Although the Detroit Auto Show may be over, Ford has decided to unveil new versions of its Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs for the 2009 model year.
Although the Escape and Mariner were mostly new for the 2008 model year, Ford has seen fit to update the engines and transmissions across the board. Starting with the base 4-cylinder, the engine has been updated to a 2.5L engine up from a 2.3L. Horsepower increases 11 percent to 170 and the mpg increases by 1. The 3.0L V6 gets an extra 30 horsepower and an estimated 1 mpg improvement over the old engine. The new more fuel efficient 2.5L is also the basis for the hybrid model. In addition to the updated engines, Ford has also replaced the archaic 4-speed automatic with a new six-speed which helps improve performance and fuel economy.
The 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner will be on sale this summer.
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PRESS RELEASE:
FORD DELIVERS BETTER FUEL ECONOMY, MORE POWER FOR ESCAPE, MERCURY MARINER; EXPANDS E85 FLEET
• 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner crossovers improve fuel efficiency with new, more powerful I-4 and V-6 engines and 6-speed transmissions.
• Ford's full-hybrid Escape and Mariner gain performance and refinement improvements for 2009.
• Ford adds three vehicles to its flexible fuel (FFV) line-up for the 2009 model year – Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator SUVs and Ford E-Series Econoline vans.
• Ford and Southern California Edison showcase 120-mpg Escape Plug-in Hybrid.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 22, 2008 – Today at the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company announced its hot-selling compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, will become more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected for the 2009 model year.
Ford also announced that it is expanding its commitment to biofuels by adding three additional vehicles to its E85-capable flexible fuel line-up for 2009 – the E-Series van, as well as the standard and extended-length models of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. These additional product actions are part of Ford's sustainability strategy, which also includes high-volume introductions of EcoBoost gas turbocharged direct injection engines.
Speaking today at Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally met with industry leaders and media to share today's announcement and discuss how Ford is accelerating the development of new products and technologies customers want and value. Mulally also reaffirmed that Ford will reach benchmark levels of new or significantly freshened products, delivering a showroom with 70 percent new or freshened vehicles by the end of 2008 and 100 percent by 2010.
"This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms," Mulally said. "We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year."
At the Washington Auto Show, Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, outlined the company's high-volume customer-focused strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.
"Ford Motor Company is increasing fuel economy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions with affordable technologies for millions of customers," said Cischke. "In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we're delivering today."
Fuel-efficient new 2.5-liter Engine
The new 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner make strides in fuel economy and emissions with a new, 2.5-liter engine and a smooth new fuel-saving 6-speed automatic transmission.
Not only is the new powertrain expected to improve the Escape and Mariner's EPA estimated fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon, it will also give the customer an 11 percent increase in horsepower to 170 horsepower.
The new 2.5-liter engine with 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.
The anticipated 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy will make Escape and Mariner more than competitive in the segment. With the improvements, Escape and Mariner also achieve ULEV II emissions certification.
The new engine also is the new basis for Ford's hybrid models, ushering in a host of improvements that will make the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid even more appealing. Adapted to the Atkinson cycle, the engine is the first for Ford to incorporate variable valve timing on a hybrid engine.
"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."
An optional, 230-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 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, thanks to the new 6-speed transmission and engine enhancements, including new pistons, cylinder heads and fuel injection system.
Spotlight on Fuel Efficiency, Even in the Performance Version
The new, more fuel-efficient automatic 6-speed transmission featured in the Escape and Mariner offers a significant improvement in powertrain smoothness and drivability, replacing the four-speed automatic previously offered.
Its flexibility allows Escape and Mariner to feature a longer final-drive ratio for optimal fuel economy, while its smooth-shifting quality provides an enhanced experience for the driver, especially in combination with the more powerful engines in the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner family.
Fuel savings also come from additional design and engineering features, including:
• Aerodynamic improvements, including a new front fascia chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers also play a role in the fuel economy story.
