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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.

Tata Safari

Umar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:42:18 +0000

The Tata Safari was the first in the SUV class to be completely manufactured in India. First released in 1998, it came with a 1.9-liter Turbo Diesel engine, but was later developed into a 3 liter DiCor engine. There was also a 2-liter petrol engine developed in that year by the company. In 2007, Tata unveiled the 2.2-litre Safari DiCOR which had an increased power output of 143 PS (105 KW). But it was shortly replaced by the more advanced DiCOR 2.2 vtt (Variable Turbine Technology) engine which had a power output of 140 PS (103 kW) at 4000 rpm and a torque output of 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) at 1700 rpm. It is widely regarded as the best engine used by Tata motors today.

Weighing in at 2,115 kg, the Tata Safari is one of the heaviest in its class. The new Tata Safari DiCOR (DiCOR standing for “Direct Injection Common Rail engine”) is powered by a 3000 cc inline-four cylinder engine that develops 116 PS (85 kW) at 3000 rpm and 300 N·m (221 ft·lbf) of torque between 1600 and 2000 rpm. The engine is taken from the Tata 407, a truck manufactured by Tata Motors.The new engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox, with a new, sporty gear lever.Tata displayed the EURO 4 compliant 2.2-litre DiCOR engine with 140 PS (103 kW) and 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) of torque at the 2006 Bologna Motor Show. It was launched on October 5, 2007.

It has some improved interior features like two-tone upholstery and leather seats. The high end version of the Safari comes with full safety features like airbags and ABS with EBD. Additional features like rear AC vents, reversing camera, DVD player with LCD screens in the front seats headrests and dimming lights too are also available as an option. Four-wheel drive options are available on EX, GX and VX variants which, uses a Borg Warner shift on the fly transfer case.

Jaguar SUV

Maruti Wagon-R

Umar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:32:14 +0000

The Maruti Wagon-R is a made-for-India version of Suzuki Wagon R. Maruti Suzuki India Limited has recently revamped its looks and introduced a new look Wagon-R which sheds the boxy look at the back. The car comes with a variety of trim levels. These include the LX, LXi (power steering), VXi (fully loaded) and the AX (automatic). The car is available with a 5-speed manual transmission and seats 4 comfortably. The car is powered by the Maruti F10D 1061cc four cylinder, sixteen valve, multipoint fuel-injected engine producing 64 bhp (47.7 kW) at 6200 rpm and 84 nm (62 ft·lbf) of torque at 3500 rpm. The LPG version, christened DUO, was recently launched; this runs on petrol as well as on LPG. Also, the internal controls have been given a sportier look with bright metal finish. Other features new in the VXi (the top end manual transmission model) are electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors. This is the first on any B-Segment car in India.

Light weight (750–775 kg) makes for a Maruti Wagon-R with good acceleration and a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). The car’s fuel economy is somewhere in the range of 12 to 13 km/l (7.7 to 7.1 l/100 km) in city driving and 16 to 18 km/l (5.6 to 5.0 l/100 km) on the highway. Though the car has 13″ wheels, the tires are in different sizes for LXi & VXi variants. The recent launch (3rd version) in India comes with gas filled suspensions for smoother rides.
The Maruti Wagon-R Wide, introduced in 1997, is a slightly larger car, exceeding the key car specifications, with larger 1.0 and 1.3 liter engines. The fourth generation, released in 2008, has significant differences. the new generation include larger rear doors, which incorporate quarter glass, eliminating the need for a D pillar arrangement. Powertrain options include naturally aspirated and turbocharged 660cc engines with the latter developing an output of 64 HP, mated to a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission. As with many other Japanese market models, customers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions.

Maruti 800

Umar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:27:59 +0000

After having revolutionized the Indian automobile space 25 years ago, Maruti 800 is all set to repeat history with the all new Maruti 800 Duo. It runs on both LPG and Petrol and ensures that every Indian gets the luxury of four wheels along with an efficient fuel option that’s cheaper, cleaner and ensures complete safety while driving. With a convenient switching option, zero power drop while changing fuel modes, a company fitted LPG kit and minimal emissions, the Maruti 800 Duo gives you complete peace of mind too. Conveniently located, you can switch from LPG to Petrol and back again without hesitation. The LPG is a greener and cheaper version of conventional gas for vehicles, and saves money and time on corrosion of the engine itself.

The Maruti 800 is perfect for Indian roads. With slim dimensions and a short turning radius of 4.4m, the Maruti 800 in a delight to maneuver in town or anywhere else you may want to take it. With a 3 cylinder inline, FC engine 2 valves per cylinder, MPFI, you can be sure that this economically efficient car is going to surpass the test of saving you money and time. The suspensions for this simple car are a McPherson strut and coil spring in the front and Coil Spring with gas filled shock absorber in the rear.

Your Maruti 800 is now 100% safe and secure. It comes pre-fitted with iCATS which ensures that the car starts with an original key only. What’s more, you pay less insurance premiums for a fuel efficient car like this. Drive with total peace of mind. The Maruti 800 comes with standard safety features like high mount stop lamp, collapsible steering column, rear seat belts and side impact beams. Headlamp leveling allows for the lights to be adjusted no matter what the load, thereby reducing glare on other motorists and allowing you the best in vision on the road.

Maruti Wagon-R

Mahindra Bolero

Umar — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:27:28 +0000

The Mahindra Bolero is a car in the utility vehicle class that has surpassed in customer satisfaction and quality. This all-terrain vehicle comes with many features from safety to engineering. A hard core 2523 cc diesel engine equips this car to be able to take on the toughest of terrains all over the world. It builds up 63 horsepower and 183 NM of torque to overcome steep inclines with disc-drum brake lines to prevent lock up of the rear wheels. It carries a low sense of gravity with an anti roll bar to give it solid stability on the rough roads.

