SUV Hybrid: Luxury, Comfort, And Fuel Efficiency

The SUV hybrid market has experienced rapid growth in recent years and for good reason. This growth has been generated by the skyrocketing gasoline prices and a push for fuel emission reductions. The sport utility vehicle has been a popular model for manufactures for several decades. The additional comfort and increased interior space provided by these hybrid vehicles is hard to match with alternative body styles. When you combine the attractive features of the sport utility vehicle with the fuel efficiency of the hybrid SUV, you receive the best of both worlds. It is no longer necessary to drive a smaller, less comfortable sedan in order to conserve fuel.

This shift in demand for comfort, combined with fuel economy, has motivated automobile manufactures to create a product that would satisfy both requirements. That product is the SUV hybrid.

This Is A List Of The Top 4 SUV Hybrids For 2011

when considering fuel economy and miles per gallon:

1. Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD: 34 city and 31 highway

2. Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD: 34 city and 31 highway

3. Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2WD: 34 city and 31 highway

4. Lexus RX 450h: 32 city and 28 highway

The top three show identical numbers because of the general similarities between them. Each of these three vehicles is equipped with a four cylinder, 2.5-liter engine with automatic transmissions. The Lexus RS 450h has six cylinders, a 3.5-liter engine with an automatic transmission. All four of these vehicles are in the sport utility class and can outperform almost all other traditional cars on the road with respect to fuel economy and miles per gallon.

While fuel economy is an important aspect to consider when choosing your next vehicle, the hybrid SUV class offers so much more. Now that we have selected the top four in gas savings alone, we can look at some additional features.

SUV Hybrid – Additional Features

The 2011 Ford Escape has incorporated many of the features you would expect to find in older models while making a few technological updates. This year’s model comes with HD radio, Active Park Assist, and Electric Power Assist Steering that are all new features. MSRP: $29,865.

The 2011 Mazda Tribute provides a more affordable alternative to the other gas saving SUV hybrid models listed by refraining from filling it full of extras that you may not want or need. This is still a comfortable and roomy sport utility priced at, MSRP: $20,555.

The 2011 Mercury Mariner could be the safest choice on this list as it has received 5 out of 5 stars for all occupants during government crash testing. Similar to the Ford Escape, the Mariner provides some high-tech features such as the Sync voice-activated multimedia system and the parallel parking assistance. MSRP: $30,115.

Last on this list, but certainly not least is the 2011 Lexus 450h. With the additional power provided by the 3.5 liter V6 engine and sleek design, this is a sport utility anyone would be happy to drive. Lexus has the reputation of sparing no expense when it comes to luxury and comfort. The 450h lives up to that reputation. The combination of power, technological gadgetry, fuel economy and comfort makes this a total package. MSRP: $43,235.

There are many options available when considering buying a new SUV hybrid. Determining which one is right for you will depend on your specific preferences. Fuel economy is an important aspect to consider but having a vehicle that you will enjoy and be happy with matters. The initial price of the various hybrids available will depend on the dynamic features included. The price range varies significantly so finding the right SUV hybrid at the right price should be possible.

SUV Hybrid – Ford Escape Hybrid – Kelley Blue Book’s Review Video

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