Hybrid SUVs, Now and in the Future

You have five choices if you're looking for a hybrid SUV today. There's the Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h and the Saturn Vue Greenline.

Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid -- SUV
The Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are twins, with the Mariner coming with more luxury components. The 2008 Ford Escape (4dr SUV AWD, 2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) has a MSRP of $26,825, while the Mariner (4dr SUV AWD, 2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) comes in at $27,515. They are rated at 152 ft-lbs. @ 4250 rpm and can seat 5 comfortably. They also have the smallest gas tank (15 gallons) and get about 29/27 city/highway mpg.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid -- SUV
The Highlander Hybrid is bigger than the Escape Hybrid in most ways and it has a price tag to match. The 2007 Highlander Hybrid (4dr Midsize SUV AWD w/3rd Row, 3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) has an MSRP of $34,430. But you get a larger engine (6 cylinders vs the 4 in the Escape) and third row seating. You also get higher fuel economy at 31/27 city/highway mpg and a larger gas tank 17.2 gallons, which means you can go farther on each tank of gas.

Lexus RX 400h -- SUV
The RX 400h is the luxury SUV. Capable of getting 31/27 city/highway mpg, the 2007 400h (4dr SUV AWD, 3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) has an MSRP of $42,580. But for that, you'll get all the options including a six disc CD player, lots of leather and trim, and more options for moving your seat around. You also get more horsepower (268 hp@5600 rpm), and more towing capacity (212 ft-lbs.@4400 rpm).

Saturn Vue Hybrid -- SUV
The Vue Greenline, unlike the other hybrid SUVs available today, is a mild hybrid. Which means the engine cannot move the vehicle on electric power alone. The electric motor (through a Belt Assist System) is there to assist the gas engine. This gives the Vue an EPA rating of 27/32 mpg, allowing it to claim the number one spot for highway fuel economy. It also comes with the smallest price tag, with an MSRP of $22,370 for the 2007 model (4dr SUV, 2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A). The smaller engine does what it can, giving 170 hp@6600 rpm and a torque of 162 ft-lbs.@4400 rpm.

The Future of Hybrid SUVs
If you're not looking right now, but are willing to wait until the end of the year or even into next year, there are many more hybrid SUVs coming out soon. GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler partnered together to develop the 2-mode (sometimes called dual-mode) hybrid system. The new hybrid system is promised to give each of the new hybrid SUVs 25% improvement in fuel economy.

GM will be first to market with the Yukon Hybrid and Tahoe Hybrid late this year. GM is also going to refit the Saturn Vue Hybrid with a dual mode engine next year. Chrysler should be releasing the hybrid Aspen (yeah, it's got a hemi) and the Dodge Durango hybrid sometime next year. BMW has promised hybrids in the next three years. And at some point, Mazda says it will release the Tribute Hybrid. The Tribute is a cousin to the Escape/Mariner, so the only question about the Tribute you should have is, what took so long?

Hybrid SUVs, Now and in the Future

You have five choices if you're looking for a hybrid SUV today. There's the Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h and the Saturn Vue Greenline.

Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid -- SUV
The Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are twins, with the Mariner coming with more luxury components. The 2008 Ford Escape (4dr SUV AWD, 2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) has a MSRP of $26,825, while the Mariner (4dr SUV AWD, 2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) comes in at $27,515. They are rated at 152 ft-lbs. @ 4250 rpm and can seat 5 comfortably. They also have the smallest gas tank (15 gallons) and get about 29/27 city/highway mpg.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid -- SUV
The Highlander Hybrid is bigger than the Escape Hybrid in most ways and it has a price tag to match. The 2007 Highlander Hybrid (4dr Midsize SUV AWD w/3rd Row, 3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) has an MSRP of $34,430. But you get a larger engine (6 cylinders vs the 4 in the Escape) and third row seating. You also get higher fuel economy at 31/27 city/highway mpg and a larger gas tank 17.2 gallons, which means you can go farther on each tank of gas.

