The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are more engaging to drive than ever.

Today at the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company announced its hot-selling compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, will become more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected for the 2009 model year.

Ford Escape posts best September on record with 35% increase over last year
Ford Ranger sales increase 13%
Ford Expedition sales rise 133%
Ford SUV sales are up 30% in September
Lincoln Mark LT has best September since launch, sales up 14%
Lincoln line-up posts a 9% increase