On the other hand don't be too discouraged. The vehicle still gets very good mileage even in these poor conditions. I commute only 9 miles to and from work each day. I actually do drive to lunch (about a mile) and back [no offense but if the goal is better environmentalism shouldn't we ride in my car rather than someone elses]. My average in the summer? I'm doing about 30-31 MPG, thats in one of the 4WD models, driving normally. I don't "Pulse & Glide" (I have no patience for all the shift and acelerator work) and my tires are still at the stock recommened 35PSI.

Under those conditions with a 4WD I believe 30-31 is very decent, escpecially considering I've been told the regular 4WD Escape gets 17MPG---ON THE FREEWAY!