Lexus Hybrid SUV

Customers today are looking for alternatives to save on fuel costs. Automotive companies are continually developing hybrid technology to be able to cater environmental friendly cars and deliver quality brand vehicles at the same time. They are turning to popular type of vehicles such as SUV’s to expand the appeal of hybrid technology.

Luxury SUV hybrids are becoming the popular pick among car consumers nowadays. Hybrid SUVs are in high demand as consumers seek new fuel-efficiency options. The 2010 Hybrid SUVs are getting more powerful and better mileage than their conventional counterparts.

Lexus SUV hybrid

Available in either front- or all-wheel-drive versions, the Lexus RX 400h used a hybrid power train system that combined a gasoline-fueled V6 engine with a battery pack and electric motor generators. The Lexus RX 400h crossover was the first true luxury SUV hybrid, and it came packaged with all the normal RX traits like premium interior amenities and a smooth ride.

The Lexus RX 400h midsize luxury SUV was produced from 2006-2009 essentially unchanged. 2006 Lexus RX 400h – it is the first SUV in the luxury level, it is known for its indefatigable power, it’s cool technology and its fuel efficiency. It came in a single trim level with standard cloth seats, 10-way power front seats, dual-zone climate control, second-row sliding/reclining seats and a six-disc CD player. An audio package with a Mark Levinson DVD audio system was also available.

Under the sheet metal, the 400h’s hybrid drive train combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack and high-torque, electric-drive motor-generators. Inside there was a streamlined, modern cabin with aluminum accents, bright-ringed gauges and a touch screen detailing the hybrid’s gas-electric power generation split.

Still, there’s a lot of cool technology to admire onboard the 2010 450h. The RX450h still uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy System in either front- or all-wheel-drive forms, but adds a few new tricks. Moving from a 3.3-liter V-6 to 3.5-liter V-6 has been massaged to work on an Atkinson Cycle – a 19th century concept with a longer power stroke that increases fuel economy (at the expense of power) and reduces emissions and pumping losses. Teflon-coated oil seals cut friction. Coupled with what Lexus claims is a “more efficient” power inverter, the total output for the hybrid system is 295 hp, 27 more than the RX400h.

If all this sounds good but you’re not quite convinced of the hybrid system, fear not – Lexus will still offer the RX350 for 2010, which uses more conventional drive train. Look for a 275-hp 3.5-liter V-6 (up 5 hp from 2008), mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.

2009 Ford Escape SUV Hybrid

For 2009, Ford has turned its attention under the hood and revamped the 2009 Ford Escape hybrid’s mechanics. You can now drive a little further on every fill up, as the ’09 hybrid Escape mpg rating has improved to 34 city and 31 highway (an improvement of 1 mile per gallon over the 2008 hybrid Escape).

The 2.5 liter engine in the ‘09 Escape is Ford’s first attempt at using variable valve timing in conjunction with their Atkinson cycle hybrid engine. Ford outfitted all 2009 Escapes with a new power train and upgraded the four speed automatic transmission to a six speed automatic transmission.

Ford claims this change offers a more seamless crossover from regenerative to traditional braking. Another first for small hybrids is AdvanceTrac with RCS, Ford’s patented stability control system that includes rollover stability control, now standard on the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid (and the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid).

Optional equipment includes Ford’s increasingly popular SYNC system (voice activated in-car communication and entertainment system), this year with “911 assist”. Future of the Ford Escape
At this year’s New York Auto Show, Ford also unveiled the results of its partnership with Southern California Edison: a plug-in hybrid Escape.

2010 Toyota Highlander

The 2010 Toyota Highlander is largely unchanged. This midsize-crossover SUV seats up to 7 with a folding 3rd-row seat and 2nd-row bucket seats. Most Highlanders reprise a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Base, Sport, Limited, and gas/electric Hybrid trim levels return. Base versions come with a 187-horsepower 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 4-cylinder engine teams with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Hybrid’s EV mode allows the driver to put Highlander in electric-only drive mode for a limited distance. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds for the Hybrid and 5,000 pounds for conventional V6 models. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags that cover all seating rows, front-side airbags, and a driver-knee airbag. Standard on all non-hybrid AWD models is hill descent control.

SUVs Hybrid Cost

Hybrid vehicles may be an instant shock to the wallet but they are beneficial in the long run. Apart from SUVs and luxury vehicles there are also compact four doors that may provide an alternative for the average Joe. Other motor companies have made hybrids to add to their credentials. If you really want to be practical a compact four door sedan will do well for you instead of a SUV hybrid that cost twice as much. Luxury hybrids may do well in the long run by saving gas but spending more than $60,000 on a practical car defeats its purpose.