Whether you need to haul people, pets, gear, or any combination of the three, SUV hybrids work hard to contain fuel costs, while providing more versatility than typical hybrid sedans.
Part and parcel to our role as the Internet’s leading independent authority on gas mileage, we’re committed to the task of documenting each and every hybrid SUV currently on the road by the end of 2008. As of August 2008, we’ve reviewed the following vehicles:
Each one of these SUV hybrids is an excellent vehicle in its own right. Each takes a different approach.
The Escape Hybrid is a more traditional SUV with the best overall mileage in its class, while the RX400h is a roomy and comfortable living room on wheels. These two play opposite ends of the utility and luxury scale.
The Vue Green Line has European roots and flair, with unique styling, segment-topping highway gas mileage, and a more car-like ride.
The roomy and versatile Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivers the best overall gas mileage for a seven passenger SUV.
By all accounts, the Ford Mustang has had one heck of a run. The Mustang’s arrival in the 1964 model year brought on the pony car era, and while performance has always been at the forefront of the car’s appeal, gas mileage in the smaller displacement versions made a bit of hay over the years, as well. Although easily overlooked, the Mustang’s gas mileage ratings set a remarkable high point for fuel economy in 1983, touching the 40 mile per gallon (MPG) highway mark when fitted with the stingy 2.3 liter four cylinder engine.
While the Mustang’s gas mileage ratings dropped considerably (or perhaps more realistically), a four-banger could be found under the hood of the entry-level ‘Stang for another decade. 1993 marked the last year for the 2.3 liter four cylinder engine, with a still respectable 30 MPG highway. Continue reading →
You’ve probably seen the commercials for the Microsoft Sync audio system that can be found in a number of 2008 Ford vehicles. The advertisements made quite a splash when they first appeared, teasing viewers into envisioning exactly how the Microsoft Sync system works. For all those folks who were tickled by the Sync commercials, but were hesitant to venture into a Ford dealer, I’ve got you covered.
Over the last month, I’ve spent a week with three different Fords, each equipped with the Sync system:
The Ford Edge is a five-seat SUV that competes with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Murano, Saturn Vue, Toyota Highlander, and Toyota RAV4 among others in the popular crossover SUV market.
Under the hood, the 2008 Edge is fitted with a 3.5 liter V6 producing a generous 265 horsepower and 250 foot pounds of torque.
The Ford Focus competes with the Honda Civic, Chevy Cobalt, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3 among many others in the red hot small car market, and is available as both a four-door sedan and two-door coupe.
Under the hood, the 2008 Focus is fitted with an efficient 2.0 liter inline four cylinder engine rated at 140 horsepower and 136 foot pounds of torque.
