Ford 2009 Escape Owner's Manual page 565

Driving
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:
Upshifts during light to moderate accelerations and cruises
1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift
into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
1. Hold the clutch pedal down and
move the gearshift lever into the
neutral position.
2. From the neutral position, move the gearshift lever all the way to the
right, then move it down into the R (Reverse) position.
Note: The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving
it from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from accidentally
being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Fifth).
If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, press the clutch pedal down and
return the gearshift to the neutral position. Release the clutch pedal for
a moment, then press it down and shift to R (Reverse) again.
216
2009 Escape (204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
(for best fuel economy)
Shift from:
10 mph (16 km/h)
20 mph (32 km/h)
32 mph (52 km/h)
37 mph (60 km/h)
5
1 3
2 4 R