2009 Hybrid Cars, Trucks and SUVs: Ford

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
Base MSRP: $30,030 (FWD); $31,780 (4WD)
EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 34 mpg/31 mpg (FWD); 29 mpg/27 mpg (4WD)

Introduced as a 2005 model, the Escape Hybrid has some miles under its low-rolling-resistance tires. For 2009, the hybrid model gets a new gas engine, a version of the Mazda-engineered 2.5-liter inline-4 that runs on the Atkinson combustion cycle. A new engine processor is said to smooth the transitions between gas- and electric-powered modes. Powertrain vibration is reduced as well. Most important, a new braking system smoothes out the transition between regenerative braking and mechanical braking. What the improvements haven't done is substantially improve fuel economy.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Base MSRP: $27,995
EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 41 mpg/36 mpg

Ford is the first domestic carmaker to take the hybrid fight to Toyota and Honda. Its first hybrid sedan, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is probably the best-driving hybrid you can buy. The operation of its powertrain is smooth and transparent, while the handling, steering and brakes feel nearly as good as a non-hybrid. That's no small achievement. Add in the car's impressive 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway fuel economy numbers and the Fusion Hybrid is a winner.