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Hybrids are hotter than Kansas in July, thanks to gas prices that are rising almost as fast as the thermometer.

Ford has made a number of improvements to the recently released 2009 Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Both are more appealing, thanks to a slightly larger gas engine, refined aerodynamics and fractionally better fuel economy. The Escape now comes in a luxury Limited edition.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates the front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid at 34 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. This is an improvement of 1 mpg over last year’s highway rating. The four-wheel-drive model is 29 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. City mileage is higher because the electric motor is used more at low speeds.

When you first get behind the wheel of a hybrid, it is tempting to drive with a feather-foot to eke out as much mileage as possible. After a few miles, however, most drivers revert to their normal driving habits. I found that the test vehicle’s fuel mileage was still pretty impressive even when I stopped driving to save fuel. According to the on-board computer, I averaged 26 mpg during my week of mostly city driving.

A front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid begins at $28,305. An all-wheel-drive Limited, which is the model I drove, begins at $32,385.

The Hybrid’s new engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder designed to run on the Atkinson combustion cycle. It produces 153 horsepower. Add in the power from the electric motor and Ford’s press materials say the net horsepower is 177.

The Escape Hybrid pulls away from a stop on electric power and switches to the gasoline engine as vehicle speed increases. The gasoline engine often shuts off while coasting or rolling at a steady speed in town. The transition between gas and electric propulsion is nearly imperceptible due to a new engine processor, and a powertrain damping system also reduces vibrations and feedback to the driver.

In today’s environment, fuel economy outweighs performance. The Escape accelerates easily with traffic. Electric motors deliver their torque immediately, so the Escape Hybrid scoots away from a stop.

For 2009, Ford also refined the Escape Hybrid’s braking system so that the transition from electric regenerative braking to normal braking is less noticeable. Hybrids use regenerative braking to turn kinetic energy into electricity that recharges the on-board battery pack.

The addition of the Limited model will suit buyers who want a hybrid without having to sacrifice any of the convenience items found in upscale models. The Limited has 16-inch, six-spoke aluminum wheels, chrome exterior accents, an AM/FM/six-CD changer, heated front seats, leather seat surfaces, a power moonroof and ambient lighting for the footwells and cup holders. A SecuriCode keyless entry system is very handy for times when you want to lock the car with valuables inside.

The Limited is also available with Ford’s revised navigation system as well as Sync, a voice-activated system for the audio, navigation and Bluetooth cell phones.

The Escape’s cabin received a major makeover last year. The dash has appealing textures, bright gauges and an eye-level center window that displays radio functions, ambient temperature and climate-control readouts. The instruments have cool blue lighting because that color is easy on the eyes at night. The piano-black panels on the instrument panel were handsome.

Outside, you can’t miss the large chrome grille and a higher beltline. The higher beltline is emphasized by integrated running boards and the discontinuation of the molded-in lower body moldings.