[Donharlan]

Hello Everyone,
I'm new here as well as a new owner of a 2008 Ford Escape 4c. I had test driven only V6 models and have now been graced with a 2.3 I4 and hate it. This is one of the slower vehicles I have ever owned, and I can only imagine how taxed this motor will get when it actually has stuff to haul. So my question to you knowledgeable Escape owners what is out there for me in the way of performance?

 

[jonas1022]

Well to begin with, SUV's never have been known for high speed performance. Or quick acceleration. In fact, not many trucks are. You want speed in an SUV, it can be had. But it'll cost you more than an Escape. A lot more.

The 2009 V-6 Escape has more power that previous editions, but it's still no rocket. You could supercharge it, or turbocharge one to get more speed. That would be $$$ with a capital D.

Or you could find a Ford Lightning. That'll light up your life and light up and burn any money you have in your wallet! :lol: Especially if the price of gas takes another jump at the pump. You may wish you 4 cylinder Escape back in your driveway!

 

[megascape]

Yeah, I have the V6 duratec and it works great for my needs but I am not one for speed. The only thing I can think of has been stated and that will cost big bucks. May i ask what you intended to do with a HP? Do you plan on 1/4 mile races or are you just talking regular HWY and FWY driving? Not sure if this is an option but can he get the gearing redone like the older VW's did?

 

[Donharlan]

I may have to clarify, by slow I do not mean top speed, or 1/4 mile times. I mean there are vehicles which feel sluggish and then some who have get up and go. The V6 version of the escape has get up and go, the I4 has none. Imagine yourself having to merge in high speed traffic, and when needing the power in order to do that, there is none, you put your foot to the floor and you slowly increase speed. Yeah defiantly not my ideal vehicle either I can only imagine how much fun that same scenario might be while towing something. If I remember correctly this model was rated for 3500lbs. The idea that someone would/could attempt this feeling safe is kind of like a scary joke. :wall:

 

[stone]

Quite happy, with my four cylinder escape.
I know it is not powerful.
But i do not, regard that as a priority.

For me, it is all about fuel economy.
Petrol prices down under are escalating.
I travel 32 kilometres, to arrive at work.

Then i do, same distance going home.
Love my mazda 2.3 litre, in context of its fuel economy.
Not having a gutsy motor, does not stress me.

 

[sinister mob]

Not sure what the differences are from the 2.3 I4 to the new 2.5 I4, but my 10' Escape has plenty of power. Sure it is not as fast as my Passat 1.8T was, but it certainly is no dog. Now towing on the other hand I would agree with you. I wouldn't use any 4-cylinder to tow.

 

[Squishy]

I recommend an SCT XCal and have Torrie tune it for your needs.

 

[kkreit01]

I doubt anything would make a world of difference in this case. Been there. My 07 was a 2.3 fwd. It too -- was the slowest vehicle I've owned. It was fine around town, but it just had no highway passing speeds. MPG also wasn't that great -- because it had to shift down on every tiny hill it would encounter. My 3.0 4WD 08 has been getting identical MPG on highway, and only about 2-3 MPG less in town.

The 09+ 2.5 (& 6 spd) is supposed to be a lot better. I have not driven it.

 

[Donharlan]

For the same year the V6 gets the same gas mil. as the I4 in road tests. Thanks for replies everyone, so there is no easy fix. That is unfortunate, i've had it for less than a week.

 

[sleeve]

If you bought if from a dealer than take it back. You say it's only been 1 week... Most dealers allow for a few days grace periord. [Next time test drive the car before getting it]

 

[camusdarrach]

If you bought if from a dealer than take it back. You say it's only been 1 week... Most dealers allow for a few days grace periord. [Next time test drive the car before getting it]

Hmm, I've been thinking just the same..
As an owner of a 2.0 Maverick, I must admit that the apparent lack of power has never bothered me, even though I traded a subaru Impreza for it.
Towing (The largest item has been a minidigger on a trailer) hasn't been a problem either.
What has to be remembered is that the Escape/Tribute/maverick isn't a sports car due to the design of the car.....
As for me, you can keep the V6, too expensive on fuel for my liking

 

[Ajax]

I'm afraid you're probebly out of luck. If you went with an 09 or 2010 four cylinder you would have more power AND the vastly improved 6 speed transmission. The 4 speed you (and I) have has terrible gear ratios, I can almost hit 60 in 1st gear and 90 in second. There are no easy ways to gain lots of power, although an XCAL will help the tranny alot I hear. I would check on swapping the vehicle for another if you really need more power...

