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Mazda Tribute

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

If you're in the market for a compact hybrid SUV, you may have been overjoyed to learn that you have several buying options available to you. That is, until you realize that three of the most affordable options are all virtual clones of each other.

Ford uses the same powertrain and architecture to build both the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid and 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The American automaker also helped Mazda build the Tribute, which means it is essentially the same vehicle as well. While all similar, these three brothers are not identical. Learn the differences of the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Mazda Tribute Hybrid to determine which one best fits your needs (note: the Tibute Hybrid is only available in California).

What's the Same?

First, let's rattle off the features that all three hybrid SUVs share. All models come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with an electric motor. Combined, this powertrain delivers 153-horsepower and 136 lb-ft. of torque. Thanks to the hybrid technology, the Escape, Mariner and Tribute all earn a maximum of 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Maximum towing capacity is 1,000 lbs.

Exterior and interior dimensions are all virtually identical as well - so don't expect to find a roomier fit in one vehicle over another.

Cosmetic Differences: Escape Hybrid vs. Mariner Hybrid vs. Tribute Hybrid

Beyond unique badging, the three vehicles vary primarily in terms of luxury trimmings and styling details. Cosmetically, the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is the most stripped down model, though that's not to say it is uncomfortable. For example, the Mariner and Tribute both boast chrome and/or leather accents on interior features such as the gear shift knob, whereas the Escape is mostly plastic and rubber.

So really, your buying decision will likely come down to which vehicle you think looks the best. The Mercury Hybrid is the most upscale model of the three, with the Escape and Tribute offering similar levels of comfort and convenience.

Cost Differences: Escape Hybrid vs. Mariner Hybrid vs. Tribute Hybrid

As you might expect, the more opulent Mercury Mariner Hybrid costs a little more than its brothers. Base price for the Mariner Hybrid starts at nearly $32,000. In comparison, both the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mazda Tribute Hybrid can be had for just under $30,000.

However, base price shouldn't be the only consideration when comparing price. To find the best deal, you'll want to compare total cost to acquire all of the features you are looking for. All models offer different standard equipment and options packages. And with enough upgrades, you might be able to achieve a reasonably outfitted Escape Hybrid without paying the same price as a Mercury Mariner. As such, take a look at the options packages offered on each model and see which one best matches your needs and wants.