Ford today announced new engines and an improved transmission for the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. A new 170 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides an additional 17 hp over the 2.3-liter model it replaces, while reducing fuel consumption by 1 mpg.
The new engine also is the new basis for Ford’s hybrid models, but final specifications have not been disclosed. The hybrid models will be lightly more powerful, while delivering the same fuel economy as before.
An optional, 230 horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine — a 30 hp increase over last year — also is offered. It, too, will offer an estimated 1 mpg fuel economy improvement and better acceleration. Engine enhancements include new pistons, cylinder heads, and fuel injection system.
Both gasoline models make use of a new six-speed automatic transmission that promises to increase efficiency and performance, not to mention gear change smoothness. The transmission is considerably more advanced than the four-speed automatic previously offered.
Fuel savings also come from additional design and engineering features, including aerodynamic improvements and new 16-inch tires with less rolling resistance.
Escape and Mariner also incorporate new features to improve handling and ride characteristics, including a new 18.5 mm rear stabilizer bar and revised suspension tuning.
A new brake system provides a more seamless transition from regenerative braking to traditional braking. It incorporates a new pedal sensor that gives the driver better feedback and pedal feel similar to that of a traditional vacuum-assisted hydraulic system.
Already standard on the gas models, the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid now come with AdvanceTrac with RSC, which provides stability and roll control.



01/22, 10:13 AM
posted by:
MikeFX
Come on LP460, where are you?
01/22, 10:17 AM
posted by:
MY Si
These damn S.U.V.s need to be totally restyled to stop them from looking like one another…… also whats an LP460???
01/22, 10:21 AM
posted by:
corvette
i dont care much for these SUV’s. Si i think they need to be redesigned all together.
01/22, 10:22 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Evolution, not revolution. This is one of Ford’s better offerings.
01/22, 10:23 AM
posted by:
MY Si
I totally agree with you Corvette. Now that i think of it the Ford Flex and Edge and Explorer and Expedition are enough for Ford. Hybrid the Flex or Edge and Fleet the Explorer for like taxis and stuff. Kinda strange how S.U.V.s are taking over the world. lol. Porsche Audi Even SPYKER!! YIPES!!
01/22, 10:32 AM
posted by:
Veda
MY Si, that’s a Murcielago or a bull, you can also check under Lamborghini.
01/22, 10:33 AM
posted by:
planet_drive
170hp from a 2.5 is absolutely garbage. Its like the other guy said before, everything from Ford is bad engineering. Honda was able to get 240hp from a 2 litre and ford is well below 200 with a 2.5 Whats even more sad this new Ford engine will be just as unreliable as everything Ford makes.
01/22, 10:37 AM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Actually Veda, I think MY SI knows what what a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is, MikeFX asked where “LP460″ was although I’m sure he was referring to LP640 and just switched the 6 and the 4.
Wow at least ford is also improving their engine technology. Something I thought was never one of their strong suites.
01/22, 10:41 AM
posted by:
Chris C.
Purely an observation and with no regard to engine performance, but Ford has some of the most unattractive engine bays. They do nothing to conceal the engine and its various tubes and wires. Given efficiency and performance being the same, I’d rather have the look of a current Lexus or Cadillac vehicle. That being a nice, finished out, clean plastic covered engine.
01/22, 10:41 AM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
The RAV-4 and CRV are pulling huge numbers, as this class has been the fastest growing segment in industry. The escape dominated its class 5 years ago and this is a year or two too late. It will help but the restyle last year is boring. But the CRV proves you can be ugly and still sell well in this class.
The 2.5L is the new base engine in Mazda6 and will be in countless other Ford and Mazda models.
6 spd will be biggest improvement.
01/22, 10:41 AM
posted by:
MY Si
Everyone knows what a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is……
01/22, 10:47 AM
posted by:
441Zuke
i don’t think that a 2 liter engine would work good in an application like this the 2.5 is a better robust engine i think nissan uses a very similery displaced engine for the altima and sentra and the rogue too
01/22, 10:53 AM
posted by:
Veda
MY Si, yea my bad, it’s been a long day. Ask Deanster, I thought he finally figured out what it means.
01/22, 11:05 AM
posted by:
MikeFX
The Lambo 640 is a fine car. I was referring to poster LP640 who always seems to blow a load when he is the first poster.
