The Ford Motor co. reports the new 2013 Ford Escape was  certified by the U.S. EPA and can claim to be the most fuel efficient small SUV with an automatic transmission. The Escape’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is certified at 33 miles per gallon  – 2 mpg better than the Honda CR-V and 5 mpg better than Toyota RAV4 according to Ford representatives.

 In addition, all three engines used in the new Escape are EPA-certified at 30-plus mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost, certified at 30 mpg on the highway, beats the Toyota RAV4 by 3 mpg and the Chevrolet Equinox by 6 mpg.“The fuel economy of the all-new Escape showcases the continued success of Ford’s development of smaller, yet more powerful engines, “ said Raj Nair, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. 

  Escape’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine – offered for the first time in North America – delivers 33 mpg highway and 23 mpg city, produces 178 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, topping the Mazda CX-5 by more than 20 horsepower and 30 lb.-ft. of torque.

Motorists looking for maximum power coupled with solid fuel efficiency can opt for the 2-liter EcoBoost with 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. The 2-liter EcoBoost delivers 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. It is also rated at 3,500 pounds towing, which leads the pack for small, turbocharged SUVs.

 The Escape with a 2.5-liter engine offers 31 mpg on the highway – a 3 mpg improvement over the outgoing standard engine – and 22 mpg in the city.

One thing missing from the powertrain lineup for the 2013 Ford Escape is the hybrid version. Ford is broadening its hybrid lineup and will offer hybrid powertrains in other vehicles.