Lexus RX 400h -- SUV
The RX 400h is the luxury SUV. Capable of getting 31/27 city/highway mpg, the 2007 400h (4dr SUV AWD, 3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) has an MSRP of $42,580. But for that, you'll get all the options including a six disc CD player, lots of leather and trim, and more options for moving your seat around. You also get more horsepower (268 hp@5600 rpm), and more towing capacity (212 ft-lbs.@4400 rpm).

Saturn Vue Hybrid -- SUV
The Vue Greenline, unlike the other hybrid SUVs available today, is a mild hybrid. Which means the engine cannot move the vehicle on electric power alone. The electric motor (through a Belt Assist System) is there to assist the gas engine. This gives the Vue an EPA rating of 27/32 mpg, allowing it to claim the number one spot for highway fuel economy. It also comes with the smallest price tag, with an MSRP of $22,370 for the 2007 model (4dr SUV, 2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A). The smaller engine does what it can, giving 170 hp@6600 rpm and a torque of 162 ft-lbs.@4400 rpm.

The Future of Hybrid SUVs
If you're not looking right now, but are willing to wait until the end of the year or even into next year, there are many more hybrid SUVs coming out soon. GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler partnered together to develop the 2-mode (sometimes called dual-mode) hybrid system. The new hybrid system is promised to give each of the new hybrid SUVs 25% improvement in fuel economy.

GM will be first to market with the Yukon Hybrid and Tahoe Hybrid late this year. GM is also going to refit the Saturn Vue Hybrid with a dual mode engine next year. Chrysler should be releasing the hybrid Aspen (yeah, it's got a hemi) and the Dodge Durango hybrid sometime next year. BMW has promised hybrids in the next three years. And at some point, Mazda says it will release the Tribute Hybrid. The Tribute is a cousin to the Escape/Mariner, so the only question about the Tribute you should have is, what took so long?

Gas Prices Opinion Survey

A new poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for the nonprofit Civil Society Institute which runs 40mpg.org project indicates people are getting frustrated with high gas prices.

Expectations are low on price hikes, with 72 percent expecting $3.50 a gallon and 28 percent expect to see $4.00 a gallon this summer. Not surprisingly, 83 percent of those surveyed think price gouging is occurring at the pump.

If gas prices do hit $3.50 a gallon, around half of those surveyed will probably cut back on personal spending or travel. Also, 35 percent would be more likely to buy a hybrid or other highly fuel-efficient car.

More than three quarters feel the recent gas prices want more to be done about the high energy costs and our dependence on Middle Eastern oil (Democrats 88 percent, Republicans 64 percent and Independents at 79 percent). 67 percent feel the recent gas prices warrant government action to increase fuel efficiency standards (R-61, D-75, Ind-65).

Gas Prices Opinion Survey

A new poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for the nonprofit Civil Society Institute which runs 40mpg.org project indicates people are getting frustrated with high gas prices.

Expectations are low on price hikes, with 72 percent expecting $3.50 a gallon and 28 percent expect to see $4.00 a gallon this summer. Not surprisingly, 83 percent of those surveyed think price gouging is occurring at the pump.

If gas prices do hit $3.50 a gallon, around half of those surveyed will probably cut back on personal spending or travel. Also, 35 percent would be more likely to buy a hybrid or other highly fuel-efficient car.

More than three quarters feel the recent gas prices want more to be done about the high energy costs and our dependence on Middle Eastern oil (Democrats 88 percent, Republicans 64 percent and Independents at 79 percent). 67 percent feel the recent gas prices warrant government action to increase fuel efficiency standards (R-61, D-75, Ind-65).

Chrysler Announces Hybrid Aspen for 2008

Chrysler, BMW, and GM got together and developed a dual-mode hybrid system they all can share. So far, GM has plans to release the Saturn Vue Hybrid as a dual-mode in 2008. The Silverado and GMC Sierra are also expected to be released next year with the two-mode hybrid system. The 2007 Yukon and Tahoe hybrids are coming soon. BMW will have the system deployed in the next few years.

Chrysler wanted to get the Dodge Durango in 2008 to go hybrid, but now they want even more. They've just announced the Hybrid Aspen to be released in 2008. The new Aspen will still come with a Hemi, but will deliver 25% better fuel economy and may be 40% better in the city. Translation: the Aspen may end up being rated over 20 mpg.

