Scarlet,

I'm guessing you mean Escape rather than Escort?

The previous two posters are right-on... short trips hurt a bit because you won't get many hybrid benefits until the catalytic converter is brought up to running temperature. If possible, try to combine all your errands one after the other so that the vehicle maintains some heat.

Also, have you had it in Alaska for a while? If you are fresh off that road trip, your long term fuel trims might not have had a chance to adjust to the new and different driving conditions. When the computer learns the new routine you may see some improvement.

Aside from that, you may want to try a different brand of gasoline?

Be sure to check out the Escape forum here on GreenHybrid for more advanced tips and tricks.

Best trip: 48.9 mpg over 17.9 miles (scangauge)
Best tank: 40.7 mpg over 606 miles (calculated)