2009 Ford Escape Limited 4WD (Courtesy of Ford Media Department)

We enjoyed a recent road trip from Dallas to San Antonio, and then on into the Hill Country to visit a working ranch, recently in a 2009 Ford Escape Limited 4WD. The Escape provided comfortable and reliable transportation to and from South Texas, with plenty of space in the front cabin and plenty of storage space for our luggage and other gear.

The Escape took on a bolder styling look in 2009, and also added new 16-inch low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic refinements for increased fuel efficiency.  One of my favorite features was removal of the fuel cap to make for easy, capless refueling, making time spent at the gas pump a little less painful.  And the 16.5 gallon fuel tank helps that aspect as well.

With a 3.0 Liter Duratec 240 hp V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, the Escape is a pleasure to drive on the highway. It also has plenty of zip when needed for passing, and cruise control for easier driving.

The driver’s power 6-way seat and the great air conditioning system, plus the ambient lighting that made dials easy to read any time of the day or night, added to our comfort as we traded driving duties for the 5-hour trip. The Escape’s chassis system upgrades also helped to improve ride comfort and handling on paved highways or even on some of the gravel roads we encountered at the ranch.

Inside the Escape Limited 4WD (Courtesy of Ford Media Department)

The Sync voice-activated multimedia interface system also add greatly to the ability of the driver and passengers to stay in touch with the world and get up-to-the-minute traffic or weather updates.

Safety is a sure thing with Ford’s standard technologies such as antilock brakes and revised braking system that allow shorter stopping distances, dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, safety canopy, and side curtain airbags.

The 2009 Ford Escape Limited 4WD we drove had a MRP of $26,945 but some of the extras such as Satellite Radio, ambient lighting, and Sync Voice Activated System, Navigation System, power heated mirrors, heated front seats, reverse sensing system, 17-inch chrome clad wheels, power moon roof with shade, cargo package, roof rack, retractable cargo cover and trailer towing (plus destination charges) brought the test vehicle’s price to $32,955.  Estimated fuel economy is 17 in town and 24 on the highway.

Jo Ann Holt is a Texas-based journalist and car columnist and a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).