Fusion Hybrid wins Globe comparison

Except for the Fusion, which was available for a briefer period, we drove each car for at least 350 miles in downtown Boston and beyond, including highway stretches to Vermont and Connecticut. We drove as regular drivers would, with minimal throttle feathering or "hypermiling" tactics.

While Escalade and Prius buyers aren't likely to cross-shop, they're both choosing from an increasingly diverse makeup of midsize sedans, all-wheel-drive SUVs, and full-size luxury sedans.

Cadillac's SUV seats eight and can tow 5,600 pounds, yet can also shut off half of its cylinders, which makes for steady 20-plus mile-per-gallon cruising on the highway. While our average 18 miles per gallon was the group's lowest, the Escalade Hybrid returns significantly better economy than the standard model, but with all the chrome jewelry and limousine pampering.

Lexus was first to the hybrid luxury sedan market in 2008 with its flagship LS 600hL, a six-figure executive perk designed to run against Germany's V-12-powered sedans. (They've noticed: BMW is currently testing a hybrid 7 Series, while Mercedes plans to sell its lithium-ion S400 h later this year.) The big Lexus drives like a bank vault; it even parks itself and seals all four doors automatically should one be left ajar. The fact that it delivered 21 miles per gallon while thrusting to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds and playing a James Bond DVD for backseat passengers is impressive.

Toyota's much lighter, smaller, and more popular hybrid, the Prius, is much improved for 2010. The ubiquitous silhouette is more aerodynamic but remains very similar, except for an optional solar panel roof that powers cabin fans when the car is parked. Inside, Toyota gave the Prius a sorely-needed upgrade, with finer materials, an improved navigation display, and better sound insulation. It's quicker and almost hit an incredible 50 miles per gallon.

Honda's Insight, while looking much like the Prius, is brand-new for 2010. It replaces the original three-cylinder, two-door Insight of 1999, which sold in few numbers. While the Insight is noisier and uses lesser quality materials than the rest of our hybrids, it was by far the sportiest of the bunch, with an eager-revving engine, paddle shifters, and accurate steering. It's also the most affordable.

Ford's two hybrids, the Escape compact SUV and all-new Fusion sedan, surprised us with their blend of utility, style, and powertrain refinement. Both vehicles can travel at least a half-mile on electric-only power at 40 miles per hour (47 for the Fusion), and transitions between their gas and electric motors were more seamless than the Lexus. And while they're sipping fuel, they don't make any kind of environmental statement like the Prius or Insight, which should attract buyers who never would have considered a hybrid.

That's part of why the Fusion Hybrid is our winner. Despite its modest premium over the standard model and lower mileage than the Prius, this Ford is a well-equipped, responsive, and attractive sedan that offers stellar economy. When plug-in hybrids like the Chevrolet Volt arrive in the next two years, we may have a very different impression.