The Lowdown On The Latest In Hybrid SUVs

It is still surprising that the first hybrid vehicle was a car. With the reputation that SUVs have for being giant gas-guzzlers with no respect for the environment, you would think that we would have seen the Toyota Highlander several years ago. If they had thought even further ahead, then perhaps we would already have our first hybrid minivan in the U.S., instead of in Japan. As of now, there are four hybrid SUVs available in the mainstream market, with more on the way, including the Saturn VUE, which is set to release in 2007. Mazda is also coming out with their Tribute in 2006. Many people have been waiting patiently for an affordable hybrid SUV and now would be the time to get one. More manufacturers are offering decently priced SUVs than ever before. Technology, combined with makers' shaving a little off of the prices to encourage buyers, have at least four SUVs under $35,000 on the market. As long as you don't insist on buying the Lexus RX 400h, which will start you around $49,000, a hybrid SUV is off to a great start for its handful of makers.

The 2006 Toyota Highlander, released in June 2005, is considered to be the well-waited-for SUV. It has a 208-horsepower gas engine. With its electric components, it has 268-horsepower. Surpassing the 2004 and 2005 models with extra features and great gas mileage, this full hybrid gets 28 mpg. Compared to Toyota's other popular hybrid, the mid-size, Prius, the Highlander feels much more like a regular vehicle. Drivers say that they feel like they are just driving a regular SUV. Of course, from the outside, the Highlander seems a little more unusual than a typical SUV with its efficient LED headlights. Another key consideration with the Highlander is that it only takes $3,000 to $5,000 more to get the hybrid version, which seems like a shame to pass up.

Toyota is sharing some of its technology with Ford on its Escape, which appears to be another way to get the market rolling with hybrid purchases. Ford claims the first American SUV as well as the most inexpensive. Although it has fewer bells and whistles than the Highlander, and of course the Lexus, it does well on mileage, with a steady mid-twenties mpg (although their specifications are a little higher). Perhaps, the lingering impression of Ford as a company which encourages gas-guzzling left the sale of their SUV hybrid trailing behind the Highlander and Lexus, but demand has made up for some of that.

Following the success of the Escape, Ford released the Mercury Mariner in July of 2005. However, it will not be easy to come by one of these. Ford is only releasing 2,000 of them. The production of batteries seems to be the culprit behind the low manufacturing numbers. Some believe that Ford is tip-toeing around production, but the technology behind the Escape and Mariner show that a lot of thought and effort are going into these models. The Mariner boasts high 20s and low 30s for mileage in the city and highway, respectively, which is a little better than the Escape. Also, when compared, the Mariner is a lot like the Escape in engine and performance; however, it is considered a sleeker looking SUV.

The Lexus is made for the even more fuel-minded and thicker pocketed buyers. With the base $49,000 still getting you the little extras which every Lexus model comes with, the RX 400h can take luxury to the extreme for a few thousand more. One of these little extras happens to be three electric motors instead of one, which make this SUV a work of art in the hybrid and general automotive industry. Its mileage ranges from 28 to 30 mpg, which is better than some cars, and of course, all non-hybrid SUVs.

Although Ford has taken some time to wash away its image, the fact that it is going hybrid, is inspiring to buyers who only want to buy American. Besides waiting lists of up to a year and low production numbers for some makers, buying a hybrid SUV is becoming the next step in SUV purchases for more and more people. No matter how one looks at the numbers, these hybrid SUVs are getting better mileage than their gas cousins. With more makers experimenting with and improving the hybrid technology, a hybrid in the low $20,000 range might happen soon.