• A new 16-inch Michelin tire design offers improved rolling resistance that contributes to fuel efficiency, while also bringing improvements in quiet operation, steering and handling, and stopping distance.
All Escape and Mariner models now feature Easy Fuel™, a capless refueling system. This feature is not only a convenience for customers but also helps to prevent evaporative fuel emissions.
Escape and Mariner also incorporate new features to improve dynamic handling and ride characteristics, including a new 18.5 mm rear stabilizer bar and revised suspension tuning. Powertrain sound quality is enhanced by a new air induction system for V-6 engine models and a new exhaust system on all models.
Ford Hybrids: More Refinement, Safety and Performance
The new 2.5-liter engine also is the new foundation for the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid models. Adapted for hybrid use, the engine is Ford's first to use variable valve timing on an Atkinson cycle hybrid engine. Advancements in engine processor technology enable a nearly imperceptible transition from gas to electric mode.
A new brake system also 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.
Also new this year is a new standard safety feature – AdvanceTrac® with RSC®. Already standard on gas-powered models, this patented Ford Motor Company stability control system includes roll stability control. Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are the only small hybrids to offer such an advanced safety technology.
At the Washington Auto Show, Ford will display a Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) alongside the production Escape Hybrid. The plug-in research vehicle uses high voltage, lithium-ion batteries and can travel up to 30 miles on battery power alone before switching to full hybrid mode, delivering the equivalent of up to 120 miles per gallon for far fewer trips to the gas station.
Ford is collaborating with Southern California Edison in a unique partnership to advance the commercialization of PHEVs, demonstrating the potential for two industries to change the transportation and energy future.
This is part of Ford's sustainability strategy, which also includes a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America starting within the next five years.
The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology and will be used in a range of global vehicles – from small cars to large trucks. Compared with more expensive hybrids and diesel engines, EcoBoost builds upon today's affordable gasoline engine and improves it, providing more customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance.
More Technology, Connectivity
The popularity of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner reflects a trend of continuous improvement and product enhancement, including the most "connected" driving experience available today.
New optional equipment includes:
• SYNC, the award-winning Ford in-car connectivity system developed with Microsoft, will be offered in Escape and Mariner. New for the 2009 model-year, SYNC features "911 Assist" which will help drivers connect with emergency assistance in the event of air bag deployment. Also available for 2009, SYNC will offer Vehicle Health Reports, which are designed to keep owners up to speed with vehicle maintenance needs through the syncmyride.com web site.
• SIRIUS® Travel Link™ , which offers real-time traffic, weather, fuel price, sports schedules and movie information when combined with Ford's next-generation navigation system with voice recognition.
Growing Popularity
With the continuous improvements to the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, the vehicles are primed to build on their sales success in the 2007 calendar year, which included record hybrid volume. Highlights include:
• Ford Escape Hybrid recorded a 10.4 percent increase in sales versus 2006, with 21,386 units sold, while Mercury Mariner Hybrid sales were up 17 percent over 2006 to 3,722 units.
• Total Ford Escape sales were up 5.2 percent to 165,596. Mercury Mariner was up 2.6 percent to 34,844 units.
The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are produced at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant, and the 2009 models will go on sale this summer.
Comments (16)
I wonder,
With all the "fuel efficient" components/design I was suprised to read that only an increase of 1 MPG was achieved.
1) Fuel Efficient Engine with increased power, hmmm
2) Aerodynamic improvements
3) Better tires
4) 6 speed auto.
I would say that the 6 speed auto is what increased the fuel effeciency the most, followed by 2) and 3). The engine probably ate up all the increase of 2 + 3 + 4 leaving a total increase of 1 MPG. I doubt Ford will give us the individual break down. Then again, the 1 MPG could really be the engine only, and the 2, 3, and 4 will give more MPG. Will have to wait to see the final numbers.
