The Escape Hybrid is an SUV that gets up to 36 miles per gallon.

Making hybrid technology easy for the average buyer to adopt is probably the most innovative aspect of the Escape Hybrid.

A front-drive Escape Hybrid averaged 24.5 mpg in a test that included driving mostly in hot weather where the air conditioner was on.

On the road, the Escape Hybrid is more responsive than the conventional four-cylinder model.

The base price for the Escape Hybrid is $26,970, including the $590 destination charge, with the all-wheel-drive version beginning at $28,595.

Ford built 17,000 Escape Hybrids in the second half of 2004, four times as many as it had originally planned.

The Escape Hybrid uses technology similar to that used in the Toyota Prius.

The Escape Hybrid gives a top speed of 102 mph (163 km/h).

The Escape Hybrid qualifies for either a $1,950 (all-wheel drive) or $2,600 (front drive) federal tax credit and some state and local incentives as well.

These improvements should help the Escape Hybrid accelerate its transition from forgotten to famous.