List of 2010 Hybrid SUVs
By : Jeff Wysaski
Date : 11/16/2009

The list of 2010 hybrid SUVs includes sport utilities vehicles of all sizes and prices. Whether you need an affordable compact crossover or prefer the opulent style of a luxury full-size land boat, you can reduce your carbon footprint with the help of hybrid technology. The 2010 hybrid SUV lineup, listed in order of fuel efficiency, is as follows:

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
(32 mpg combined)

Scooting along at 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is one of the most fuel efficient and popular hybrid SUVs for the year. Its compact size accommodates up to five passengers, and the new engine introduced last year delivers plenty of acceleration with a total of 153 horsepower. For added green car appeal, the 2010 Escape Hybrid comes equipped with an electric AC unit, which means gas isn't wasted when you crank up the cold air. Base price for the Escape Hybrid lingers around $30,000.


2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
(32 mpg combined)

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid (as well as the Mazda Tribute Hybrid) is a rebadged clone of the Ford Escape Hybrid. As such, the 2010 Mariner Hybrid matches the Escape in all levels of vehicle performance, including fuel efficiency of 34 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Major distinctions between the two Ford hybrids are largely cosmetic, with the Mariner offering a more elegant, upscale appearance. If you like the size of the Escape Hybrid, but would prefer something a little less rustic, then the Mariner Hybrid is a good option. With an MSRP around $30,000, the price of the Mariner Hybrid is comparable to the Escape.


2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
(32 mpg combined)

If you live in California, then the 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid is another compact hybrid SUV option for you. The Mazda Tribute Hybrid is the result of a collaboration between Ford and Mazda. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is identical to the one found on its brothers. Comfort and convenience is comparable to the Ford Escape Hybrid, though interior features offer a slightly better fit and finish. Compare the interior environments of the Tribute and the Escape to determine which one you prefer. Base price for the Tribute Hybrid also starts around $30,000.


2010 Lexus RX Hybrid
(30 mpg combined)

The 2010 Lexus RX 450h is one of the only luxury hybrid SUVs for the year. With mid-size proportions and Lexus' legendary prestige, the RX Hybrid is a great choice for those who prefer the finer things in life. The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers plenty of on-road performance. However, if you want off-road capabilities, you'll probably want to look somewhere else. The 2010 RX Hybrid earns 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Base MSRP for the 2010 RX 450h comes in above $41,000.


2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
(26 mpg combined)

If the triplet Ford hybrids feel too cramped for you, then the mid-size 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid may be a better choice. With larger proportions and a 3rd-row seat, the Highlander is a green machine that is perfect for carpools and cargo. Additionally, the 2010 Highlander slants towards luxury, with a well-appointed cabin, quiet ride and plenty of optional upgrades.

The 2009 Highlander was named a Top Safety Pick by the International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With a base price of more than $34,000, the Toyota Highlander isn't the most affordable hybrid on the market. However, 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway are excellent numbers, given the vehicle's size.


2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
(22 mpg combined)

The 2010 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is one of the only full-size SUV hybrids for the year. The Tahoe, along with its Yukon and Escalade brothers, is your only hybrid choice if you're looking for off-road and towing capabilities. The beefy V8 engine is mated to two electric motors to offer 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway (25 percent boost in fuel efficiency over the standard Tahoe). However, if you don't need the size and muscle offered by the Tahoe, a smaller hybrid SUV (or even efficient traditional SUV) may be a greener, more economical option. Base price for the Tahoe Hybrid is about $50,000.


2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid
(22 mpg combined)

The GMC Yukon Hybrid is a slightly dressed up version of the Tahoe. Base price is comparable to the Tahoe ($50,000), but the GMC Yukon comes with a number of add-ons that can raise the price considerably. Like the Tahoe, the Yukon Hybrid seats up to eight and is a great choice if you need a hybrid for hauling and off-roading. Compare the cosmetic differences of the Yukon and Tahoe to determine which one feels like a better vehicle for your needs.


2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
(22 mpg combined)

Opulence meets environmental consciousness in the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. The Escalade hybrid offers all the power and performance of its less expensive Tahoe brother, with 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. However, if you're looking to be pampered with luxurious features and high-tech gadgets, then the Escalade is a good match for your upscale tastes. Of course, to get a hybrid SUV that doesn't compromise on luxury or performance, you'll have to pay for it – base price is more than $73,000.


2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6
(18 mpg combined)

BMW enters the hybrid SUV market this year with the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6. With 485 horsepower and 575 lb-ft. of torque, this is by far the most powerful hybrid on the market. Two electric motors combine with a twin-turbo V8 to offer 17 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. That may not seem all that great for a hybrid, but compared to the traditional X6, it equals a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency. If performance is on the top of your list for a luxury hybrid SUV, then the $90,000 ActiveHybrid X6 should be on your short list.


Top 10 Fuel Efficient Cars, CUVs & SUVs for 2009
By : Sheryll Alexander
Date : 06/06/2009

American car buyers now know they can’t count on gas prices to stay low. So, the answer is: buy a fuel-efficient new car. But which cars, CUVs and SUVs are truly fuel efficient and provide excellent overall versatility, quality, reliability, performance, safety, cargo room, design, technology and cost of ownership?

As a road test reviewer, I’ve driven hundreds of cars, CUVs and SUVs over the years. My list below doesn’t just include the most fuel efficient 2009 models, but the best overall models.

  • 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: VW’s ultra low emissions diesel-powered Jetta combines super fuel efficiency (41 combined mpg) with terrific performance, design and quality.
  • 2009 Toyota Prius: No other car on the road today gets such great gas mileage (48 mpg city, 45 mpg hwy). The Prius is a top buy because it provides state-of-the-art technology as well as excellent performance and reliability.
  • 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid: This five-seater vehicle is tops in its class for fuel efficiency (34 mpg city, 31 mpg hwy). The Ford Escape also brings sporty versatility as well as good design, reliability and cargo space.
  • 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: If you just can’t get over Prius’ funky styling, then go for this sexy sedan, which gets great gas mileage (45 mpg hwy, 40 mpg city) and is also tops in performance, quality and safety.
  • 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Toyota’s Camry is the No. 1 best-selling sedan in America. So, Toyota’s hybrid version is a great choice for fuel efficient sedan (34 mpg hwy, 33 mpg city) with top marks in every category.
  • 2009 Suzuki SX4: Most new car buyers don’t put Suzuki at the top of their list, but the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is an excellent buy with its low price, fuel efficiency (28 mpg hwy, 21 mpg city), great performance and standard navigation.
  • 2009 Mazda MAZDA5: At 28 mpg highway, the 2009 MAZDA5 is an excellent choice as a seven-seat “mini” minivan. The Mazda5 is a super versatile “van” for active families.
  • 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid: Need a vehicle with bling and fuel efficiency? There’s nothing on the road today quite like this ultra luxury and fuel-efficient SUV at 21 mpg hwy and 20 mpg city.
  • 2009 Chevrolet Traverse: Okay, so the Traverse doesn’t get excellent gas mileage (24 mpg overall) except when you consider this CUV can transport up to eight passengers. Plus, the overall design both inside and outside is outstanding.
  • 2009 MINI Cooper: You’ve really gotta be in love with MINI if you intend on buying one of these tiny roadsters. But at 37 mpg hwy and 28 mpg city, you may reconsider buying a compact car or full-sized sedan.
Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Read more by Sheryll Alexander at Driving Smart.

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