Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner Get More-Efficient Engines
Today in Washington, D.C., Ford will announce that its recently redesigned — the changes came for the 2008 model year — Escape and Mercury Mariner compact SUVs will get new engines for 2009. This is an unusual move, but obviously the public desire for fuel efficiency influenced the upgrades. The 2009 base model will get a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 170 hp — up 17 hp from 2008 — but an estimated 1 more mpg.
The improvements are thanks to the engine itself, which features more-advanced technology like variable cam timing. The fact that it’s teamed with a new standard six-speed automatic transmission doesn’t hurt, either. The V-6 engine also gets a big boost in power — up 30 hp to 230 hp — and it too will get an estimated 1 mpg better fuel economy.
The hybrid versions of the 2009 Escape and Mariner also get the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but Ford is mum about increases in fuel efficiency. There is very good news about the 2009 hybrids, though: Both get new braking systems that should alleviate one of our biggest gripes with those cars — besides their sluggish launch. Stability control, which wasn’t even offered as an option on the 2008 hybrid, is standard for 2009.
These upgrades should keep the Escape competitive in an ultra-competitive segment that’s still absent too many other hybrid players. The 2009 Escape and Mariner go on sale this summer.
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Sucks for those that purchase the 08 models. Especially the early 08 models that got 3 stars in crash test.
Seems like Dodge and Ford a starting to make moves in correcting problems quicker. 1 mpg gallon gain isn't much but will add up, more importantly still the HP #s will be more competitive. I remember the engine issue was complained by auto reviewers. Both getting a new 6 speed tranny will help with the image. This change is good image change and will make them more competitive.
So, they finally decided to make the commitment?
I wonder what Toyota's new 2.7L 4 will do if they put it in the RAV4...with a 6-speed auto. They have to remain competitive and will need to do so. Suddenly a 2.4L 4 with a 4-speed sounds 10 years old.
The 2.7 I4 should be 190hp in the RAV4.
So basically the 6 speed auttomatic is responsible for the increase in mileage.
I can tell you right now.
If Toyota will have 2.4L with 4spd auto and will generate more horses and more MPGs, it wouldn't be matter how many gears will Ford have.
After all, one thing Honda and Toyota do much better then others is getting more HPs and MPGs from less CCs.
Ford, GM, Hyundai - they all have 6spd autos and none of them performs better then Honda's and Toyota's 5spd.
Those makes mostly trying to hide their engine's inefficiency, while "new technology" comes as the side kick.
I think, soon all makes will move to CVTs anyway. How many gears they going to install? It can't go forever.
Also, new Forester will come with 4spd auto, but not because Subaru doesn't know how. I've read, they simply don't have capacity to make enough gear-boxes with 5 spd for all their cars.