Hybrid SUVs
Perhaps a car just isn't an option? Do you have to have
a SUV?
Fortunately for you, the hybrid SUV segment offers a
number of choices for hybrid buyers.
The Ford
Escape hybrid is the most fuel efficient hybrid SUV
currently available,
capable of achieving almost 34 mpg, and it has been
redesigned for the 2008 model year.
It's cousins, the Mercury
Mariner hybrid and the Mazda
Tribute hybrid offer similar fuel economy, but
Mercury and Mariner styling, respectively. Overall, the
Soultek Hybrid Buyers Guide has picked the Escape hybrid
as the Best Buy amongst these three similar hybrids.
Then comes the Toyota
Highlander hybrid, offering slightly less fuel
efficiency than the Escape hybrid, but more seating and more
power. In fact, some Highlanders offer 3rd row seating
which can accommodate up to 7 passengers.
Thus, for a large family, the Highlander hybrid is
probably the best choice because it will seat up to
seven.
Still, it is important
to remember that the Highlander hybrid was not built
purely for fuel economy. This is a hybrid SUV that
provides V6 performance, but with better economy. So, if a fuel
efficient SUV is critical, then the Highlander hybrid
might not be your best pick.
Like the Malibu and
Aura hybrids, GM also offers a mild hybrid SUV, the Saturn
Vue hybrid. The Hybrid Cars Buying Guide recommends
waiting for the dual mode Saturn Vue hybrid, which will
be a full hybrid.
The hybrid SUV segment
is about to explode, however, as both GM and Chrysler
add several more hybrids to the hybrid SUV segment.
GM will soon be
offering both the GMC
Yukon hybrid and the Chevy
Tahoe hybrid. Both provide outstanding city fuel
economy for such large SUVs while providing large SUV
performance. Anything a conventional Tahoe or Yukon can,
their hybrid counterparts can also do, just more fuel
efficiently.
GM and Chrysler
co-developed their hybrid technology, and Chrsyler will
also be offering two new hybrid SUVs.
The HEMI-powered Dodge
Durango hybrid and the Chrysler
Aspen hybrid will offer similar performance to GM's
dual mode hybrid SUVs
Luxury hybrids
Of course, maybe you
have to have a luxury hybrid SUV?
The Lexus
RX400h hybrid SUV is the least efficient of the SUV
bunch, but by far the most powerful, as well as the most
luxurious. This luxury hybrid is faster than its
conventional cousin, significantly more fuel efficient,
and emits far less pollution. Of course this performance
has costs and the hybrid Lexus is priced over $10,000
more than a standard RX330.
Of, if you prefer a
luxury sedan, check out the Lexus GS 450h hybrid or the
LS 600h L hybrid, which will be available this Spring.
Each one of these hybrids is a good investment in the
future. Many of the top hybrids will recover their
hybrid costs within 5 years based on average driving
conditions, so hybrids can be a wise financial decision.
Even if you choose a lesser fuel efficient
hybrid, your are still investing in the future of hybrid
technology.
Buying a hybrid vehicle
doesn't have to be difficult, just choose the hybrid
that best fits your requirements. Hopefully, this hybrid
cars buying guide as helped you.
For more on hybrid car
costs, check out Consumer
Reports and Hybrid Cars: What you need to know.
