For the first time since 2012, the Ford Escape crossover is available with a choice of two hybrid powertrains, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine paired with a CVT transmission producing 198 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque and a plug-in hybrid version with an electric driving range of 30 miles. While we know the performance and pricing details, economy figures have been kept under wraps – until now.

The Blue Oval automaker has announced the new 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid boasts best-in-class fuel economy, with a combined EPA-estimated rating of 41 mpg and an EPA-estimated 44 mpg city rating when driving around town. The 2020 Escape Hybrid Titanium with front-wheel drive also has an EPA-estimated rating of 37 mpg on the highway.

This beats its small SUV rivals such as 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which has economy ratings of 41/38/40 mpg city/highway/combined. It's worth noting, however, that the RAV4 Hybrid is only available with all-wheel drive, unlike the Ford Escape.

Opt for all-wheel drive, and the Escape Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 43 mpg city and 40 mpg combined. Like the front-wheel-drive Escape, the all-wheel-drive model has an EPA-estimated 37 mpg on the highway.

Each model in the all-new Escape lineup also has an EPA-estimated range of at least 400 miles per tank, with the front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid delivering an EPA-estimated 582-mile driving range per tank and the all-wheel-drive version returning an EPA-estimated 568 miles of range.

"This all-new Escape Hybrid is our best one yet, as it answers the call from our customers who loved the original Escape Hybrid but want better fuel efficiency without compromising interior space," said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development and purchasing officer. "Plus, with driving range like no Escape before, we're giving our customers a vehicle truly capable of letting them focus on living their lives while worrying less about stopping for gas."

Pricing for the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid starts at $28,255 for the front-wheel-drive model and $29,755 for the rear-wheel-drive model.