Posted by kkbb | January 22, 2008 10:46 AM
Posted on January 22, 2008 10:46
I like the changes. Ford until recently has been slow to update their products, but they have made great strides in improving their existing product line. For a platform almost 10 years old, the Escape/Mariner twins are still very competitive.
Posted by longdxcommuter | January 22, 2008 11:47 AM
Posted on January 22, 2008 11:47
I have a 2006 Ford Escape V6 and a 2006 Hyundai Sonata V6. The Fords engine sounds so agricultural compared to the Hyundai. It runs really rough and vibrates especially when floored. The Hyundai is smooth like a jet taking off and the Ford is rough like a Harley. All domestic motors seem to be this way- rough. Smooth out the harshness Ford, its iritating or stop using an engine that been used for many years in the Taurus. The 3.5 is just another version of it and probably just as rough.
Posted by sam | January 22, 2008 12:19 PM
Posted on January 22, 2008 12:19
I like this, Ford updating their products often that is. That is one critical thing I found wrong with them just last year (even this one): long periods between updates, even if the development was already done.
Rather than see more power though (the Escape already had enough, I thought), Id rather of just seen more fuel economy. Its bloody brilliant they achieved both, but rather than add 17 horses and 1 mpg, I would of rather seen say, the same old 153 horses and 2 or three mpg. As for the V6, never drove that one I think, so I don't know if the V6 moved properly or not. I can image it did as the old I4 did very well, in which case it could've definitely just used fuel economy improvements and got an extra two or three mpg instead of only 1 and 30 more horses.
Here is a thought: apply all the same improvements you made then reduce engine displacement. Then you make the same power with more fuel economy, theoretically.
Posted by Allen | January 22, 2008 12:29 PM
Posted on January 22, 2008 12:29
I may be in the minority of buyers. But, I have been pricing out a 4cyl/5speed Escape. I may wait until the 2009 model year to get the extra ponies of the 2.5l engine. For my needs, The 4 cyl/5speed gives the best comprimise of efficiency and fuel mileage.
Posted by longdxcommuter | January 22, 2008 1:28 PM
Posted on January 22, 2008 13:28
Had a 2001 5speed/2.0 litre for many years. It actually wasn't that bad. I can only imagine the new model giving better performance and economy.
Posted by MarkyM | January 22, 2008 2:02 PM
Posted on January 22, 2008 14:02
1 mpg! the earth is safe....for now
Posted by zzz | January 22, 2008 2:41 PM
Posted on January 22, 2008 14:41
Why didn't they just do it right at the beginning? No wonder they suck!
Posted by Blah You | January 22, 2008 3:37 PM
Posted on January 22, 2008 15:37
Is that 1mpg increase advertised in the correct context? Like, are the new EPA MPG estimates for this SUV going to be 15-21mpg/city and 18-26mpg/hgwy.... as opposed to the previous generations' 15-20mpg/city and 18-25mpg/hgwy.
Seriously, manufacturers aren't above stretching the truth a little and making "not true, but also not false" claims.
Or maybe, "new improved throttle cable increases gas mileage.... by not letting engine go to WOT".
Posted by Jason | January 22, 2008 5:02 PM
Posted on January 22, 2008 17:02
One one side, yes, they have been using the same old chassis for a while now. It's a little boring. But even the earliest Escapes i see in our facility seem to be holding up well, even in snowy, salty New England. I see plenty of foreign and domestics that don't look so good after the same amount of time.
I was supposed to replace the windshield on a 95 Altima today. When i pulled the glass, most up the upper pinch weld and part of the cowl sheetmetal came with it ! Safe to say that car is gonna be scrapped. It was a rust queen. I also cry when i have to work on 97-98 full size Chevy trucks with a problem in the drivers door. They rust out pretty good too.
Anyway, on the other side, by not updating so often Ford has kept the Explorer and Escape pretty much the same size. Not unlike the Jeep Cherokee. A lot of the competitors have puffed up in size (usually sacrificing rear view), or are in the process of turning into a crossover, or just confused (see: Murano).
