Escape, Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid winners

[Credit = Autoblog.com photo gallery]

The 2007 Escape Hybrid in front-wheel drive form is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. As such, it is one of just three current model-year vehicles to qualify for the federal government's maximum $2,000 EcoAuto incentive.

Toyota's Prius and Honda's Civic hybrid also qualify.

The 2008 Escape Hybrid is even more fuel-frugal.

That improvement should qualify the new 4WD model for the full $2,000 rebate as well. Its 2007 counterpart is eligible for a $1,500 incentive.

Those incentives should help offset the price of the Escape Hyrbid, which is listed as $31,499 for the FWD version and $33,899 for the 4WD version.

For those who may worry about the longevity of such relatively new technology, the Hybrid's CVT, battery pack, and electronic power controller are covered by a special eight-year, 160,000 km warranty. More at TheStar.com = TG