The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid raises the bar for all crossover sport utility vehicles (and most passenger cars) in terms of comfort, performance, safety and a lower environmental impact. It may be a compact SUV, but its interior comfort and handling are more car-like than other crossovers in the segment. With the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, you get 177 net horsepower from the new 2.5-liter I-4 engine (153 horsepower from the gas engine, and 94 horsepower from the electric motor), which is more than the 157 horsepower produced by the 2.3-liter engine in the 2008 model. Thanks to the addition of a rear stabilizer bar and retuning of the suspension and steering systems, drivers and passengers will enjoy increased performance and handling. All this at 34 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.