2009 Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrids at Washington Auto Show

Upgraded, but fuel efficiency will not improve? Is this the sign of a poorly-timed trend?

While the gas versions of the 2009 Escape and Mariner did improve in gas mileage – by a whopping 1 mpg – the hybrid revisions did not. Not even 1 mpg. Both models are available with a new 2.5-liter engine that will output* 170 horsepower.

Receiving more of a focus are Ford’s (and Toyota’s and GM’s and …) plans to release a plug-in hybrid (or several) by 2010.

Sources:
Associated Press

* Note: I have no idea if “output” is the appropriate term to use in this situation. I have a feeling it’s not …