Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and Mazda Tribute Hybrids


2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
Base prices of Mazda’s Tribute are slightly lower than those of its Ford and Mercury siblings, but it’s only offered in California, and equipment levels and options vary between the three.

This trio of compact utes is not only among the least expensive of this group, but they’re also the most economical--at least according to the EPA. In our tests, a front-drive example managed 24.5 mpg in very hot weather with the air conditioner running almost constantly, which doesn’t allow the fuel-saving engine shut-off feature to activate at stop lights.

An all-wheel-drive model reached 25.9 mpg in brutally cold weather, which is also detrimental to optimum mileage. Despite being tested under less-than-ideal circumstances, both models trumped the 24.0-mpg average we got on an extended-use 4-cylinder Honda Accord.

 Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Base Prices$28,175 to $29,750$29,925 to $31,500
EPA mpg estimate34 city/31 highway29 city/27 highway
CG fuel economy24.5 (very hot weather)25.9 (very cold weather)
Seating capacity5 5
Towing capacity1,500 pounds for Escape and Mariner, NA for Tribute1,500 pounds for Escape and Mariner, NA for Tribute

Click here to read our full review of the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner.