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By timmy - June 10 - 2:46 pmThis vehicle is just amazing. Averaging 31.5 MPG and I drive 38 miles one way to work, about 25 miles of which is 60 MPH+ highways. I never dreamed I would see this kind of mileage in a 4wd SUV. The ride is very comfortable and smooth even on shoddy michigan roads, but it is not floaty, sloshy, or sluggish like a lot of other SUVs or larger cars can feel. Plenty of power when you step on it - like they advertise it feels like a v-6 when you need it to. I rarely push it though because Im always concious of mileage. Feel lucky to own it despite the cost - see favorite features below.
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So Far the Best - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By freeandfighting - May 29 - 12:33 amYes, the best vehicle Ive purchased in my 45 years buying new and used cars. Zero defects, outstanding mileage. I think it combines the best combination of mileage, safety, capacity, and price of any vehicle in the U.S. market today. Its $3,000 income tax rebate made it a $25,600 purchase price for me plus tax and tag. Noticeable improvements over the 2008 model I test drove early in the year. You could coast for a long time between 35 and 40 mph on electric alone! Mine is still on break-in and the average mileage with AC on half of the time (Miami,FL) is 33.6 mpg. This is on a mix 50% suburban, 30% city, 20% highway; and American made to boot.
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Great SUV - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Ken - December 3 - 1:20 pmThis is a very nice SUV for the money. Its comfortable, has a great ride and has some pretty neat features, too. The Sync System connects to your cell phone, Ipod, etc. and allows you to communicate with voice commands. The interior looks very good, as well. All this and the mileage is fantastic! The transition that occurs from the electric motor to the gas engine is very smooth. Its a fun vehicle to drive. Ford really did a good job.
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New to the World of Hybrids - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Chuckles - September 14 - 12:16 pmJust passed one month and 1000 miles. Averaging 33mpg in mostly small town driving. Previously had a 05 Escape XLT and the FEH is a marked improvement in ride and amenities.
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Amazing Vehicle - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Matt - June 27 - 10:06 pmIve owned the FEH for about 4 months now and driven over 7000 miles. The FEH has been a dream come true! My only complaint is the extreme drop in mileage during a cold Wisconsin winter - which is to be expected (and Ive seen) with any vehicle. But overall the excitement of driving the 09 FEH is something unmatched. The AWD kicks in without any change in how the ride feels. Great handling overall for the vehicle. My wife who has a Civic loves to drive it and feels that the car is a decent size.
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2nd time hybrid owner - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Riley - June 13 - 4:13 pmIm proud to say this is my 2nd Escape hybrid. I know its still new. I have only had it for a couple of weeks now, but Im impressed. I had a 2005 Escape Hybrid and to be honest this is why I now have a second one. I traded the 05 in on this one and I have been thrilled on the improvements Ford has done on this vehicle. Tha mileage is better, the ride is better, even the looks are better. Im impressed. I think Ford has a winner with this one.
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Best Vehicle Ever Driven - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Jim - May 5 - 6:50 pmI am a ex-professional long haul trucker. The best kept secret. The Ford Hybrid is the best car I ever owned. Peppy, great MPG, sporty.
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Great SUV - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By jgimp123 - April 26 - 8:36 amThis is my first SUV, but I LOVE it! It is roomy inside and has a lot of neat gadgets. The ride is smooth, although the gas engine is a little loud. The sync feature is nice, except when it doesnt understand your commands. MPG is pretty good. Ive had mine for a few weeks and average 30 mpg. The faster you drive, the more it decreases. It is a bit touchy at first and takes some getting used to transitioning from gas to electric. The more I drive it, the easier it is to use the electric motor under 40 vs the gas. If you run the AC, it is difficult to get the electric motor to kick in. Overall, great car and highly recommend it! One nice thing is that maintenance is not required often.
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Ford Got This One Right - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Ed - March 17 - 7:26 pmI ordered this vehicle back in June and finally received it January 19, seven months later. It was worth the wait. I have bought many of Fords trucks, thunderbirds and other models in the last 30 plus years, but this is the most fun to drive. I have about 4000 miles on this so far and by learning to hyper-mile, I have been able to get up to 35 mpg per tank, driving in the foothills of SC. The technology in this SUV is great.
