If you're in the market for a new car and safety and fuel mileage top your list of concerns, you may already be thinking Toyota. But wait! Word comes today that the Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid has surpassed Toyota's Highlander Hybrid and the Toyota Prius in crash test ratings. The Escape/Mariner, in both normal and hybrid forms, have received a best-in-class five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, beating out the Highlander and Prius, which average four stars.
Ford achieved the best in class rating by working to improve the Escape's body and safety features, as well as strategically integrating high-strength steel into the chassis.
Ford is hoping that the best-in-class ratings will help it lure customers in the fiercely competitive hybrid market where Toyota is king at present. Ford plans to double its hybrid sales next year by pushing the Escape/Mariner's safety and fuel economy and by introducing hybrid models of the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan. Will Ford be able to steal some of Toyota's thunder? What do you think?