Compare Hybrid SUV

It Pays To Compare Hybrid SUV Models

The SUV has been America’s favorite car since it came out in the 1990s. Soccer moms as well as professional fell in love with the versatility the SUV has to offer. SUVs have never been gas savers and the numerous spikes in gas prices have contributed to the fact that prospective buyers looked at alternatives to the SUV. The alternative is to look and compare hybrid SUV models. Which car brand offers the best hybrid SUV depends on the individual situation? Contenders for this title are certainly the Mercury Mariner hybrid, the Ford Escape hybrid, the Toyota Highlander hybrid, and the Audi hybrid.

The Mercury Mariner hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid are essentially the same SUVs. Mercury cars were essentially meant to be a upscale version of their Ford counterparts, but for the most part only received small, mostly visual changes, like a different grille and taillights.

How to Compare Hybrid SUV Vehicles That Are Essentially Identical

Comparing the key features of the hybrid SUVs gives potential buyer a good idea which vehicles will serve them best in their particular situation. Key features include engine, cargo, interior, price, fuel consumption, technical details, and security features.

Compare Hybrid SUV - Mercury Mariner Hybrid

The Mercury Mariner hybrid is a compact crossover SUV. It is available either as a front wheel, or four-wheel drive. High end features like a leather wrapped steering wheel, wood-grain interior trim and dual zone climate control are standard on the Mariner, MyKey parental controls, the Sync electronics interface, and Satellite radio are also included. The Mariner is available with a leather package, which adds heated leather front seats. The Hybrid premium package also adds parking sensors, a navigation system, and other features.

Key features of the Mercury Mariner hybrid include:

• 2.5-L four cylinder gasoline engine plus an electric motor with a continuously variable transmission
• Combined 177 hp
• 34 mpg/city and 32 mpg /hwy
• 29 cubic feet of cargo room, 66 cubic feet with the backseats down
• Security features: ABS, stability control, airbags for front seats, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensors.
• MyKey lets the parents program the vehicle’s speed and control the stereo volume
• Interior: functional
• Base price $30,115; with options: $31,865

Compare Hybrid SUV - Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape hybrid has many of the features that are available in the Mercury Mariner hybrid. The Escape has been around for five years now, and changed very little since it was first introduced. The Escape features the same engine as the Mariner, achieving the same fuel economy. Technical features include an automated parallel-parking system, and Ford’s Sync voice activated multimedia system. The Ford Escape is available in two trim levels: base or limited. Key features of the Mariner are also featured in the Escape. Included are the MyKey feature, as well as the safety features. The Mariner and the Escape earned 5 stars in crash tests. The base model Ford Escape costs $30,570, the Limited is available for $33,080. It is certainly a good idea for a potential buyer to compare hybrid SUV models before making a decision.

Compare Hybrid SUV - Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander hybrid is also a contender for the title of “best hybrid SUV”. The Highlander is available in two different trim levels; the base and limited. This vehicle features a 3.6-L hybrid engine with 280 hp, and a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. The base model has a 8-way power adjustable driver seat, premium cloth upholstered bucket seats, plenty of storage, interior air filtration, front and rear air conditioner, and audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel.

Key features of the Highlander hybrid include:

• 3.5-L hybrid engine, V-6
• 280 hp
• 28 mpg/city and 28 mpg/hwy
• Cargo capacity: 10.3 with all seats in place; max. 94.1 cubic feet
• Security features: stability control, traction control, engine immobilizer, emergency braking assist, and 4 wheel ABS.
• Interior: functional with bucket front seats and premium cloth, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel.
• Price: Base model at $38,140, the Limited at $43,795.

Even though the Toyota Highlander hybrid is priced considerably higher it deserves a second look when you compare hybrid SUV vehicles.

Compare Hybrid SUV - Audi Q5 Hybrid

Then there is the Audi Q5 hybrid. This luxury hybrid SUV has a 2.0-L engine with 4 cylinders. With 200 hp it is not the most powerful SUV. The Audi Q5 has all-wheel drive, and a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Safety features include stability control as well as traction control. A post-collision system is something other hybrid SUVs do not offer. Electronic brake force distribution is standard in the Audi Q5. The interior is luxurious and functional as it is in all other Audi vehicles. A premium sound system and 14 speakers complete the interior. The cargo space is listed with 29.1 cubic feet, which is actually the average of these hybrid SUVs.

At this time, fuel consumption data, and the price of this vehicle, are not available. The hybrid SUV reviews do not list this vehicle which was released late 2010. This luxury SUV is most likely the vehicle with the highest price when potential buyers compare hybrid SUV models.

Compare Hybrid SUV – Audi Q5 Review Video