[edit] Top Green SUVs of 2008 | Fuel Efficient SUVs
For SUV lovers, there is no vehicle like it. It's a different story for the rest of the consumers who seem to have a love/hate relationship going on with them. Some places even fine the owners for parking them – parts of England for example. It helps that there are some greener SUVs than others.
Here is a breakdown by size of the greenest SUVs of the year according to the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). This non-profit organization promotes and advances energy efficiency to protect the environment. Each year the ACEEE publishes the Green Book. This book lists of the Green Scores including environmental information about every vehicle that is available in that model year.
[edit] An SUV's green score
The ACEEE looks at several factors to determine the impact a particular vehicle will have on the environment. They take into consideration elements like the fuel economy the vehicle achieves while driving in the city and on the highway as well as the amount and kind of pollution the vehicle releases in its exhaust. The ACEEE also considers other emissions that will have an effect on global warming. The higher the score the better.
The vehicles with the better scores will have high fuel efficiency and meet the emission requirements set by the Federal Standards or California Standards. Many vehicles will have certificates for both sets of standards.
[edit] Top green compact SUVs with automatic transmissions
The top vehicles in this class are:
• 42 - Ford Escape Hybrid
• 42 - Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• 42 - Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• 40 - Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD
• 40 - Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4WD
• 40 - Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD
All of the above vehicles have standard a 2.3L 4 cylinder engines and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
[edit] ...with manual transmissions
• 38 - Jeep Compass 2.4L
• 38 - Jeep Patriot 2.4L
• 38 - Subaru Forester 2.5L 4WD
• 38 - Ford Escape 2.3L
• 38 - Mazda Tribute 2.3L
[edit] Top green midsize SUVs with automatic transmissions
The Green Scores for the the following vehicles are:
• 39 - Nissan Rogue
• 37 - Nissan Rogue 4WD model
• 37 - Lexus RX 400h
• 35 - Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD
• 33 - BMW X3 3.0si 4WD
• 32 - Pontiac Torrent 4WD & 2WD
• 32 - Ford Taurus X
• 32 - Lexus RX 350
Of the above midsize SUVs only the Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, BMW X3 3.0si, Pontiac Torrent and the Lexus RX carry both Federal and California Emission Certificates.
[edit] ...with manual transmission
• 32 - BMW X3 3.0si 4WD
This BMW carries both Federal and a California Emissions certificates.
[edit] Top green large SUVs
For this class of SUV, the following vehicles are all automatics. The Green Scores are:
• 28 - Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid C1500
• 28 - GMC Yukon Hybrid C1500
• 27 - Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid K1500 4WD
• 27 - GMC Yukon Hybrid K1500 4WD
All four of these models come standard with a 6.0L 8 cylinder engine with CVT. As well, all four vehicles carry certificates for both Federal and California emission standards.
If you know the exact vehicle that you are interested in, then the rest is easy. If however, you are still undecided, you might want to check out the minivans and midsize wagons. Some of these will have similar capabilities and may do the job nicely. Some will have greener scores than the SUVs for an added bonus.
When you go to a dealership, check out the emissions label that can be found under the hood as some manufacturers label their lower emission vehicles with stickers or decals. Regardless of what you may read or find, take the time to ask the dealer for your cleanest option in the class you are considering.
Other articles in this series include:
• Top Green Two Seater and Subcompact Cars of 2008
• Top Green Compact, Midsize and Large Cars of 2008
• Top Green Wagons of 2008
• Top Green Vans of 2008
• Top Green Pickups for 2008
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