#FordEscapeHybrid

After the recent debacle with Hyundai and Kia over their inaccurate MPG claims, Ford may now be under the spotlight as fuel economy numbers for its new hybrid models don’t seem to be living up to expectations.

Finally, after just more than a decade, Ford is bringing out an all-new Escape compact sport utility vehicle, or perhaps we should say, crossover utility vehicle.

The next generation Ford Escape is set to make its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and the decade-old SUV is set to be replaced by a much more modern crossover with three new engines.

Some rides are better suited for your dogs than others. From your dog’s point of view, all they need is an open window to stick their head out of, but the American Automobile Association (AAA) has put a bit more thought into compiling their list of the best canine-friendly vehicles.

“More than 45 million households in the U.S. have a dog, and many are taking Fido along for the ride on a regular basis,” said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair and Buying Services. “There several vehicles with features that can help keep pets safe, comfortable and easy to clean-up after while also addressing other driver desires such as sportiness, adventure or luxury.”

In order to put together the most through list, AAA Auto Buying’s team of experts test drove and reviewed hundreds of vehicles. The list was based on a wide variety of factors such as crash test ratings, safety features, fuel economy, ease of animal ingress and egress, cargo area size, availability of tie-down hooks and easy-to-clean interiors.

Broken down into six categories, see the winners after the jump:

The Israeli Defence Force already uses the Hummer H1 and the Toyota Hilux pickup for various duties, but now, one of the worlds most ferocious fighting forces is looking to add a frugal Ford to their lineup.

Ford’s Fusion Hybrid, which boasts a class leading fuel economy rating of 36/41 mpg (city/highway) will qualify for a $3,400 tax credit – the largest such tax credit the federal government has ever given out.The same tax credit will also apply to the Mercury Milan Hybrid.

Ford is excited about this incentive and hopes it is enough to win over buyers who might have considered the initial cost of Hybrid ownership to be too steep.

“Hybrids are an important part of our strategy to deliver the best or among the best fuel economy
with all of our new products, and the Fusion and Milan Hybrids have set the pace for the company,
as well as our competitors,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development at Ford. “We’re glad to see our government help promote these advanced, clean fuel-efficient vehicles to the
consumer.”

Ford has made huge strides with its Fusion Hybrid, posting significantly better fuel economy numbers than any of the competition. Much of that has to do with the new technology Ford has developed for its second generation hybrid system. The system includes: a smaller and lighter nickel-metal hydride battery that provides 28 percent more power than the outgoing battery; a regenerative braking system; a new hybrid system that can operate on pure electric energy up to 47 mph and throttle control that reduces airflow on shutdowns and thereby reducing fuel needed on restarts.

In total the new Fusion Hybrid boasts 119 patents and the result is a car that can drive 700 miles on a tank.

If you want the full tax credit be aware that it is only available to those who purchase a car before March 31, 2009. As of April 1st only half of that credit will be available. The amount will be further reduced in the fourth quarter of 2009.

As for Ford’s other models, the 2009 Escape and Mariner Hybrid FWD models qualify for a $3,000 tax credit, with 4WD models receiving a $1,950 credit. Owners of previous model-year Escape and Mariner hybrid models may also qualify for varying credit amounts from $1,950 to $3,000.

Official release after the jump:

An SUV that gets 45 mpg? Impossible, right? Wrong. Some Ford Escape Hybrid drivers are consistently breaking the 40-mpg mark. How do they do it?