Dealers carry lots of what they sell more of. with domestic auto rebates aplenty, it's no surprise that V6 models will move faster off the lots. The V6 now has 240hp versus the old 200hp, but of course, it peaks at a higher rpm so around town, the 4cyl will feel almost the same as the V6 until you get over 2500rpm. casual acceleration with the 4cyl will net you a well priced, good mileage vehicle. I'd get the 2.5L AWD myself if the wife ever agrees to it. You can still tow 1500lbs, and the 4cyl offers better weight distribution by a couple hundred pounds as it's lighter than the V6. The I4, if you look under the hood, is also MUCH BETTER SUITED to doing maintenance on, whereas the V6 costs more to maintain, more in fuel, more in labour to get at certain access points.
Plus side to the V6 is of course greater towing capacity and better highway passing, but you have to calculate if the additional 15% fuel use is worth it. If you drive perpetually at 70mph or above, the V6 will more than likely drink fuel for it's sized when compared to the I4.
if you want a V6 bad enough to warrant purchasing one, then go ahead, as you dont' want to regret it later. I find it interesting how the majority of people who buy cars drive them for 5-10 minutes before plunking down some $30K or more for a vehicle they're more than likely stuck with for the next several years. This article might help some, it's for a FWD I4 Escape:
CanadianDriver Ford Test Drive: 2009 Ford Escape XLT FWD 4-cylinder the link should work
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