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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.

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.

Best Small SUV: 4 Top Small SUVs to Choose From

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:01:41 +0000

Buyers looking for the best small SUV may feel intimidated by the vast selection of vehicles available to choose from. However, there’s no need to feel challenged; that’s why we’re reviewing the top selections for you, so that you can choose what you like without having to worry about quality.

No matter what kind of SUV you’re looking for, there’s one here to suit your needs. Here are 4 of the best options to choose from when looking for a compact SUV.

The Subaru Forester

The Forester is popular among owners for its improved design, with traditional SUV-style bodywork and emphasis on passenger and driver comfort. This vehicle offers standard all-wheel drive, two rows of seating, fuel economy, and powerful engines.

Although it earned rave reviews (including the Motor Trend’s Sport Utility of the Year award), the Forester has been criticized for having its outdated four-speed automatic feature; reviews have also highlighted its tendency to pitch and roll more than competitors.

The Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is hailed by reviewers for its powerful base engine, as well as the optional V-6 engine which is the most powerful in its class but still effective at delivering excellent fuel economy.

Particularly well-reviewed design features include an optional third-row seat (which has been described as too cramped for adults but perfect for children), plenty of cargo space, and excellent safety ratings. Cons of purchasing this vehicle include minimal interior design and difficult-to-access top-tether anchors.

The Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid is unique in its accomplishment as the leading SUV in fuel economy, offering 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, surpassing the numbers of small economy vehicles.

A powerful gasoline engine and quite performance make this SUV a favorite among reviewers, who are also impressed with the space and comfort level of the interior as well as the Escape being the IIHS Top Safety Pick. Negative reviews mentioned cheap interior parts and lack of power for passing on the highway.

The Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue is most popular for its design, sporting a jaunty look that earns it extra points for aestheticism, as well as for the ease of driving—reviewers state that the Rogue handles like a car.

Additional perks include comfortable seats, good safety ratings, and affordability. Reviewers were less than impressed with the loudness of this vehicle, its lack of cargo space in comparison to competitors, and poor rear visibility.

With these choices, selecting your new SUV is an easy process! Should any small SUVs be added to the list? Leave us your thoughts!

Environmentally Friendly SUV: Best SUVs for the Environment

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:21:33 +0000

Anyone who enjoys driving around in style knows that you just can’t beat the prestige, power and look of the SUV. The problem with this however is that most SUV’s on the market are not environmentally friendly SUVs, but are huge gas guzzlers accounting for a decent percentage of overall emissions. The truth is some people just like big cars and others well they just simply love the fell of an SUV under their bottom.

In the middle of a huge market reform car companies have been striving to create more environmentally friendly SUVs in recent years, this bodes extremely well for those who like big cars. More and more SUV Hybrid classes are being created and put on the market for the waiting public, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of reputable models to ever aid your choices.

Lexus RX

At around $33,000 you can pick up a Lexus RX 400h a luxury Hybrid SUV with the improved fuel economy and performance that only a hybrid can give. It gets 0-60 in 8 seconds and comes in standard and all wheel drive. This car truly strives to be green while continuing to make you feel like your in the black. It’s ride is comparable to its non hybrid counterpart.

For about the same price at $32,000 you can get the Toyota Highlander. If the Lexus married luxury to the environment ,this vehicle definitely is for those with families. It seats seven people making it the roomiest SUV on the market as of now. It rides with the luxury and power of its non hybrid counterpart but keeps the efficiency of a hybrid getting 27mpg. For growing families always on the move but weary of gas expenses this is the car.

Now for a little less money than the other two the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The price tag for this is set at $28,867 and is virtually identical to the Ford escape hybrid. It comes equipped with AWD and a large amount of cargo space.

Another more affordable choice is the aforementioned Ford Escape Hybrid itself coming in at about $27,300. While this model is mostly identical to its non hybrid counterpart its powered by an Atkinson-cycle 4 cylinder engine which is combined with an electric motor.

With its fuel efficiency however it stands above all with its 31mpg on the highway, and 25 in the city. So relax if you are conscious of the environment yet want to remain in style there are choices out there for you.

Hybrid SUV: Best Hybrid SUVs

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:42:27 +0000

The hybrid SUV has been around only for a few years despite a simple fact that many individuals are unaware of. The first electric vehicle was invented in the year 1900 by Ferdinance Porsche and the first hybrid electric vehicle appeared in the year 1901 as a means of extending the range and speed of a vehicle.

This first hybrid broke the world land speed record by achieving 50 km/h. However it would be nearly a century before the first widely accepted hybrid vehicle would appear.

Hybrid SUVs are a recent innovation that allow at a minim nearly double the fuel economy of their purely gas powered contemporaries. One of the first Hybrid SUVs from Ford the Escape was cited as being capable of performing at a thirty-eight mile per gallon capacity in the worst of New York City traffic.

The first Hybrid SUVs rolled off the car lots in 2008 and since then they have continued to actively improve in popularity. Unlike the lukewarm reception many hybrid vehicles acquire upon their release the idea of a sport utility vehicle with a V6 engine that has the fuel economy of a well designed V4 (better in some cases) gathers a lot of attention.

The Ford Escape mentioned previously mentioned has a fifteen gallon gas tank and was able to travel five hundred and seventy-six miles before it finally rolled to a stop due to lack of fuel.

The comparison with the former twenty-one mile per gallon rating was staggering as this vehicle was proven in the worst traffic imaginable to be capable of performing seventy-five percent better in regards to fuel economy compared to its standard gas predecessor.

This leads to an interesting choice at present due to the price point of the standard and hybrid SUV. A standard SUV can range from five to twenty percent cheaper overall than the hybrid version. However, the amount of fuel required to run the vehicle for a similar distance is nearly double.

At that rate if an individual were to spend one hundred dollars a week on gas for their standard SUV they would spend nearly five thousand dollars a year for fuel. The more expensive hybrid would require between thirty-percent to nearly half as much fuel as this.

If that same vehicle were to be used for a few years the amount of money spent on the vehicle would be eaten up via fuel cost expenditures. In the case of a vehicle where there is only a few thousand dollars difference then that first year will nullify any savings on the vehicle.

It is entirely possible that in a five to six year period of using the standard vehicle the amount of money spent on fuel in comparison to a hybrid SUV could be pooled together and used to purchase a new car outright without financing.

So the decision is before the consuming public. Do they wish to save money upfront and purchase a potentially more expensive vehicle to operate or will they purchase a more expensive vehicle and save on operating expenses?