During our time in the Escape, we averaged 26 mpg ? less than the EPA's overall rating of 33.5 mpg (36 city/31 highway). It's worth noting, though, that the bulk of our driving took place on the highway where the benefits of the electric motor go largely unused. The Escape Hybrid's closest competitor in the SUV fuel economy race is a Toyota RAV4 with an EPA rating of 24 city/30 highway, while a base-model Escape with a manual transmission is rated at 24 city/29 highway. The bottom line on fuel economy with regard to these and other hybrids? If you're behind the wheel of one of these vehicles, you probably won't be able to match the mileage figures on the window sticker without radically changing the way you drive; most hybrid owners report lower mileage than the EPA ratings. But you'll undoubtedly get better mileage than you would driving a comparable gas-powered vehicle.
At almost $31,000, our test vehicle was pricey; the hybrid Escape runs over $3 grand more than a comparably equipped V6 model. Is it worth the premium? Well, it depends. Don't expect to make your money back at the pump in a hurry; on average, plan on it taking in the neighborhood of five to eight years for fuel savings to offset the vehicle's padded price. Of course, this payback period is dependent on gas prices and annual mileage. If gas prices were to rise over the next few years, the payback period would diminish. And if you're the type of driver who puts a higher-than-average number of miles on your vehicle each year, the Escape Hybrid becomes even more appealing. There's also a one-time federal income tax deduction ? of $2,000, for vehicles purchased in calendar years 2004 and 2005 ? to help make up for the added initial cost.
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