Escape/Mariner Hybrid Cruises on Battery Power Up to 40 mph
The 2009 Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrid gives drivers more electric mode driving, running on battery power up to 40 mph. That’s up from 30 mph on the previous model.
Those extra 10 slashes on the speedometer make the Hybrid a fuel-efficient urban hauler not only on low-speed residential streets, but on higher-speed arterial roads that often connect neighborhoods to the local grocery store, post office and midtown strip mall.
Hit the highway and advancements in engine processor technology make the transition from electric mode to gas nearly imperceptible. In addition, the Hybrid has a new brake system that provides a seamless shift from regenerative braking to traditional braking. A new pedal sensor gives better feedback and pedal feel similar to that of a traditional vacuum-assisted hydraulic system.
Some other tidbits about the 2009 Escape/Mariner Hybrid:
- Ford’s new 2.5-liter I-4 engine has been adapted for the hybrids and is Ford’s first engine to use variable valve timing on an Atkinson cycle hybrid engine. The total system offers 177 hp, up 22 hp over the 2008MY 2.3-liter.
- The 2009 Hybrid achieved a 1 mpg improvement on the highway, for 34 city/31 highway mpg.
- Escape and Mariner Hybrid are the only small hybrid SUVs to offer standard AdvanceTrac with RSC.
Tags: Escape Hybrid, Mariner Hybrid
