The smaller engine, atkinson valve timing, and CVT are probably the biggest contributors to the Escape Hybrid's numbers. Mine was FWD as well, so that helped vs AWD. I believe the last few years before the major redesign ('10-'12) would do nearly the same on the highway with the conventional 4 cylinder and FWD. Here's the Fuelly page for the one I had:
Green Brick (Ford Escape) | Fuelly