 I purchased the Escape Hybrid AWD for two reasons - exhaust emissions and fuel economy.  I will assume the emissions are meeting my expectations.  The fuel economy?  Nowhere near the ratings of  33/29 for city/highway.  During this mild Minnesota winter I am only getting around 23 mpg.  Granted its better than the 16 mpg I got in the winter with my 2003 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ, but the Hybrid is much less of a vehicle than the Trailblazer.  I will say that the Escape with its front-wheel drive tracks better in snow than the Trailblazer.  For my first hybrid vehicle the Escape is adequate.