Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid is hands down the most efficient SUV on the market. That, by itself, is one of the weightiest claims a vehicle can make these days, given the popularity of utility vehicles, combined with the need for more economical solutions to the skyrocketing price of gasoline. To that end, the front-drive version has combined government fuel economy rating of 30-plus miles per gallon, while the all-wheel drive model offers 29 city/27 highway.

If hybrid bragging rights are not important to you, then you might consider a number of small to mid-size gas-powered SUVs—like the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V—that are able to grant combined fuel mileage in the high 20s. And both of these vehicles, in particular, are known to have better build quality and more refinement at a very similar price point to the Escape Hybrid.

On pure economic terms, the Escape Hybrid fares better versus its hybrid competition. It is certainly more upscale than the comparably priced Saturn Vue Green Line. And compared to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid, it is significantly less expensive—but still well equipped.

The Ford Escape Hybrid has a base sticker price just north of $29,500 for the two-wheel drive model, and beyond $33,000 for the all-wheel drive model. Buyers can take advantage of federal tax credits of $3,000 and $2,200, respectively for two- and four-wheel drive versions.