the [newly designed] Escape looks the best out of all of them since it's a base model anyway. Out of those 2, Fusion.
I am moving from a Jeep Cherokee to something which does not use as much gas (I am going from driving 25-50 miles a week to 500-750). I have looked at the Escape; should I look more?
In that case, go with the Fusion or any other sedan. I think it's harder to achieve the claimed fuel mileage on SUVs--You will have to drive very gently.
Are you looking at brand new vehicles, or "new to you?"
Why only those two vehicles?