Although the gleam is long off the apple, America hasn’t given up on the sport utility vehicle (SUV) just yet. While sales of conventional SUVs have dropped dramatically, hybrid SUV models are selling quite well … and for good reason. Hybrid SUV mileage ratings are substantially higher than their conventional counterparts. With that in mind, we spent a good part of this past year testing SUV mileage, with a big focus on the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs.
Although some of the choices can be quite pricey, there’s little question that the best SUV mileage results are found in the hybrid models. This has lead to remarkable bursts of popularity within more affluent and progressive segments of the car-buying public.
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.
The RX400h is a luxury five seat sport utility that competes with the Acura RDX, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, and Mercedes R-Class (among others) . While that’s a crowded field, the RX400h’s hybrid drive train sets the luxurious Lexus apart from its most worthy competitors.
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The RX400h is one of the greenest SUVs on the market today.
Need a four wheel drive with the best gas mileage? Get ready to downsize. None of the best gas mileage four wheel drives (4WDs) are jumbo-sized sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
Simply put, the aerodynamics and vehicle weight of the bulkiest SUVs cause gas mileage to suffer, leading to many a painful transaction at the pump. The trick is to get small(er), lighter, and more slippery. Credit Subaru for getting the ball rolling with popularizing economical 4WD drive passenger cars in the early days. Since 1997, every vehicle Subaru’s offered in America has been all wheel drive.
These days, it’s not just Subaru. There are plenty of four wheel drive choices that are neither truck nor SUV. And forget the notion of pint-sized economy cars. You’ll find a generous helping of 4WD luxury from manufacturers including Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, and Lexus … in fact, you’ll find many of their offerings in the 2008 list of best gas mileage four wheel drives.
Purists will gladly share that there’s a difference between four wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD). And surely there is … but for a great many folks, it comes down to two simple questions: will it go in the snow and will I go broke feeding it?
At the other end of the spectrum, the little Suzuki SX4 delivers plenty of bang for the buck, by combining the best four wheel drive gas mileage with a low sticker price (for those who don’t just think miles per gallon … but miles per dollar.)
Along with its corporate cousins, the Ford Escape Hybrid proves the exception to the rule as the highest all around mile per gallon (MPG) four wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t get a great deal on an Escape Hybrid at your local Ford dealer, take a look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. And if you happen to live in Southern California, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV might be an option … as long as you’re able to snag one of the 350 Tribute HEVs built for this test market.)
