NOTE: Pricing based on data collected July 2009. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Ford introduced the Milan Hybrid through its Mercury division in model year 2010, and it hit the showroom floor in March 2009. This is Mercury’s second hybrid vehicle after the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and it is an upscale version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Milan Hybrid is a five-seat midsize sedan and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of a class-leading 39 mpg. It features a full hybrid drivetrain, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Score
With a 31 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with its conventional counterpart, the Mercury Milan Hybrid (and its sister the Ford Fusion Hybrid) is second only to the Prius—albeit by a fairly wide margin—in this category. Ford credits these impressive gains on improvements to its hybrid drivetrain, noting that the Milan Hybrid can go up to 47 miles per hour using its electric motor alone. In contrast, the 34 mpg (combined) Toyota Camry Hybrid nets only a 27 percent reduction over the conventional Camry. The Milan Hybrid also earns an EPA air pollution score of 9.5 out of 10, giving it a slight edge over the Lexus HS 250h, another premium hybrid sedan and perhaps one of the closer competitors to the Milan Hybrid. In all, the Milan Hybrid merits the Environmental Score of 7.8, besting the Camry Hybrid by a significant margin, and slightly edging the Lexus HS 250h.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Despite having the same hybrid drivetrain, Ford has decided to charge more for the hybrid system in the Mercury Milan Hybrid ($4,920) compared with the Ford Fusion ($4,190). This decreases the Milan Hybrid’s Hybrid Value to “Medium” (the Fusion Hybrid’s is “High”). In comparison, the Lexus HS 250h merits a “Very High” in this category. It would seem the Milan Hybrid may have room to further increase its overall value, thereby further distinguishing itself from the competition.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
The Mercury Milan Hybrid also has more forced features than the Ford Fusion Hybrid, with customers having to pay for a significant $4,055 worth of features that are not standard on the conventional Milan. This gives the Milan a Forced Features rating of “$$$”. By contrast, the Lexus HS 250h has only $265 worth of forced features, essentially giving customers the choice of focusing premium dollars strictly in the hybrid option. Sample forced features include: reverse sensing system; rear spoiler; leather-trimmed, heated front seats; SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system; Sony® audio system featuring Dolby DAEP 5.1 surround sound; blind spot information system with cross traffic alert and rear-view camera; and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof. Click to see full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
Visit the Reviews page to see what popular automotive websites think of this hybrid.
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