New Mariner Hybrid: Nice and green

Electronic stability control is not available on the hybrid versions of these vehicles. This important safety feature, which helps keep vehicles upright and under control during hard turns and emergency maneuvers, could prevent as much as a third of fatal crashes, according to various studies.

The last-generation Escape, without stability control, tipped up in NHTSA's handling test. Since the new version is entirely different, except for the drivetrain, it's not certain if it will have that problem.

Ford insists they it is working on adding stability control to their hybrid SUVs. The company has publicly committed to having it on all the SUVs it makes by the end of 2009. For now, Ford says, there's a problem in making stability control work with the hybrid vehicle's braking system.

For side-impact protection, side-curtain airbags now come as standard equipment.