2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid is mechanically identical to the newly introduced 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (*Est. $27,270), which will sell in larger volumes. Reviews explain that the Mercury model offers more understated styling than its fraternal twin, although most interior features are the same. The Mercury Milan Hybrid is an impressive new hybrid car, reviews say, with outstanding fuel-economy ratings of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates. It offers a comfortable, quiet cabin with plenty of room, but not everyone is smitten with the accommodations. Cars.com's Mike Hanley thinks the interior "looks attractive but doesn't raise the design bar." Car and Driver's Erik Johnson backs that up, saying that the passenger cabin is "dominated by cheap-looking leather and dash plastic that's grained to resemble elephant hide." Johnson describes the digital instrument panel, which can display growing green vines as you drive more efficiently, as "like a botany video game."

Luggage space is on the lean side, too. The Mercury Milan Hybrid's trunk is just 11.8 cubic feet -- about a third smaller than a nonhybrid model -- and cannot be ordered with a fold-down rear seat for added storage flexibility. On the upside, that's "actually 0.1 more than that found in the massive Lexus LS600h L hybrid," Johnson says. Driving characteristics are similar to conventional gas-powered models, and the seamless transition between gasoline and electric modes pleases reviewers like Sam Abuelsamid, who says the Mercury Milan Hybrid's powertrain offers "the smoothest operation of any of the systems that have passed through the AutoblogGreen Garage." Ride, handling, steering and braking feel natural and competent, critics emphasize.

A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine is matched with an electric motor for a combined 191 horsepower. Reviewers say the Milan Hybrid operates in fuel-saving electric mode generally longer and more frequently than most other full hybrids, and it can run in pure electric mode up to 47 mph under certain light-throttle conditions. A unique gauge cluster includes useful color LED displays that encourage a fuel-sipping driving style by displaying leaves and vines in an on-screen graphic. Ford's Sync hard-drive entertainment and hands-free communication system is a highly recommended option.