"With the new Hemi-powered Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, we are delivering the ultimate combination of fuel efficiency, overall performance and capability in a premium full-size SUV," said Chrysler Group executive vice president Frank Klegon in a statement.

Press Release Follows:

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- That new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid got a HEMI(R)?

Yes, it does -- as does the new Dodge Durango Hybrid. Both vehicles -- powered by Chrysler Group's all-new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid powertrain -- debut next year as the first volume-production hybrid offerings from the Chrysler Group and the first vehicles to feature DaimlerChrysler's advanced two-mode hybrid technology.

"The all-new Chrysler Group HEMI Hybrid will offer our customers the best of both worlds: renowned performance and significantly improved fuel economy," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, Chrysler Group. "With the new HEMI-powered Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, we are delivering the ultimate combination of fuel efficiency, overall performance and capability in a premium full-size SUV."

The new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid is expected to deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, including an improvement of nearly 40 percent in the city.

The HEMI powerplant, in hybrid form, will continue to feature Chrysler Group's Multi-displacement System (MDS), which allows the engine to seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. For the fifth year in a row -- and every year since its 2003 re-introduction -- Chrysler Group's famous 5.7-liter HEMI engine has earned a place on Ward's 10 Best Engines list.

The new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles represent a bold change in what is generally a "me too" category. Chrysler Group's full- size hybrid vehicles will deliver seamless dependable power on demand in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission (featuring two electric motors), two full hybrid modes of operation, and four fixed mechanical gear ratios, the drive system improves fuel economy around town and at highway speeds.

Chrysler Aspen
Boasting elegant Chrysler styling, unsurpassed capability and performance, and abundant premium amenities, the Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV that is a value alternative to luxury-priced competitors. Offering more for less, Aspen features numerous premium features, elegant Chrysler design, 30 safety features and best-in-class horsepower, torque and interior room.

Two-mode Hybrid
Chrysler Group's two-mode hybrid powertrain -- jointly developed by DaimlerChrysler, General Motors and the BMW Group -- represents a major automotive industry milestone due to the unprecedented fully integrated combination of electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission.

As a result of the low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the two-mode hybrid. However, the sophisticated fuel-saving system also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications. The new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles can be powered either by the electric motors or by the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine -- or a combination of the two. During the two ECVT modes and four fixed-gear operations, the hybrid system can use the electric motors for boosting and/or regenerative braking. When full power is needed, the system automatically adjusts for passing, driving steep grades or hauling a trailer. The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel economy, performance and load-carrying capability.

Joint Development Center
Located in Troy, Mich., the DaimlerChrysler, GM and BMW Hybrid Development Center jointly developed the overall modular two-mode hybrid system and the individual components: electric motors, transmission, high-voltage battery, high-performance electronics, wiring, safety systems, energy management and hybrid system control units. In addition, the Hybrid Development Center is responsible for system integration and project management.

Chrysler Group Advanced Propulsion Technology
Hybrid technology is one part of Chrysler Group's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced clean-diesel technology, and ethanol flex-fuel and zero-emission fuel-cell vehicles. DaimlerChrysler is the only automaker building plug-in hybrids and testing them with customers in the United States.

Chrysler Announces Hybrid Aspen for 2008

Chrysler, BMW, and GM got together and developed a dual-mode hybrid system they all can share. So far, GM has plans to release the Saturn Vue Hybrid as a dual-mode in 2008. The Silverado and GMC Sierra are also expected to be released next year with the two-mode hybrid system. The 2007 Yukon and Tahoe hybrids are coming soon. BMW will have the system deployed in the next few years.

Chrysler wanted to get the Dodge Durango in 2008 to go hybrid, but now they want even more. They've just announced the Hybrid Aspen to be released in 2008. The new Aspen will still come with a Hemi, but will deliver 25% better fuel economy and may be 40% better in the city. Translation: the Aspen may end up being rated over 20 mpg.

"With the new Hemi-powered Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, we are delivering the ultimate combination of fuel efficiency, overall performance and capability in a premium full-size SUV," said Chrysler Group executive vice president Frank Klegon in a statement.

