There are two types of hybrid gas/electric-powered vehicles on the market, and they differ primarily in terms of their outward appearances. In one corner we have models like the industry leading Toyota Prius and the recently added Honda Insight, which are both offered exclusively as hybrids and come wrapped in distinctive-looking futuristic styling. Not only is this to maximize their aerodynamic abilities, it sets them apart from all other conventional vehicles and loudly boasts to the world that their owners are environmentally conscious motorists.
And then there are gas/electric versions of otherwise ordinary vehicles, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid, that tend to get lost in a crowd, being outwardly distinguished mainly by specific badging and some added dashboard gauges. They don’t flaunt their “greenness,” but just quietly register what are comparatively impressive fuel economy ratings.
Currently the best of the latter group are the new-for-2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its corporate cousin, the Mercury Milan Hybrid. They combine stellar fuel economy with all the standard models’ goodness, which means handsome and uncluttered styling with roomy and comfortable interiors, a smooth ride and predictable handling. By comparison, the Prius is smaller and feels cheaper, though in fairness it does start out at a lower price ($21,000 versus $27,625/$27,855). The Fusion and Milan Hybrids are virtually identical save for their brand-specific front-end treatments; the Ford assumes the corporate multi-bar grille, while the Mercury gets a slightly more formal look up front.
Here, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is augmented by an electric motor/generator and a self-charging battery pack; a gearless Continuously Variable Transmission affords smooth and uninterrupted acceleration. This powertrain can deliver V-6-like thrust when the accelerator is mashed to the floor, but is generally well mannered in normal city driving. Ford says the cars can run exclusively on battery power at speeds up to 47 mph, but we had trouble keeping either model off the gas at anything over about 20 mph. As with all other hybrids, the gasoline engine shuts down automatically at idle to further save gas and starts up immediately when necessary.
The EPA rates the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids to achieve an estimated 41-city and 36-highway mpg – hybrids typically get better city mileage, as that’s when the electric motor does most of the heavy lifting. Our testers showed long-term combined city/highway fuel economy at around 38 mpg, which is right on the money, and is darned impressive for a bona fide five-passenger sedan. By comparison, the V-6 gasoline versions, which perform similarly, get 18/27 mpg. The EPA says choosing the hybrid instead of the V-6 will save around $800 in fuel costs (with 15,000 miles driven at $2.44/gallon) and four tons of greenhouse-gas emissions annually.
Both models come generously equipped, with a GPS navigation system and a luxury-equipment package that contains things like leather heated seats a rear-view camera and a blind-spot warning system coming optional. A novel dashboard LCD display can help drivers garner maximum miles per gallon via various gauges and graphics; these include a stem with leaves – the more leaves growing from it, the “greener” a motorist is driving. Other than carrying a higher sticker price than the gasoline-powered versions of the Fusion and Milan, the biggest trade-off here involves reduced trunk space, given that the cars’ battery packs reside behind the rear seats. And unlike the standard versions, the Hybrids cannot be fitted with all-wheel drive.
In all, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid are great choices for those who want to save money at the pump and help the environment, and want to own a car that looks and feels like an “ordinary” model.
