No-Frills Escape Gets the Job Done

2009 Ford Escape XLT FWD

model as tested $24,115

Test Drove 9/11/08 – 9/18/08
reviewed by Sara Lacey

It’s late fall here in Colorado, and I’m thinking of escaping to the mountains for a long weekend. I’m trying to find a place to stay that isn’t over the top and really expensive; I’m looking for something that’s kind of like the restyled 2009 Ford Escape. Ford’s Escape is more like a getaway to a clean, pared-down cabin. It’s not an overdone luxury home; there aren’t giant vaulted ceilings or an abundance of antler chandeliers and horsehair ottomans. And this year’s Escape is quieter than ever before, something I like in any getaway.

The 2009 Escape is a tidy, simple SUV with few amenities. It knows you’re going elsewhere for the fun but that you need a way to get there. It doesn’t try to be a resort on wheels or your family room incognito, and it does its job just fine.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some

FAMILY LIFESTAGE

In Diapers: A rear-facing child-safety seat would fit fine in here, but there might be a little squishing if there’s a tall person in the front seat.
In School: Kids in school will fit well, but there aren’t a lot of compartments for their gear.
Teens: I think teens would like riding in and eventually driving the Escape.

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