With the recent spike in gas prices, the number of people visiting our hybrid vehicle websites is also on the rise - up nearly 25% over last month. One trend we’ve seen on our hybrid cars blog as well as this site is the number of people trying to compare two or more vehicles, either via a search engine query or by searching within the website itself.

For this reason we have decided to create a new section on HybridSUV.com called “Compare Hybrids”. While the formula may change a bit for each comparison, this will essentially be an area where you can choose 2 hybrid sport utility vehicles for a side-by-side, head-to-head showdown of price, miles per gallon, towing capacity, seating capacity, tax credits, or various other features and specifications. And, rather than just the facts - we will also try to declare a winner and a loser for each factor being compared.

Head To Head: 2009 Ford Escape hybrid vs 2009 Toyota Highlander hybrid

How much are these hybrid SUVs going to cost you?
The base MSRP for the FWD hybrid 2009 Ford Escape is about $29,650 while the Limited 4×4 version will run you closer to $34,000 when you include the destination charge of $750. In comparison, the price out the door for a 2009 hybrid Toyota Highlander really depends on how many options or which package you select. Essentially, the base Highlander starts where the Escape leaves off. Expect to pay just under $35k for an entry level hybrid Highlander (all wheel drive is your only choice) and more than $40,000 for the Limited version. Keep adding toys and extras like navigation, dvd, moonroof, 3rd row seating, and an upgraded sound system and you’ll spend another $5,000 before you know it. If you don’t need all the extras, the Escape hybrid wins the price battle.

Which of these hybrids gets better gas mileage?
The hybrid Ford Escape has held the top spot for most fuel efficient SUV since it debuted in 2005. The 2009 model has an EPA rating of 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Even the 4WD version is rated 29 city / 27 hwy.

The AWD Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV gets 27 miles per gallon in city driving, and around 25 m.p.g. on the open road. This is just a couple of miles per gallon less than the green Escape, which is impressive considering the size difference. At the same time, if gas mileage is more important than interior room and seating capacity, the Escape hybrid has the edge here as well.

From an “overall value” standpoint, which of these SUV’s is the better choice?
While gas mileage and price are fairly easy to compare, overall value might be the most important factor in determining which of these hybrid SUVs you should buy. While everyone seems to have an opinion, we did some research on JDPower.com (J.D. Power and Associates) as well as on ConsumerReports.org (subscription required) to uncover some interesting differences.

Some of their ratings were based on the 2008 Escape hybrid and 2008 Highlander hybrid, but both are very similar to their respective 2009 models. Generally speaking, the Highlander outperformed the Escape in nearly every contest - including overall performance and quality. It also had better predicted reliability and resale value.

And, while Consumer Reports “recommends” both vehicles, the Highlander hybrid got the top overall rating in its category, while the Escape finished quite a way down the list (17th best SUV under $30,000).

If you’re looking for the best value when comparing these two hybrid SUVs, the Highlander has the advantage according to most industry experts and consumer reviews. Since both vehicles have a lot going for them, I’d recommend you drive them both and decide which one suits your needs.