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Ford has an extensive lineup of SUVs. While SUVs have a reputation for low fuel economy, there is a notable exception in the Ford lineup: the 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). It’s the 2023 Ford SUV with the best gas mileage.

2023 Ford Escape is the 2023 Ford SUV with the best gas mileage

Front angle view of red 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, the 2023 Ford SUV with the best gas mileage
2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid | Ford

Technically speaking, the all-electric 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is the most efficient Ford SUV. However, for this article, we focus on gas-powered models and hybrids. And on this front, the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV is the 2023 Ford SUV with the highest fuel economy. 

Combining power from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, the 2023 Escape Plug-In Hybrid gets an estimated gas mileage of 105 combined MPGe in electric-only mode and 40 combined mpg in hybrid mode. Considering how expensive gasoline is these days, the high-level efficiency of the Escape Plug-In Hybrid translates to more savings at the pump. Also, trips to the gas station are fewer and far between for the Escape PHEV. 

Another advantage of the Escape Plug-In Hybrid is the ability to drive on only electric-only power for short distances. This makes it a good alternative to all-electric vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E, for you don’t have to worry about range anxiety — or the fear of running out of battery power. When the Escape PHEV runs out of battery power, it can just switch over to power from the engine. It has an estimated electric-only driving range of 37 miles.

2023 Ford SUVs with the highest fuel economy

Woman charging a red 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, the 2023 Ford SUV with the highest fuel economy
2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid | Ford

What other 2023 Ford SUVs get high fuel economy? Following the 2023 Escape PHEV, the next most efficient ones are variants of the Escape. The Escape Hybrid has an estimated gas mileage of up to 41 combined mpg, while the fully gas-powered Escape has a fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg. Conversely, the biggest gas-guzzler in the Ford SUV lineup is the Bronco Raptor, with an estimated 15 combined mpg. 

Here are the 2023 Ford SUVs with the best gas mileage, not including the all-electric Mustang Mach-E:

  1. 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid: 105 combined MPGe (electric)/40 combined mpg (hybrid)
  2. 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid: 41 combined mpg
  3. 2023 Ford Escape: 30 combined mpg
  4. 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid: 27 combined mpg
  5. 2023 Ford Bronco Sport: 26 combined mpg
  6. 2023 Ford Explorer: 23 combined mpg
  7. 2023 Ford Edge: 23 combined mpg
  8. 2023 Ford Bronco: 20 combined mpg
  9. 2023 Ford Expedition: 19 combined mpg
  10. 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor: 15 combined mpg

Redesign for the 2023 Escape

Along being the 2023 Ford SUV with the highest gas mileage, the Escape PHEV and other Escape variants received a redesign for the 2023 model year. This includes an attractive new look for the front end. Gone is the smiley fascia from the outgoing model in favor of more upscale styling. This includes new lighting, an updated bumper, and a new hood. Also, the grille is wider — and the upper trims feature a light bar that connects the headlights.

On the technology front, the Escape upgrades from the Sync 3 to the Sync 4 infotainment system, which has more features and capabilities. Also, the new Sync 4 system in the 2023 Escape offers a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen.

If you want the 2023 Ford SUV with the best gas mileage, then check out the 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid. With an estimated fuel economy of 105 combined MPGe (electric)/40 combined mpg (hybrid), it provides high-level efficiency.

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