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  The Escape, first introduced in 2001, is Ford's compact SUV, marketed as having the qualities and capabilities of a full-size SUV with the practicality of a mid-size car. In 2009, the Escape was redesigned from its first-generation models and given a new look, updated engines and newer transmissions. The XLS and XLT trims, available in four-wheel or front-wheel drive, were two available trims in 2009.
  
  

XLS

• Both the 2009 four-wheel drive and the front-wheel drive XLS are built with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder inline engine with a bore of 3.5 inches, a stroke of 3.9 inches and a compression ratio of 9.7:1. It produced 171 horsepower and 171 lb-ft. of torque. They were built with strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and an anti-lock brake system. This engine had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 19-20 mpg in the city and 25-28 mpg on the highway.
  
  

XLT 4WD

• The four-wheel drive versions of the 2009 XLT were built with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder inline engine with a bore of 3.5 inches, a stroke of 3.9 inches and a compression ratio of 9.7:1. This engine produced 171 horsepower and 171 lb-ft. of torque. They were built with strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, and an anti-lock brake system. This engine had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
  
  

XLT FWD

• The front-wheel drive versions of the 2009 XLT were built with two engine options. The first, a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder inline engine with a bore of 3.5 inches, a stroke of 3.9 inches and a compression ratio of 9.7:1 produced 171 horsepower and 171 lb-ft. of torque. The second, a 3.0-liter V6 engine with a bore of 3.5 inches, a stroke of 3.1 inches and a compression ratio of 10.3:1, produced 240 horsepower and 223 lb-ft. of torque. They were built with strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and an anti-lock brake system. The 2.5-liter engine in the XLT had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter engine in the XLT had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
  
  

Interior Differences

• Aside from any mechanical differences, the 2009 Escapes XLT and XLS had a few other minor differences. All XLT trims came standard with multi-adjustable power seats for the driver, an option unavailable in the XLS. The XLS had an AM/FM radio, which was not standard in an XLT.