Press Release Follows:

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- That new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid got a HEMI(R)?

Yes, it does -- as does the new Dodge Durango Hybrid. Both vehicles -- powered by Chrysler Group's all-new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid powertrain -- debut next year as the first volume-production hybrid offerings from the Chrysler Group and the first vehicles to feature DaimlerChrysler's advanced two-mode hybrid technology.

"The all-new Chrysler Group HEMI Hybrid will offer our customers the best of both worlds: renowned performance and significantly improved fuel economy," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, Chrysler Group. "With the new HEMI-powered Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, we are delivering the ultimate combination of fuel efficiency, overall performance and capability in a premium full-size SUV."

The new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid is expected to deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, including an improvement of nearly 40 percent in the city.

The HEMI powerplant, in hybrid form, will continue to feature Chrysler Group's Multi-displacement System (MDS), which allows the engine to seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. For the fifth year in a row -- and every year since its 2003 re-introduction -- Chrysler Group's famous 5.7-liter HEMI engine has earned a place on Ward's 10 Best Engines list.

The new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles represent a bold change in what is generally a "me too" category. Chrysler Group's full- size hybrid vehicles will deliver seamless dependable power on demand in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission (featuring two electric motors), two full hybrid modes of operation, and four fixed mechanical gear ratios, the drive system improves fuel economy around town and at highway speeds.

Chrysler Aspen
Boasting elegant Chrysler styling, unsurpassed capability and performance, and abundant premium amenities, the Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV that is a value alternative to luxury-priced competitors. Offering more for less, Aspen features numerous premium features, elegant Chrysler design, 30 safety features and best-in-class horsepower, torque and interior room.

Two-mode Hybrid
Chrysler Group's two-mode hybrid powertrain -- jointly developed by DaimlerChrysler, General Motors and the BMW Group -- represents a major automotive industry milestone due to the unprecedented fully integrated combination of electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission.

As a result of the low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the two-mode hybrid. However, the sophisticated fuel-saving system also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications. The new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles can be powered either by the electric motors or by the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine -- or a combination of the two. During the two ECVT modes and four fixed-gear operations, the hybrid system can use the electric motors for boosting and/or regenerative braking. When full power is needed, the system automatically adjusts for passing, driving steep grades or hauling a trailer. The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel economy, performance and load-carrying capability.

Joint Development Center
Located in Troy, Mich., the DaimlerChrysler, GM and BMW Hybrid Development Center jointly developed the overall modular two-mode hybrid system and the individual components: electric motors, transmission, high-voltage battery, high-performance electronics, wiring, safety systems, energy management and hybrid system control units. In addition, the Hybrid Development Center is responsible for system integration and project management.

Chrysler Group Advanced Propulsion Technology
Hybrid technology is one part of Chrysler Group's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced clean-diesel technology, and ethanol flex-fuel and zero-emission fuel-cell vehicles. DaimlerChrysler is the only automaker building plug-in hybrids and testing them with customers in the United States.

Hybrid Cabs, Parking and Saving Money

San Francisco is getting some hybrid taxis. Green Cab opens up with five hybrid taxis for those who want to get around town while emitting less. The new cab company will be using Honda Civic Hybrids and will be easy to spot with their green checkers.

The new owners estimate they will be paying $8 a day in fuel costs, as opposed to the normal $45.

Hybrid taxis are available in much larger numbers in New York City, but maybe this is is how they are going to start spreading out into more major cities now that they've been road tested in NYC.

Cars.com noticed out in Chicago, Home Depot has come up with its own incentive for hybrid cars. Close-up parking is now available for those who drive alternative fueled vehicles (as long as those large contractor trucks don't use them as a free parking spot -- read the story at cars.com).

And in case you were wondering, you can save money buying a hybrid even sooner than you think. According to this article in the Wall Street Journal, you can break even in as little as a year! After that, its all savings.

The incentives being offered by Toyota on their hybrids lately has upped the ante, making the premium you pay for a hybrid as little as sixteen hundred dollars over a conventional gas only vehicle. That means you need less time to make up the difference. It also doesn't hurt when you look at current gas prices.