Thoughts after 1150 miles
Ecoboost Engine: Grade A. First, let me say that after putting on 1150 miles; over 700 of them at highway speeds, it is my opinion that the 2.0 Ecoboost has sufficient power to move this big 4400 lbs vehicle in an efficient manner. I went from the Wash. DC area up to Erie, PA area traveling I 270, I70, PA Turnpike, and I 79. There are about 4 good big long hills to climb. Let me say that I had no problem setting the cruise at 74 and walking right up the hill at about 2200 to 2400 rpm. In my '08 Escape Hybrid, that engine will crank up to about 3800 rpm to make the same climb in a much smaller car. (Note: passenger was just me @ 6'4" / 310 lbs and a few bags probably under 50). On one of the climbs, I had another driver cut in front of me, so I had to hit the brake. Upon resuming cruise, the engine jumped up to about 2900-3000 for a few seconds to regain the speed then made its shift and went back down to the 2200 range noted above. Car computer said I got 26.2 mpg on way up and 26.1 on way back to DC area with majority of speeds in the 74-77 range; although I did try to toss in a few miles on way up to Erie with some reduced speed to now and then to follow the 1000 mile break-in period as stated on owner manual.