2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner get improved four-cylinder, other upgrades

Ford Motor Company is adding flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) technology to its Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator and Ford E-Series full-size vans, so you can run these models on E85 ethanol fuel. It is also "showcasing" a plug-in hybrid Ford Escape in conjunction with Southern California Edison, with a demonstration model that can run 30 miles on an electric charge before an internal combustion engine charges it, for a combined mpg of 120.

The big news, though, is a series of upgrades to the 2009 Escape and Mercury Mariner designed to make it more palatable to buy four-cylinder versions of the SUVs.

For '09, Ford replaces the 2.3-liter, 153-horsepower four with a new 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower engine with intake variable cam timing (IVCT) and replaces four-speed automatics in both four- and V-6-powered Escape/Mariners with a six-speed automatic. Ford still offers a reason to upgrade: the 3.5-liter V-6 gets a 30-horse boost to 230 horsepower, new pistons, cylinder heads and a new fuel injection system.

There's a mild facelift as well for 2009, with a more aerodynamically correct front fascia chin spoiler and rear tire spoiler, and new, improved rolling resistance 16-inch Michelins. The Escape/Mariner also gets Ford's Easy Fuel capless fueling system and a new, 18.5-inch rear anti-roll bar. The 2.5 also replaces the 2.3 in the hybrid, for what Ford claims is the first variable-valve timing on an Atkinson cycle hybrid.

Ford expects conventional Escapes and Mariners to get a 1-mpg improvement, with either the four or V-6, and ULEV-II emissions. Most important, though, is that Ford ought to see a bigger take rate for the more CAFE-friendly four-cylinder models for these high-volume models.