Ford’s new Escape Plug-In Hybrid boasts an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric range, and what Ford says is a “best-in-class” fuel economy rating of 100 MPGe combined.

This Escape features Ford’s fourth-generation hybrid propulsion system, which includes a new 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle hybrid engine and continuously variable transmission. The liquid-cooled, 14.4 kWh battery is located below the second-row seats. According to Edmunds, it has “slightly less cargo and rear-seat space than standard Escape.”

“The original Ford Escape was the world’s first hybrid SUV and the all-new Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid represents how far we’ve come in technology and efficiency,” said Chief Product Development and Purchasing Officer Hau Thai-Tang.

The US market definitely needs more plug-in SUV options. How does the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid compare to the Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV? The Toyota packs more power (302 hp, versus the Ford’s 209 hp) and a longer electric range (42 miles), but the Ford is slightly more efficient and cheaper, at a base MSRP of $33,040 (according to Edmunds). Unfortunately, however, for many buyers the pertinent comparison will be between the new plug-in Escape and the familiar fossil-fueled Escape, which starts at $24,885.

Sources: Ford, Edmunds, TechCrunch