Does anyone know if it's just the powertrain that is changing for 09? I'm sure colors etc will change but probably wouldn't expect body/interior mods.

 

...so no, I'd expect almost no changes at all unless they've got something to fix that's had little problems (and I haven't heard of any of those). Rebates will likely either be very small or gone entirely as well....they've got a hot seller, and with improved mpg and performance with the I4 engine and 6 speed trans, they will sell a LOT of them.

Only other change I've heard about is that the I4 will be offered in the Limited model where that was previously only a V6 car. Gas mileage is the new performance--it's now sexy to be economical (how radical)....

George

 

Agreed, with the changes already baked into the '08 there shouldn't be anything other than the drivetrain. Of course, this is the first drivetrain change since '01 so this is a pretty big deal.

 

I am fully attributing this to the Wikipedia page....mostly drivetrain, but a bigger rear sway bar, capless fuel filler(?!) and some aero fixes (again for mileage). I recall also that the '09 was getting some new LRR (low rolling resistance) Michelin tires to replace the unloved Continentals:

"At the 2008 Washington Auto Show, Ford Motor Company introduced new changes to the Escape for the 2009 model year. Ford's new 6-speed 6F automatic will replace the previous four-speed automatic on both the I4 and V6 models. The 2.3 L Duratec 23 will be replaced by a new 2.5 L Duratec 25 , which will boost standard horespower by 11% to 170, while increasing fuel economy by 1mpg. The optional 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 has been thoroughly updated, resulting in a 30hp increase, bringing the V6's power to 230hp. The Duratec 30 will also see a 1mpg fuel economy improvement.


Other mechanical changes include a new 18.5mm rear stablizer bar, revised suspension tuning, a new air induction system for the 3.0L V6, and a new exhaust system on all Escapes.


The Escape will undergo some minor aerodynamic changes for 2009, including a revised front chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers. The '09 Escape will also feature Ford's new Easy-Fuel capless fuel filling system."<sup id="cite_ref-16" class="reference"></sup>