How to Buy a Hybrid SUV
Although some environmental purists consider the idea of a hybrid SUV an oxymoron, the concept meets a real need. Several SUV hybrid models, such as the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, are popular with families who require lots of room but still want to improve their fuel efficiency and reduce their emissions.
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Instructions
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Calculate how much space you need. Base the estimate on the size of your household and whether you take regular automobile vacations or plan to use an SUV to carry significant loads. Hybrid SUV models come in various sizes, from the relatively modest Ford Escape to the gargantuan Chevy Tahoe, which can carry eight people and tow up to 6,000 lb with its V8 engine.
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Maximize your fuel efficiency by thinking small. The Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids get only about 21 miles per gallon, whereas a more compact Ford Escape with front-wheel drive can deliver gas mileage in the 30s.
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Educate yourself online. Learn about the hybrid SUV models currently on the market at GreenCar.com (see Resources below). This free website offers information and ratings on important matters, such as service issues, fuel efficiency, battery life and safety considerations.
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Compare prices to get the best value from the car you buy. A luxury hybrid SUV, such as the Lexus RX 400h, is about twice as expensive as the more modest Saturn VUE, and most other hybrid SUVs fall roughly in the middle of these two extremes. Remember to factor in the value of the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, if it is still available, in determining your real cost.
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Buy the hybrid SUV that meets the full range of your needs including durability, fuel efficiency and capacity. Since most hybrid SUVs are based on conventional-engine prototypes, comparing those original models is not a bad place to start. Generally, a hybrid will deliver about one-third better fuel efficiency when compared to the same vehicle with a conventional gasoline engine.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for other reasons to choose a hybrid SUV. These may include a preference for sitting higher while driving, relative vehicle-safety ratings, off-road driving needs and greater engine power.
