2008 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has a completely new look inside and out for 2008. The more rugged exterior bears a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition. The all-new interior features more upscale appointments, new storage options, and improved comfort and quietness. In addition, chassis refinements deliver better fuel economy and more agile driving dynamics.

The 2008 Escape's standard 2.3-liter, 16-valve inline four produces 153 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 152 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The available 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 makes 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 193 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. With a four-speed automatic, the V-6 Escape can tow 3,500 pounds. A full hybrid, the Escape Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph, maximizing in-city fuel economy.

The 2008 Escape is believed to be the first U.S. automotive application of seating surfaces made from 100 percent post-industrial materials, rather than virgin fibers. It is estimated that this could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, an estimated 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents, and the equivalent of more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.