The 2008 Ford Escape, the sales leader of the small-utility segment, now comes with a refurbished exterior and interior design. The all-new interior offers more upscale appointments, storage options and enhanced comfort. The 2008 Ford Escape XLS 2WD AT (starting at $20,005) has a 2.3-liter, 16-valve Duratec 23 I-4 that revs up 153-horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 152 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. This engine comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The 2008 Ford Escape XLS 2WD AT's standard and optional features include AM/FM stereo with CD player and audio input jack; flow-through center console, storage bin with removable trays; low back front bucket seats; 60/40 split rear seats; power windows, locks and outside mirrors; cargo package: retractable rear cargo area cover, lockable hidden wet trunk, roof rack with crossbars; 6-disc in-dash CD changer; integrated side step bars; roof rack without crossbars; 16-inch aluminum wheels; clear lens headlamps; solar tinted glass on door glass and liftgate with dot matrix pattern on windshield; removable rear seat cushion; instrument cluster with gauges, tachometer and warning signals; battery saver feature; Ice Blue dash lighting; interior lighting with off-delay: center dome light with map lamps and rear cargo area light and illuminated entry.

Safety features in the 2008 Ford Escape XLS 2WD AT include Personal Safety System--dual-stage airbag system for driver and Front Passenger Sensing System; Safety Canopy System and front-seat side airbags; side intrusion door beams; Safety Belt Restraint System -- manual 3-point shoulder and lap safety belts at all seating positions, with rear center seating position, safety belt pretensioners and height adjustable D-rings on driver and front passenger seats; Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH); 4-wheel anti-lock brake system; AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control); tire pressure monitoring system; remote keyless entry and SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System.

The 2008 Ford Escape XLS 2WD comes with a basic Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty (3-years/36,000 miles), as well as extended coverage for the Powertrain (5-years/60, 000 miles) and Safety System (5 years /60, 000 miles) and protection against corrosion perforation (5 years/unlimited miles).