DecodedCars2009 Ford Escape
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Xls, 4dr SUV FWD Xlt, Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,272–3,638 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 64% better than the average 2009 SUV - (19.5 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,098 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 42 for similar models — most often about the steering.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Ford Escape is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,547 lb (4dr SUV AWD Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 31 highway), 64% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1098 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2009
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.3L 4-cyl
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Escape →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Limited | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,547 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Xls | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,272 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Xlt | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,395 lb | 59/41 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,638 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 31 / 32 | +64% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Escape Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 27 / 28 | +58% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +23% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +18% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Escape FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +8% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Escape 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +19% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Escape 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +13% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Ford Escape under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Ford Escape (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2009 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V284000 · 740,878 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
- Risk
- If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Not every 2009 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Ford Escape buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 775 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Service Brakes — 96 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 86 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 110,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Escape years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2025 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 31 |
| 2024 Escape | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 88 |
| 2023 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 138 |
| 2022 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 386 |
| 2021 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 498 |
| 2020 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 25 | 1,908 |
| 2019 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 597 |
| 2018 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,822 |
| 2017 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 2,702 |
| 2016 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 1,170 |
| 2015 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 1,131 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →