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Best Hybrid SUV

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:17:29 +0000

It is not easy to decide when talking about something like the best hybrid SUV for the simple reason that it all depends on what your needs and tastes are. Hybrid cars as we all know are the rage in the automobile industry these days. In its early stages there were only a few companies making them and there were only a few models available.

But the scenario has changed a lot today as more and more players entered the market with different models. In its early stages hybrids were only available as small cars, usually 2 door hatch back type of cars. These cars proved themselves as the leaders in mileage and as a result this technology has spilled over into the SUV market.

For the uninitiated a hybrid car uses both electric power and an internal combustion engine to get the wheels turning. The engine is capable of both turning the wheels and recharging the battery. In addition to all this whenever the brakes are applied, the energy that is created from it is also used to power an alternator which will help recharge the battery. This means that the battery is getting help form the engine and the brakes. The biggest claim to fame of this technology is that it has increased mileage tremendously.

For those of you who prefer to drive an SUV as opposed to a sedan, hybrid SUV’s are now available in several different models. It is difficult to say which one exactly is the best hybrid SUV, but some of the top selling ones are mentioned here.

GMC Yukon Hybrid. This SUV has the best mileage in its class. It has the same options offered by the Chevy Tahoe but it will be a little costlier to purchase. It is also available as a four wheel drive car.

The Saturn VUE. If gas mileage is your thing then this is the SUV to get. It has the best mileage of any hybrid SUV. On the high way it will use 60 percent less gasoline compared to any other non-hybrid car in its class. This works out to be about 35 miles per gallon on the highway, which is far better than any hybrid SUV.

Lexus RX 400. IF you would like to have an SUV that can boast of being green as well as luxurious then this is the car to get. One of its salient features is that it has a rear mounted electric engine which gives it better stability in bad driving conditions. This car has some of the best safety features in its price range such as side curtain airbags and knee air bags.

List of the Top 7 – 2008 Hybrid SUV

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:15:03 +0000

When in the market for an SUV, a hybrid is sometimes the best option. For car users coming to the SUV market, fuel economy ratings often scare potential users away. This is because SUVs typically get much lower MPG ratings than a standard car. However, this is not the case with a 2008 hybrid SUV. 2008 Hybrid SUVs enjoy similar gas mileage to regular cars but with the added cargo space found in SUVs.

In 2008 only a handful of hybrid SUVs were produced. Hybrid vehicles are a fairly new technology and not all automakers have adopted hybrid options into all of the makes of their vehicles. Listed below are the hybrid SUVs produced in 2008 with some brief information about each one.

2008 Hybrid SUV – List of the Top 7 Models

1. Ford Escape Hybrid

This model was Ford’s answer to a low cost hybrid SUV. By far one of the cheapest hybrids on the market, ford’s escape shows cheap craftsmanship and overall an non-luxurious SUV. This is great for a bare bones hybrid SUV but, no frills here.

2. Mazda Tribute Hybrid

Also on the lower cost end of hybrid SUVs is Mazda’s tribute hybrid. The tribute looks very similar to the escape hybrid with a little bit of Mazda styling to set it off. This is Mazda’s first hybrid SUV so it hasn’t come back as being the best quality or most reliable vehicle.

3. Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Since Mercury is owned by Ford, the Mariner also resembles the Escape hybrid. However, Mercury models tend to be built with a little more material and are more reliable and of a higher quality. This is also a small SUV

4. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Toyota’s answer to the gap in hybrid SUVs in the Highlander. In 2008 this is really the only option for a mid-cost mid-size SUV. Toyota is a leader in the hybrid market and the Highlander is a great choice for someone in the market for a mid-size hybrid SUV.

5. Lexus RX 400h

The only true answer to a luxury hybrid SUV is the RX 400h. Lexus is owned by Toyota and once again has led the way in offering a luxury hybrid SUV.

6. Saturn Vue Hybrid

The Vue hybrid is barely classified as a hybrid. While hybrid technology is used in manufacturing this, it doesn’t get great gas mileage compared with standard Vue models.

7. Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hybrid

This is the only answer to a full-size hybrid SUV. While gas mileage ratings aren’t that great, they are much better than the standard models of the Tahoe or Yukon.

The Best SUV 2006 Has To Offer For Every Sized Family!

admin — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 05:17:39 +0000

Finding the best SUV 2006 has to offer is to assume that all people want the same things in a vehicle, it can’t be done. We can however look at the top three offerings based upon overall impressions of a vehicle. In the compact SUC class Ford Escape Hybrid is the lowest priced SUV hybrid. In the mid size crossover SUV, 2006 Honda Pilot is setting new standards. Finally in the large category, 2006 Nissan Armada has the power to haul people and trailers easily. These are three of the models that really caught the attention of shoppers and reviewers in 2006.

With gas prices steadily climbing every year, many SUV drivers wanted something more fuel efficient. The Ford Escape Hybrid fits that bill achieving 29 to 31 MPG on the highway. Moreover, while the traditional Escapes feels boxy and truck like to drive, the Hybrid has a more pleasant car-like behavior. With a base price of $27,500 the Escape Hybrid comes in at $3,500 less than its Hybrid SUV competitor, Toyota Highlander Hybrid. If fuel economy and car-like appeal are on your shopping list, the Escape Hybrid could be the best SUV 2006 has to offer for your needs.

In the newer mid-size crossover SUV category, the 2006 Honda Pilot offers a big V6 engine for shoppers that want a little more zip in compact SUV’s performance. An added plus for larger families is the eight seat capacity. Air bags are supplied all the way back to the third row and a rollover sensor is including for added safety. The built in navigation system is a big plus for families that are on the go to find their way easily. Honda is known for building a quality vehicle without major recalls, and a base price of $24,294, making the Honda Pilot a good choice for larger families on a budget.

The 2006 Nissan Armada is where the “big boys” play. Boasting a powerful 305 horsepower engine, this is a full size SUV that came to work as well as play. The Armada is as happy towing a boat as it is toting the kids around to their activities. There is plenty of room to carry passengers and cargo as this model supply’s 100 cubic feet of storage space with second and third row seats folding flat. A base Armada comes in at $31,548 make this one of the best SUVs 2006 has to offer for people that want lots of room, power and hauling ability for a reasonable price.

Finding a Used Hybrid SUV

admin — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:09:14 +0000

Finding a used hybrid SUV is possible. This vehicle uses more than one power source for the vehicle. Normally it describes a vehicle that uses an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. For the economically sound, buying a hybrid is a good way to get an excellent vehicle yet still benefit from the good gas mileage and environmental friendliness of a hybrid car. Many hybrid SUV’s will make excellent vehicles.

The Lexus RX 400h is the only luxury used hybrid SUV in the market. It costs more than other hybrid cars. However, it has a lovely interior and excellent performance. The gas mileage is an average of 27mph. This used vehicle can cost anywhere from $10,000-25,000. This is definitely the car for the driver that wants a nicer more upscale vehicle.

Toyota Highlander

Another good used hybrid SUV is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This vehicle is very roomy as it has a third row seat. It does not make much noise. This would be considered more of a family vehicle. The used version can also be expensive running between $10,000-20,000. The gas mileage is 27mph. This would be a great vehicle for the driver who has a family.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is a little bit less expensive as a used vehicle running between $8,000-18,000. It has better gas mileage at 34mph. It has comfortable seats and is also very roomy. This vehicle appeals to those who commute a lot but also care about their carbon footprint.

Many options are available for getting a used hybrid SUV. When buying one, make sure to take into account cost, gas mileage, and drivability. Also be aware that the battery in hybrid vehicles needs to be replaced after about five years. Take this into account when buying any hybrid vehicle. If a driver is deciding between a 2007 and a 2008 version, it may be better to get the 2008 version.

Skoda Fabia

Umar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:37:43 +0000

In the interest of new economically efficient cars, the Škoda Fabia was introduced. This car has been introduced to the new generation of vehicles with the intention of sleek style, efficiency, and great overall performance. The car features 22.8 MPG with a three cylinder 1198 cc engine. The tubeless tires perform great under the 1.3 ton car, while the McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer and compound link crank-axle provide great shocks on the automobile for a smooth ride.

The Skoda Fabia comes with several different interior features. With semi-automatic climate control and rear air conditioning, the car becomes very comfortable to drive and ride in for all 5 passenger seats. A manual 5-speed drive with adjustable headlights, there are several safety features that make the car very likeable for the consumer today. The Fabia’s excellent handling and unequivocal reaction to the driver’s commands are among the basic prerequisites for a safe ride. It helps drivers avoid dangerous situations or resolve them safely. It has all the comforts and roominess of a big luxury car and at the same time it is so compact that you can drive it and park it with utmost ease in the most congested areas. Adjustable steering and automated height adjustment for seats help with the comfort as well. The premium touch and feel will make you forget that you are sitting in a hatchback.

The side profile of the Super Hatch is equally impressive. The jazzed up sleek exterior of the car is a smooth blend of aesthetics and functionality. It has a striking front grille with vertical fins that greet you at the first glance. No small car can make you feel special the way Škoda Fabia does. The sleek looking Fabia is the first Super Hatch in India with a huge passenger and cargo space designed with premium looks. The Fabia comes with electric sunroof, integrated audio player, adjustable armrest between the front seats and a lot of practical storage compartments and pockets as Standard Equipment. This is a great car to choose for a family vehicle, as a business investment, or just for luxury use.

2 of the Best Economical SUVs

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:35:58 +0000

The economical and compact SUV category was initially brought to the forefront of consumers with the introduction of the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. Since their introduction there have been a number of candidates for the consumer to choose between in their shopping process. None of these vehicles are geared toward serious off road use. They do offer the size and versatility of an economical SUV that will provide the added safety of all wheel drive with high gas mileage ratings.

The RAV4 has continued its’ evolution as a front runner in this category. It brings to the table the legendary reputation of a Toyota all wheel drive vehicle. In recent years it has also added considerable performance with the optional six-cylinder engine. They have also chosen to stick with the side hinged back gate. It allows easy access to a large cargo area, but requires the owner to consider how the load will be brought to the vehicle as well as parking considerations and the proximity of other vehicles behind the rig. The RAV4 has excellent drivability, but the driver’s compartment is snug for larger frame individuals.

Honda has a solid reputation with their CR-V with an excellent balance of power to weight. While they may not have an engine upgrade option, their standard choices work quite well for everyday driving. The most common negative is that there is considerable road noise in the cabins of these vehicles. Typical of a Honda, it has exceptional ergonomics in driver’s cockpit. Pairing that with easily accessible cargo space and a roomy cabin makes the CR-V an industry standard that will be in place for quite some time.

Subaru wrote the book on all wheel drive applications for sedans and wagons, and the Forester is no exception. With higher seating and better visibility than the Subaru wagons, the Forester is an excellent consideration in the economical SUV category. The Forester offers competitive gas mileage and good drivability due to a slightly lower center of gravity. It trails behind other vehicles with the outdated four speed automatic transmission, but the flat four-cylinder engine keeps it as a viable entry in this class.

The Santa Fe from Hyundai is another excellent choice for an economical SUV. Typical of Hyundai, they offer excellent features in a well-built vehicle. The gas mileage of the Santa Fe is comparable, cargo space excellent and detail work tolerable to good. It has a heavier feel than other choices, but not in a good way. Acceleration is a slower, turns are a little more work, and stopping distances requires wariness.

One of the most date entries in the economical SUV segment is the Tribute by Mazda. They do offer high safety ratings and decent gas mileage. Drivability is okay at best and interior space is limited compared to the other choices. Mazda has been building their reputation for a great driving experience, but it appears to have been overlooked in the Tribute. It is a solid vehicle, but lacks somewhat in the zoom-zoom aspect.

The economical SUV choices in the market are many, varied, and likely to offer great results for the diligent consumer.

Hybrid SUV Comparison: Finding the Best Hybrid Vehicle

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:17:26 +0000

Sports utility vehicles are one of the most popular vehicles driven today. SUVs are joining the hybrid ranks and are being purchased at a high rate. Many companies are trying to get a piece of this market. Today, we wanted to do a quick Hybrid SUV comparison, to find some great SUVs that still get good gas mileage.

SUVs are vehicles that are sporty yet can be family oriented making them popular to a vast crowd. The only drawback is their fuel ratings and with the hybrid technology of today they are seeing big improvements.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape hybrid is the SUV with the best mileage rating. At 34 miles per gallon city and 31 on the highway this is a vehicle that will save you money. A continuous variable transmission makes this vehicle almost as fast as the standard model.

The Dodge Durango is trying to bring you plenty of power and still maintain a 20 mile per gallon fuel rating. This 8 passenger SUV has a 5000 lb towing capacity. The Hemi motor offers plenty of power for the back country or for use in towing a payload.

If you want luxury in a SUV the Cadillac Escalade is for you. It has a good fuel rating of 21 miles per gallon city and 22 on the highway. The 6.0 liter engine with aid of two electrical generators boasts 379 horsepower. The Escalade has all the comfort options you expect in a Cadillac.

The Chevrolet Tahoe will seat 6 passengers comfortably and has a capacity for 9 total. This SUV has a rating of 21 miles per gallon city and 22 on the highway. It has two electric motors that will move the vehicle without assistance when going under 25 miles per hour. It will operate on 4 or 8 cylinders depending on the circumstances. The 6.0 liter engine will handle towing jobs up to 6000 lbs.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid will handle seven passengers and still have room for a little cargo. This SUV has a great fuel rating at 27 miles per gallon in town and 25 on the highway. It has a roomy interior that is great for the family that travels and does actiities together.

The GMC Yukon hybrid vehicle is designed to carry 7 passengers comfortably. This large upscale SUV offers a 6000 lb tow load for that boat or trailer. It is rated at 21 miles per gallon city and 22 on the highway. It is made with luxury in mind.

The hybrid market is improving and for the added price you can save a little in the long run. One of the major items to consider is the pollution control of the hybrid. All companies, that make a hybrid vehicle are trying to save the environment.

Finding Affordable and Gas Efficient SUVs

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:31:33 +0000

One thing is for sure these days, and that is the fact that the price of everything is rising! This includes the cost of fuel. With fuel prices on a constant rise, we have to, at last consider, finding efficient ways of travel, that will accommodate our every day needs.

For those who need more room than a compact car can offer, don’t lose hope. There is a gas efficient SUV waiting for you to take it home!

Taking into consideration whether or not you keep proper maintenance on your vehicle, or if you often feel the need to fly without actually being in a plane, there are several options in fuel efficient SUVs.

Hyundai Tucson

One of which is the Hyundai Tucson. Making it’s debut in 2005, this SUV gets mileage of up to 22 mpg in the city, and 27 mpg highway miles. It also offers 65.5 cubic feet for what ever you may want to haul! Of course, if you kick it into four wheel drive, you’ll lose one mile per gallon on both sides.

Toyota Highlander

Another option that you may consider is the Toyota Highlander. Also coming out in 2005, it matches the Tucson as far as miles per gallon, however, it offers a bit more horsepower and cargo space, which makes the price of purchase a bit higher.

The Mitsubishi Outlander can get you 22 mpg in the city, but it can get you 28 mpg on the highway. It comes with 60 cubic feet in cargo space. Offering you 66.2 cubic feet of storage, the Subaru Outback Wagan, when purchased with a manual transmission, gives you up to 23 city mpg, and 28 highway mpg. However, should you prefer an automatic transmission, your city miles will decrease to 22 mpg.

If your looking for the most in storage space, the Honda CR-V may be what you’re looking for. It offers you 72 cubic feet in space, and runs a very close second to the highlander in fuel efficiency.

The Ford Escape Hybrid, being the first of it’s kind on the market, is ranked # 1 in fuel efficiency, delivering up to 36 mpg for city driving, and 31 mpg on the highway, and offers you 65.5 cubic feet in storage space.

No matter what you’re looking for, or the demands of your everyday life, you can be sure that there is a fuel efficient SUV for you.

Top 4 SUV Gas Mileage Comparison

admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:13:24 +0000

Topping the list of fuel-efficient 2010 SUV vehicles is the Ford Escape Hybrid. This gas/electric model rivals the mileage capability of some sedans and rules the roost in SUV gas mileage comparison. Rated at 29-34 mpg in the city and 27-31 mpg on the open road, this small-class SUV makes visits to the pump a lot less painful than some its larger cousins. The 153 horsepower 2.5 liter inline four-cylinder engine is mated to a 94-horsepower electric motor and a CVT (continuously variable transmission). If you’re concerned about the environment you will be pleased to know that the Ford Escape Hybrid is considered an “eco-warrior” by meeting two ecological benchmarks: The Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards.
Mercury Mariner
The 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid equals the Escape in mileage rating and can legitimately argue for first place in any SUV gas mileage comparison . It offers something extra with its 2 or 4-wheel drive feature. A special standard plus is the regenerative braking technology that helps to recharge the nickel-metal hydride battery pack. It also enjoys the same eco-warrior status along with its Ford competitor and uses soy-based seat foam instead of petroleum-based which is more eco-friendly. Special sensors provide alerts when a collision is imminent and also combine with the Active Park Assist System to actually parallel park the vehicle while the driver operates the gas and brakes.

The 2010 Lexus 450h luxury hybrid SUV boasts a respectable 30-32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, somewhat compensating for the sticker price and making it a real player in any SUV gas mileage comparison. Its new 3.5 liter V-6 gas engine (245 horsepower) combines with the hybrid battery to produce a total of 295 horsepower. The RX version is available in two or four-wheel drive with a CVT transmission. Although somewhat pricier than its fuel efficient competitors, it offers a low carbon emission rating and additional luxury items such as a voice recognition navigation system, a Dual-Screen Rear-Seat Entertainment, DVD player and standard XM radio. Road safety is enhanced with a windshield display of vehicle speed and turn directions, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road at all times.

Toyota’s 2010 Highlander hybrid SUV employs the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. The 650-watt electric motor generator pairs with the 209 horsepower 3.3 liter V-6 to produce a combined 270 horsepower. Its 27 mpg city and 26 mpg highway rating can be improved with the use of the EV mode which allows full electric operation for limited distances at slower speeds. It features a backup camera to allow the driver to see what’s behind the vehicle. With seating for seven passengers this mid-size SUV also offers an incredible 94.1 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seats are configured for cargo.

Where to Find a High MPG SUV

admin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:00:27 +0000

If there is any one thing that has been consistent about SUVs over the years, it is that they have never been considered either economical or eco-friendly. A large part of that perception has much to do with the media and the public’s desire for large, high-powered, gas-guzzling SUVs. However, for the last 20 years there has been a growing market for smaller, more fuel efficient SUVs.

The first perception we need to break is that all SUVs are huge. That is simply not true. In fact, the Geo/Chevy Tracker that ran from 1989 was a SUV that got high miles per gallon – close to 30 MPG on the highway in its early days, though that dropped to about 22 MPG at the end when the only engine available was a V-6.

Subaru Outback

There is also the still-in-production Subaru Outback that, depending on engine/transmission configuration can pull highway MPG in the high 20s. These are just a couple of the smaller vehicles. There are plenty more such as the Honda CRV, the Jeep Compass, and the Toyota RAV4.

The second perception that needs to be dispelled in order to open up the selection of high MPG SUVs is “bigger is safer”. That may have been true in 1975, but 35 years of engineering and technological advances have made all automotive vehicles safer.

Auto manufacturers have spent a lot of time and money developing light-weight composite materials that are stronger than steel and less prone to failure. Today’s vehicles are engineered with driver and passenger safety in mind. Modern vehicles are designed to collapse at the ends, absorbing impact force before it reaches the passenger compartment – thus protecting the occupants. Lighter equals more MPG, not more dangerous.

Last, but not least, we need to take a look at the newest SUVs on the block, the hybrid. For high MPG SUVs, these are among the best with four models in the last two years reaching or exceeding 30 MPG highway (’09 Mazda Tribute, ’10 Ford Escape, ’10 Mercury Mariner, ’10 Lexus RX 450h).

Don’t be fooled by all hybrids, however. The 2010 models of the Mercedes-Benz ML450, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade all report highway MPG in the very low 20s.

High MPG SUVs are out there. They are available. They are safe. And they offer a wide range of amenities and sizes, technologies and quality. Test drive one and you just might be surprised.