The family car: Crossover appeal

The Escape Hybrid and its cousins, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, are marketed as SUVs. But the fact is, they ride and handle like crossovers. Whatever you call them, there's no doubt that they're more fuel efficient than any SUV or crossover on the market.

The "green" version of the Escape has turned an otherwise decent vehicle into something to brag about. The hybrid system functions seamlessly, keeping the vehicle purring along on electricity alone right up to 25 miles per hour. Power is delivered smoothly, and there's more than enough on tap.

The Escape recharges its batteries partly from brake power, allowing it to recapture energy that's usually wasted. In the Escape's previous version you felt that happen, but with a redesign for 2008 you don't.

The fuel economy can't compare with that of the Prius or the Civic Hybrid, but neither of those offers the Escape's SUV-like flexibility. And no hybrid SUV takes greenness as seriously. This isn't a "part fuel savings, part power boost" hybrid; it's all about maximizing miles per gallon. Still, you won't find yourself lagging behind.

There is one problem with the hybrid versions of the Escape, Mariner and Tribute: They lack electronic stability control, a computerized system that reduces crashes and rollovers by helping drivers maintain command in abrupt maneuvers. The vehicles will get the technology for the 2009 model-year, so if you can hold out until August, do so.

NEXT: The family hauler: GMC Acadia