Should the strut rod bushing be soft and rubbery?

Should the strut rod bushings be soft and rubbery? I just purchase a set of replacement bushings from Autozone, and the bushings are very hard to almost the point it feels like the are made of plastic. The original old bushings are much softer and rubbery. Are the bushing suppose to be hard and will turn softer as they wear out? I am wondering if I received a really old stock that the rubber turned to hard plastic.

OK.....I cannot find it right now....but I seem to remember recently reading something Moog had said about their parts......that they offer the standard "rubber" version and a "composite" version that is supposed to be more durable.
Maybe that is what you got?

Another note.....they say NOT to use grease or oil to lubricate rubber bushings......it will cause the material to break down.
There is a lubricant that is listed in the repair information for the sway bar bushings......which states not to use grease....and lists a FORD product.....and specification number.
I gave this to the dealer when I ordered the bushings....and got a bottle that is labeled Motorcraft "Mini-Vent Window Lube" which is a silicone based lubricant.
It is some slippery stuff.

Wiswind, thank you for your reply.