Ford is claiming the title of most fuel-efficient hybrid compact SUV, edging out the Toyota Rav4.
Its latest Escape model has earned an EPA rating of 100 MPGe, or miles per gallon equivalent. The latest Rav4 is projected to come in at about 94 MPGe.
The Escape Plug-In Hybrid can cover 37 miles in all-electric mode, or use its four-cylinder gas engine in delivering a combined 41 mpg and total output of 209 HP.
Complete charging of the Escape’s 14.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack takes about 10 hours on a standard 110-volt outlet, or 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
The plug-in Escape carries a starting price of $34,285, and is set to begin deliveries before the end of June.
It will be eligible for a federal tax credit, but the final amount has not been released.
The Rav4 will start at $39,220, but features a standard 302 hp all-wheel-drive powertrain and qualifies for a $7,500 tax credit.
