1st Place

Unlike the 100-percent petrol-burning duo in the 10th slot, our 1st place finishers are a duo of hybrids, the Ford Escape Hybrid and the 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. We like their efficiency, versatility, capability, and reasonable-for-a-hybrid prices. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that, when paired with the hybrid’s components, is good for 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. A continuously-variable automatic transmission is standard, while full-time four-wheel drive is an option on the Ford and standard on the Mercury. Add in the $665 destination charge and you’re looking at $26,320 for the Escape Hybrid two-wheel drive, $27,925 for the Escape Hybrid four-wheel drive, and $28,615 for the Mariner Hybrid.

Photos courtesy of Ron Perry and the manufacturers