Ford, Honda or Toyota: who builds the best hybrid?

I’ve been driving a lot of new gas-electric hybrid cars lately. Inside today’s Drive, you’ll find my take on the 2010 Toyota Prius. It came after a week piloting a new Honda Insight hybrid. Then, along came the chance to sample the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, although it was only a brief drive.

Still, I think I have enough perspective to give those considering hybrids some food for thought.

Styling

Last week, while driving the new Prius, an owner of a second-generation Prius said he loved the car’s mileage but said that he “didn’t buy it for its looks.”

Indeed.

Being so – um – distinctive in appearance, The Prius shouts to the world that you’re being green. And the Insight follows the Prius down this unsightly road. The two cars look so similar that I walked up to a Prius with my Honda Insight fob and wondered why the door wouldn’t unlock. Doh!

Thankfully, aside from its badges, the Ford Fusion doesn’t shout its credentials, wearing the same handsome clothes it wears on other models. And Lexus must like the grille; there’s a neat copy of it on the upcoming H250 h hybrid.

Fuel economy

All three run on regular unleaded gasoline, but the Prius uses the least of it by far, returning 53 mpg without really trying. The Insight and Fusion Hybrid each returned about 40 mpg.

That’s ironic considering the Insight is significantly smaller than the Fusion.

All three cars use their electric motors to augment the gasoline engine’s performance. They capture energy during braking to recharge the electric motor’s battery pack. When the car comes to a stop, the engine shuts off, restarting when the accelerator is pressed. None has to be plugged in.

But the Toyota and Ford can run purely on electric at low speeds. They also run the air conditioning when the engine temporarily shuts off; the Honda doesn’t.

Handling

All of these cars use low-rolling resistance tires in an effort to squeeze every possible mile from a gallon of gas. That doesn’t make them sporty in any sense of the word. But the Honda had the sportiest feel and firmest ride, almost too firm. The Prius handled as well, felt more comfy and seemed quieter.

The Fusion topped them all in comfort, quiet and handling. Believe it or not, it’s actually enjoyable to drive. Thank the Fusion’s transmission: a six-speed automatic that can be shifted manually. The others have a continuously variable automatic transmission, which suffers by comparison.

Convenience

The Japanese duo have the Ford beat here for one reason: They’re hatchbacks. That allows for fold-down rear seats that greatly expand cargo-carrying flexibility. The Fusion has a nice-sized trunk, but the battery pack prevents any pass-through capability.

Price

Honda takes the gold star, starting at $19,800.  Then again, it’s the smallest car. The slightly larger Prius starts at $22,000, although Toyota plans to introduce a model in a few months that starts at $21,000. The Fusion is the most expensive, but it’s also the largest. It starts at $27,270, the same as the top-of-the-line Prius.

Overall

So, which one is best? It depends on who you are and what you want. If price is key, not refinement, choose the Honda. If top mileage is your priority, not driving pleasure, take the Toyota. If a good conventional choice is what you're after, the Ford is the best bet.