Must Have an SUV? New Hybrids Offer Gas Guzzler Alternative

For some consumers, there is just no other vehicle than an SUV that will serve their needs. In the past the only option for an SUV were the infamous truck-based gas guzzlers. But times have changed…SUVs are now racking up economical miles due to their uptake of hybrid engines. That’s something that’s important to motorists, many of whom still embrace  SUVs but are also looking to minimize impacts to the planet and their wallets. In many midsize and large SUVs, the combination of hybrid power with a gas engine adds up to some serious fuel savings, in some cases as much as a 50 percent improvement. Here are some top options:

The Mercury Mariner hybrid has an MSRP of $29,750, compared to the base Mariner which comes in a  $22,310. As a bonus of driving a hybrid SUV, the Mercury Mariner will allow you to qualify for a government tax rebate of up to $3,000 for a low-emissions vehicle. Mercury’s Mariner offers utilitarian styling and outstanding fuel consumption at 30 mpg combined (40% better city efficiency than the non-hybrid base model) due to its nickel-medal-hydride batteries stores under its rear floor. Cargo space is still good at 66 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Its 2008 variant is substantially less noisy than its predecessor at freeway speeds.

The Mazda Tribute hybrid will cost about $6000 more than a base Tribute, but it too qualifies for a government tax rebate of up to $3,000 for a low-emissions vehicle. The hybrid Tribute has an MSRP of $25,310 while the base comes in at $19,270. Mazda’s compact HEV (hybrid electric vehicles) drives like a car with limited body roll and surprisingly good handling. Its 155 horsepower (combined electric and motor) gives powers with its automatic continuously variable transmission that is much smoother than most when accelerating in low gears. A 200hp V6 power train is optional, as is 4WD, both neither will greatly impact its 32 mpg efficiency, the Tribute also has good interior space for its class.

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a true full sized SUV, in fact, its huge. The hybrid’s cost does skyrocket compared to the base, with an
MSRP of $50,455, and a base MSRP of $35,730. But the fact is if you absolutely need a vehicle of this size, its fuel efficiency is one of the best (in this class).  The Tahoe Hybrid was named 2008 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal, almost unheard of for a 6.0-liter V8. It offers more than a 50% fuel efficiency premium over the base Tahoe, at an estimated 21 mpg combined city and highway. Backed by a 2-mode power train jointly developed by BMW, DaimlerChrysler and GM, this one packs a 300-volt battery below the rear second row, two electric motors in the transmission and the same in-city mileage as your typical midsize sedan.