My next daily beater is going to be a compact SUV. It's bitching hard to put an ice fishing shanty in my current 96 Sable. ;) I don't like the S/T-10 Chevy platform so i'm looking at an Escape, CR-V, or Cherokee. In that order. There really isn't any other vehicle with the track record and sales of those 4.
With gas and milk both around $3.50 a gallon in the US now, any SUV with an I-4 and 6-speed will sell nicely.
Posted by Trooper Bri | January 22, 2008 6:05 PM
Posted on January 22, 2008 18:05
Jason
I have NEVER seen ranges advertised for mileage for a vehicle. I believe the EPA requires a single integer for mileage as exhibited in their testing.
If there are two different numbers for city and two different numbers for HW, I would think they are showing 4 and 6 cylinder versions.
Teldar
Posted by Teldar | January 22, 2008 7:10 PM
Posted on January 22, 2008 19:10
@Teldar
The manufacturer gives a range estimate for city/highway mpg. It's usually printed on the info sticker on new cars. This is the manufacturers testing. The EPA also gives ranges for cars they test, although the ranges aren't printed on the same sticker, just the averages of those ranges. You can find this info available on the EPA website.
In every advertisment you see on tv, newsread, or radio, the "mpg boast number" is the upper end of the measured range. Unless the ad states it was the EPA estimated average mileage, it's usually the manufacturers estimates. But how many more times on tv do you hear the words "up to 35 miles per gallon"?
Jason
(PS, what the hell kind of a name is Teldar? It sounds like a Russian satellite.)
Posted by Jason | January 23, 2008 10:57 AM
Posted on January 23, 2008 10:57
In other, more important news, Mercedes Benz drove a E-320 Bluetec from LA to Detroit this year and averaged 40mpg. Less significantly but still impressive, the SmartFourTwo hybrid averaged 49mpg, and the SmartFourTwo CDI managed 60mpg.
But again the real news is that a car as big as the E-Class managed 40mpg. And people say diesel is not the way to go? Imagine if the Escape had a diesel! Then it'd also have the torque to be a decent offroad vehicle too...
Posted by Allen | January 23, 2008 1:18 PM
Posted on January 23, 2008 13:18
@Allen:
I too would love a diesel in a small SUV like an Escape.
Posted by longdxcommuter | January 23, 2008 6:47 PM
Posted on January 23, 2008 18:47
As a life long Ford guy, I can't believe that going from a dated 4-speed automatic to a new 6-speed automatic that all they can get is (1) one mpg better, are you kidding me.If they can't get 3-4 better your wasteing my time.With gas prices over 3 $ plus and going to 4 $ plus by the summer ,! mpg better with a 6-speed automatic just isn't getting it.In FWD (2wd) the 2009 Escape is small enough and should be lite enough to get 24-26 city/30-33 highway with a 4cyl and 6-speed automatic and we should except nothing less! Come on ! (1) one mpg better ,at 3-4$ a gal.,you must be kidding . Please foward this to the Ford eng. who worked on this job,I can get more MPG's then that by just changeing the ext. and adding a K&N fiilter. R/S R.J.Manfre
Posted by R.J. Manfre | March 11, 2008 6:53 AM
Posted on March 11, 2008 06:53
My wife and I bought 2005 XLT Sport V6 new. My only complaint was the transmission. With the four speed it is a dog off the line ad at the beginning of second gear at @35m/h- 55m/h. It's only "quick from 20-35m/h and 55-80m/h. All of our local speed limits are 45! Right in the dead band. It makes power at 4500rpm and on. It's almost like a light switch. I kept saying all this truck needs is a 6 speed. With the additional power, it should be a rocket... If we didn't need the room, I'd reconsider this summer's potential Edge purchase...
Posted by Barrett ward | April 11, 2008 2:34 AM
Posted on April 11, 2008 02:34