If you’re a fan of Ford automobiles, you’re in for a surprise. Two of the most popular Ford trucks on the market today – the Escape and the Mercury Mariner – have some great new features for the upcoming model year.

For the 2008 models, Ford already redesigned these popular choices with new exterior skins and several improvements on the inside. But the engineers didn’t stop there.
For 2009, you can expect to see several improvements under the hood. The horsepower for these models is increasing from 153 to 170. For the ones with an optional V6 engine, those numbers are even higher. You’ll get an extra 40 horsepower, bringing it up from 200 to 240. According to Ford, these redesigned engines shave nearly two seconds off the popular “0 to 60” time comparison.

If you’re into fuel economy (and who isn’t nowadays?), you’ll also enjoy the extra one mile per gallon you’ll get. Ford used low-friction and rolling-resistance tires on the new Escape and Mariner to give drivers the best possible fuel efficiency. Electric steering and redesigned aerodynamics also help contribute to a more efficient fuel economy.

These are just a few of the changes you’ll find on the Escape and Mariner. You can also choose a hybrid version of either model to better fit the needs of your fuel budget.