The Mahindra Bolero 180 carries a supreme suspension system to give the softest of rides on the hardest of landscapes. The front comes with independent coil suspension and the rear contains parabolic leaf suspension. This helps the car go over desert, mountain, and road with ease of handling. New Mahindra Bolero comes equipped with an advanced NGT 520 transmission, along with synchromesh gears, which allow smooth gearshifts. The automobile’s front suspension is built to withstand tough road conditions, while giving its occupants utmost comfort. The wide radial tires of Bolero ensure better road grip, safety and improved handling.

The ATV also presents with plenty of comfort features as well. The Mahindra Bolero is first in its class with soft to touch seating, side ventilators, and an easy to operate MP3 player. This gives the vehicle more pleasure in riding while taking adventure by the horns. The vehicle is India’s SUV of the year four years running, and presents itself with a style all its own. It contains easy grips for door handles and comes in several different colors for your pleasure. The SUV is available in five colors, including Apple Red, Fiery Black, Diamond White, Rocky Beige and Turf Green. The eight variants of new Mahindra Bolero are SLX, DX, DI, XLS, XL, Sportz, Invader and Camper.

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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.

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.

Finding the Best 7 Passenger SUV

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:34:28 +0000

With ample room for up to seven passengers, the Acura MDX 2010 SUV has a V6, 3.7-liter engine, with an electronic ignition system replacing the cables and linkages between accelerator pedal and engine throttle. The MPG average is 16 city and 21 Hwy and can increase or decrease depending on the way you drive. The ride in the MDX is quiet, comfortable, and just right for long trips.

The three rows of seating beginning with the front passenger seats, continuing with the second and third row seats, which fold down making extra storage space. Many amenities make this SUV a pleasure to drive and a family favorite for off road destinations. The MDX super handling all wheel drive and 5000 pound towing capacity and automatic climate control feature makes this seven passenger vehicle plus gear a go anywhere SUV in style.

Acura MDX SUV

The sleek advanced body structure incorporates safety and security features like hi tech breaking and stability, a highly rated restraint system including front passenger knee support and active head restraints, and standard child seat safety features plus extra auto reverse features for the sunroof and front windows.

This SUV should be visibly inspected to appreciate all the features that make driving enjoyable.

When driving the MDX, you will find the front seats have both driver and passenger supports superior for body support when making turns or taking long or extended trips. The seats are designed for multiple seating adjustments coupled with a two-driver automatic memory system for side mirrors, steering wheel, and climate control.

Another plus in the MDX SUV is the easy to read and unique functions of the control panel that is designed to keep the eyes from drifting away from the road. The steering wheel controls allow for easy operations of audio, climate control, and multi information display.

Advanced technology puts the MDX Acura 2010 SUV in a class of luxury and with the ability to upgrade to advanced packages that add even more convenience and comfort for all passengers. The MDX Acura 2010 sporty style makes the comparison between it and other SUV’s easy. The MDX is constructed for road perceptive driving and passenger comfort.

You have a choice of eight exterior colors to choose from and four-color options on the interior. The MDX 2010 is a classy crossover of car and SUV, all in one package with storage space and room to fit seven people and gear. A truly unique style of SUV to own and operate on highway or off road driving.

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.

Top 3 Highest Rated SUVs

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:24:36 +0000

People choose SUVs for a variety of reasons. Some enjoy the ability to drive in many different terrains, while others prefer the room they provide. Most car manufacturers have jumped on the SUV bandwagon and added a line of SUVs to their collection; in hopes of producing the highest rated SUV.

So how do you choose the best? The following are the top rated SUVs for 2010. Each of the SUVs are rated at the top of the list by consumers for price, safety, reliability, gas mileage, handling, and several other factors.

1. GMC Yukon

This full size SUV has been a favorite amongst SUV purchasers for several years. Introduced to the public in 1992, the Yukon replaced the GMC Jimmy. Many changes have came with the Yukon, including a luxury version called the Yukon Denali.

The older models of the Yukon offered 2 door styles with room for up to 6 passengers, while the newer versions feature 4 doors with room for up to 9 passengers. Inside the Yukon you will find plenty of leg room to stretch during a long trip as well as space for carrying along the things you need.

The Yukon offers those inside a comfortable and smooth ride with lots of power packed behind it. This SUV performs well on the highway or off road. The Yukon features 3 row seating with easy fold down for extra space. The Yukon took many awards throughout it’s history, including Best SUV by Car and Driver magazine.

2. Lexus RX

The RX has been sold since 1996, and is a quiet affordable option for those who like the Lexus name and are looking for a quality SUV. Resembeling a Toyota LandCruiser the Lexus LS is the most expensive Lexus SUV available. It features seating for up to 7 people.

3 rows of heated seats, the 2nd and 3rd rows can easily be folded down. The RX feautured remote entry, 6 disc CD changer, and OnStar. This model SUV won several awards consecutive years in a row, including Best SUV,Highest resale value, and others, making it one of the highest ranked SUVs on the market.

3. Ford Explorer

One of the most popular SUVs around, the Explorer is a mid size SUV that has been around since 1990. An Eddie Bauer edition was added to the line of Explorers in 1997.

There are special Explorers made as law enforcement vehicles. The Explorer has a high resale value, and plenty of charm, speed, and gas mileage that is unbeatable for an SUV.