As for the towing, please make sure you have the correct package. I have the V6, fwd model with a towing package and I'm rated for 3500 lbs, I am seriously doubting your inline-4 has the same rating.

 

[Donharlan]

Well after almost googling my fingers off I have found a couple of the typical bolt on power products. Lets hope they turn out to be as good as the reviews. I have found headers and Intake systems for both the I4 and the V6, as well as exhaust systems. Those 3 mods combined with the Jet tuner I found should wake this thing up just enough to feel close to its V6 counterpart. :yahoo:

 

[kkreit01]

I wouldn't spend the $ on JET (although some 09+ people have claimed success). Every other vehicle I've owned, those who have had JET claimed a total waste of $. I'd highly suggest SCT over JET.

 

[Ajax]

I wouldn't spend the $ on JET (although some 09+ people have claimed success). Every other vehicle I've owned, those who have had JET claimed a total waste of $. I'd highly suggest SCT over JET.

+1

 

[1X4WDEscape]

Test drove a 2008 4cyl and it was OK here on the flatlands of East Texas. I got the V6 because I drive to the Hill Country at times - it sure comes in handy on long grades with the back filled with gear. It isn't fast, just more torque.
I lived in W PA years ago and knew I would need 4WD and the extra HP more than a few more MPG. Only little SUV with a 4cyl engine that has any guts is the RAV4. My brother has a CR-V and it has to work real hard with 4+ passengers in it.

 

[Creaky]

I rented a 4-cylinder FWD '09 Escape before I decided to buy my Mariner. While the little 4 banger was adequately powered (albeit noisy as hell) and fun to drive, that one-day rental convinced me that the 6-cylinder 4WD was the way to go. I'm happy with the performance, it cruises along nicely at 70-75 mph and has enough passing power when you kick it in the ***. I tow an 8' trailer with a big 25hp garden tractor and other lawn equipment and gas cans on board from time to time, and you'd hardly know it was pulling the thing.

I won't complain about gas mileage either, I'm averaging about 21 mpg with a mix of mostly town and some highway driving. My old Crown Vic averaged about 18 mpg under the same conditions. And the Mariner is still fun to drive after 5200 miles, so it's all good.

 

[JIMMYJOHN]

You should have gotten the 3.0 v6 I love my 03 XLT. It has lots of pep and good gas mileage

 

[ltlredscape]

Yeah the off-the-line pep in the V6 like i have is noticable and with the engine mods i have done to it it makes it sound like a V8 but that little 4 banger you have is a better designed engine made by Mazda. They have the same engine in the ford fiesta and in the older ford rangers and its not uncommon for those engines to see over 200k. all things being equal, that engine in yours will last longer than the v6 in mine.

SUVs arnt ment to be fast, and to be fast in one is unsafe anyway. To be honest, if i cornered as fast as i did in my first CAR (a taurus) in my escape i would be dead! my V6 is quick but not near as fast as a basic mustang. If you put that V6 and tranny out of mine in a tiny chevy geo (it wouldnt fit, but lets say for example) it would be VERY, very quick (and prolly blow it apart) because its a small car with a very low COG, while an SUV is basically a truck with a high COG.
I honestly dunno of a practical but fast SUV...mines practical enough for me.
that mitsubishi montero sport i learned to drive in wasnt fast at all, but is still going...at 286k, and thats all that matters.

 

[SUVord]

I would be very interested to see where and by whom is given the information that the 2.3 Duratec is a Mazda design engine.Also that this engine was used in the old Rangers.
The Lima 2.3 was used in the old Rangers as a normally aspirated engine and in its Turbo form was used in many models, from Mustangs to Thunderbirds to Merkurs XR4Ti.