Top 5 hybrid SUVs available today, number 1: Ford Escape
Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high res gallery
We've spent plenty of seat time behind the wheel of the Ford Escape hybrid. The last time we had one, it managed to return an average of thirty miles per gallon. This mileage figure is remarkable, since the Vue hybrid, which you just saw at number two on our list, didn't do quite as well. Remember, too, that the Ford Escape hybrid is the same vehicle as the Mercury Mariner hybrid and Mazda Tribute hybrid. Let's take a look at the comparison between the standard Escape and the hybrid model.
According to the EPA, the regular Escape will get 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway when its four cylinder engine is paired with an automatic transmission. The hybrid improves those numbers dramatically, coming in at 34 in the city and 30 on the highway. We'll back those numbers as being fairly accurate. This means that an Escape hybrid driver will save a significant $860 per year on fuel compred to the non-hybrid driver. For a vehicle which is priced well under $30 grand, that's a worthwhile improvement, and it makes the Escape hybrid number one on our list.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ron 8:48PM (6/18/2008)
It's nice to see 3 Americans in the top 5. Nice list ABG.
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peter 10:08PM (6/18/2008)
this article is clearly ridiculous. the list should be entitled, "every single hybrid suv that exists". the tahoe should not be given an honorable mention 5th place, it should instead be referred to as the last place hybrid SUV. i don't have a problem with any of these vehicles, but implying that these suvs are better than any number of other hybrid suvs is disingenuous( as they do not exist).
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Hjortur 7:21AM (6/19/2008)
Well, for me, the Tahoe/Yukon is the only real option. I believe the Durango is coming as a hybrid this fall which would be interesting to see compared to those other cars. With five children, a dog and a lot of winter driving, I need a large SUV. I'm still waiting for the Suburbarn/Yukon XL to come as a hybrid which would be my optimal car.
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Snowdog 7:10AM (6/19/2008)
Does this haul more cargo inside or tow more trailer outside than say a new VW Clean Diesel wagon?? I doubt it. So IMO the new Jetta diesel wagon is the winner of this category.
If you are just buy looks with your SUV, you need to get over it. Get a wagon instead of a "cute ute".
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Ookuma 7:38AM (6/19/2008)
@Snowdog
I didn't realize that the Jetta diesel wagon was a hybrid SUV. I mean, that is the category that the vehicles reviewed above fit into. Or are you talking about the towing/hauling category? In that case, I think the GM hybrids would win that competition with the Jetta diesel.
Personally, I think this was a great little informative list. And I think that ABG has hit the nail on the head with their rankings.
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