Back on topic…I agree with first few comments that this all sounds good on paper, but the Escape is so old school in design. It could really use some kind of update, and not just assing rear tire spoilers, whatever those are.
01/22, 11:26 AM
posted by:
jonnycat
The torque in the Honda’s 2.0L would leave a lot to be desired in a 4000 lb suv, not matter what the hp is.
01/22, 11:32 AM
posted by:
Fletch
Why is the engine set so far forward in the engine bay?
Better use a 25mm rear sway bar…
01/22, 11:45 AM
posted by:
doctrsnoop
I thought I’d never say this, but how about same hp, and more significant mpg increase.
01/22, 12:18 PM
posted by:
gizmo2
My Honda friend, watch the RPM and torque. Manufactures play with HP numbers. VW is one of the best at getting high hp out of smaller engines and the only get 170 hp out of their 2.5L 5 cyl engine. Their 2.0L TURBO will get close to 240 hp in the GTI, so how did Honda squeeze 240 out of a 2.0L? Can you use a Honda Civic to pull a tractor trailer? I don’t care how good you are, the laws of physics come in somewhere.
01/22, 12:24 PM
posted by:
Gary
Toque people torque, this is an SUV not a freakin sports car. HP doesn’t mean anything to something that needs low end more. Towing capability morons.
01/22, 12:32 PM
posted by:
mazdaman
Six speed auto transmissions, more powerful engines, and an extremely slight gain in fuel efficiency; these are welcomed improvements for these two vehicles. It should carry them until an Escape replacement makes it to market (I still don’t think Mercury will be around to see a Mariner replacement, although I personally think it’s more attractive than either its Escape or Tribute clones). I just hope Ford doesn’t leave these vehicles on the market for another 4-6 years (3 years should be the maximum). The styling is still nice (especially the Mariner), but terribly dated. The updates should help counteract the dated styling for a while.
01/22, 1:03 PM
posted by:
MY Si
ill start with your mom…. no wait shes ova here blowing my head off right now….
01/22, 1:08 PM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Oh snap…
01/22, 2:41 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
This wont be enough to stop the bleeding off of sales to RAV4, CRV and countless other new competition.
01/22, 4:47 PM
posted by:
Brendino
They did this with the MKZ…wait a year and revise it to make it a lot better. Is this a good thing to do or not?
01/22, 5:47 PM
posted by:
kayne001
Looking at the Honda Element it has a 166hp, 2.4 liter 4 cylinder. Looking at the Pilot, it has a V6
which Honda planet_drive are you talking about? A car perhaps?
01/22, 6:17 PM
posted by:
S-60-driver
don’t u all remember recently…… the “Eco-Boost” engine?? Ford is making a 2.0L Eco-boost with over 250 hp or something. It will come out in 2009 or 2010, i think. Im sure it will find into Fusion/Milan and others vehicles. Just hang on a little bit longer!!
What they are offering now is better than ancient 4 Speed with 200hp V6 engine! Just keep on improving till those SUVs recieve the Eco-Boost engines
01/22, 9:40 PM
posted by:
autonut
I don’t think the torque is required from gasoline engine in hybrid configuration. Electric motor has huge torque from 0 rpm and this engine assists in acceleration. Once trucklette achieved desired velocity electric motor rests and gasoline low torque engine can keep the vehicle moving. When acceleration requested electric engine is engaged again. Ford even utilized 5 stroke engine for hybrid: low torque but economical. 2.5L 4 cylinder engine probably will provide decent mileage without extra cost of hybrid (see performance characteristics of 2.4 L engines in RAV-4 and CR-V)
01/23, 11:58 AM
posted by:
jayjc08
planet drive- Get your head out of the ground, Ford has offered some of the most highest horsepower per liter engines in the world. Everything from the Escort to the RS200.
Not only that, but 240 horsepower out of a 2 liter from where? If your talking about the Honda S2000, then forget it. It only arranges 160 ft-ibs of torque from 2.2 liters, and I can say from personal experience, you sure don’t feel it. Sure, it’s got tons of get up and go, but up a really good steep climb it really looses steam, and gets so-so gas mileage (for a 2.2 liter, the gas mileage is horrendous).