Ford has announced that its new Escape Hybrid plug-in is leader in its class with a 100 MPGe Combined government fuel economy rating. This tops the previously released 94 MPGe rating of the plug-in Toyota RAV4 Prime. The Escape is also less expensive than the RAV4, starting just under $35,000. However, the Toyota retains a longer all-electric range of 42 miles on a single charge, compared to 37 miles for the Escape. Also, the Escape apparently will be available initially only in front-wheel drive, while the Prime has this popular all-weather feature as standard. Both compact utilities should also qualify for sizable federal and state tax credits when they arrive at dealers later this year.