Ford Escape 2009 models results also apply to: 2009 Mazda Tribute | 2009 Mercury Mariner 2008 Top Safety Pick 2009 Ford Escape, 2009 Mazda Tribute, and 2009 Mercury Mariner: good performance in front, side, and rear tests and standard electronic stability control FRONTAL OFFSET TEST OVERALL EVALUATION: Good Structure/safety cage Injury measures Restraints/dummy kinematics Head/neck Chest Leg/foot, left Leg/foot, right Good Good Good Good Acceptable Good Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. Test details: The Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute were introduced in the 2001 model year and structurally modified beginning with 2005 models to improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. The Mercury Mariner, introduced in the 2005 model year, also had the structural modifications. The Mazda Tribute skipped the 2007 model year. Beginnng with 2009 models, frontal airbag, seat belt, and additional structural modifications to were made to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. Also starting with 2009 models, these ratings and specifications (except weight) also apply to the hybrid (gas-electric) versions of the Escape, Mariner, and Tribute. Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the B-pillar and roof rail. Injury measures — Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right foot indicate that foot injuries would be possible. Head acceleration from the B-pillar/roof rail hit was low.