The short answer
For pure mpg: Escape Hybrid (41 mpg city). For mpg in a truck: Maverick Hybrid (37 mpg city). For zero-fuel daily commute: Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning (electric). For fuel economy AND home backup: F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid (24 combined + 7.2 kW Pro Power Onboard). The right pick depends on whether you want a car, SUV, truck, or EV.
1. Ford Escape Hybrid — best mpg overall
Compact SUV, 2.5L Hybrid (192 hp combined), 41 mpg city / 37 highway / 39 combined. FWD or AWD. Mid-$30s. Best fit: highest fuel economy in a Ford SUV without going PHEV or EV.
2. Ford Escape PHEV — 37 mi pure electric
2.5L Plug-In Hybrid (210 hp combined). 37 miles of pure electric range on a full charge — covers most daily commutes without using gas. After 37 mi, runs as a hybrid. FWD only. Mid-$40s. Best fit: short daily commute + home Level 1 or 2 charging, want flexibility for road trips.
3. Ford Maverick Hybrid — best mpg in a truck
2.5L Hybrid (191 hp combined), 37 mpg city / 33 highway / 35 combined. FWD only. Real bed, FLEXBED system, 1,500 lbs payload, 2,000 lbs tow. Low $20s starting. Best fit: truck capability + segment-leading mpg, daily commute focus.
4. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid — full-size truck + economy + power export
3.5L EcoBoost V6 + electric motor (430 hp combined). ~24 mpg combined. Adds 7.2 kW Pro Power Onboard — runs essentials during hurricane outages. Mid-$50s and up. Best fit: full-size truck buyer who commutes heavy and wants hurricane backup capability.
Cost-per-mile math (Florida)
At ~$3.30/gal regular and ~$0.13/kWh FPL residential rate: Escape Hybrid (39 mpg) ~$0.085/mi. Maverick Hybrid (35 mpg) ~$0.094/mi. F-150 PowerBoost (24 mpg) ~$0.138/mi. Mach-E ER (~3.5 mi/kWh) ~$0.037/mi. Lightning ER (~2.0 mi/kWh) ~$0.065/mi. Standard gas F-150 (19 mpg) ~$0.174/mi. EVs win cost-per-mile decisively if you can charge at home.