AMP Electric Vehicles used the Detroit Auto Show to introduce an all-electric Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV. This newest member of AMP’s converted all-electric family runs on two electric motors and retains all of the interior space and trimmings of a gasoline Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV.

At the SUV’s introduction, AMP noted that the EV Grand Cherokee continues in its “strategy of beginning with an already great vehicle, which we then electrify for retail and fleet customers who are looking for a zero emission vehicle and in this case maintain the benefits of an up-level SUV package.”  Read more...

Volvo showcased the XC60, its plug-in hybrid crossover of the future, at the recent Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle got a mixed review from the automotive press. Some dubbed it a “me, too” entry into the market. But most took the crossover for what it really is: A crossover that gives the industry a glimpse into Volvo’s future plans for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The XC60 Concept offers an energy-efficient 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor. The engine delivers 280 hp to the front wheels; the 70 hp motor powers the rear wheels.  Read more...

In the Cayenne S hybrid, Porsche offers the same iconic features of its other sports cars. It is elegantly designed to reflect prestige and class. Porsche’s SUV/crossover is a symbol of luxury and comfort combined with elements of performance unmatched by other SUVs in the market. It more than competes with BMW and Mercedes SUVs and is a highly respected member of the German automobile club.

When German auto makers decided to equip their SUVs with hybrid technology Porsche was not far behind in accepting the challenge. Its hybrid version was built with all the care and attention that it deserved. All the features of the Porsche legacy were incorporated beautifully into this vehicle.  Read more...

Over the past few years, the world had seen a huge shift in the automotive industry. The culture is leaning towards a more environment friendly and “green” technology for cars, trucks and SUVs. Manufacturers all over the world are investing huge amounts of money into research and development of hybrid, diesel, electric, and natural gas technology for many of their upcoming automobiles.

However, just as more acceptability towards hybrid vehicles (including SUVs) is happening, forecasts of a drop in demand for some models have surfaced as well. News is now coming out that four hybrid SUVs will either be discontinued or no longer sold in certain markets. These include one very popular model, one that has always played second fiddle, and two that you might not even have known were hybrids.  Read more...

The wheel of evolution is in a constant spin for the automobile industry. A long time ago, we had wagons, then we had SUVs, later, the CUVs – and now – borrowing genes from a coupe and a crossover, a Cross Coupe is the next big thing. Well, not so much in its literal sense.

The concept of a Cross Coupe was introduced by none other than the Volkswagen Auto at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. They couldn’t have chosen a better time or place. VW Cross Coupe Plug-In Hybrid SUV was one true headline maker for the show. While everyone was extremely impressed by its look, the excitement came accompanied with a bit of confusion. You can’t tell if it’s a downsized CUV or an upsized four door coupe. Speaking in VW language, it is a larger ‘Golf’ but smaller ‘Tiguan’.  Read more...

In 2009, the world was taken by storm when China overtook the United States as the largest car market in the world, following it up with an unprecedented 18 million car sales the following year. The Indian market has also experienced similar growth trends with local OEMs and industrial giants introducing inexpensive sedans and other utility vehicles. This tremendous growth in the Asian market was brought about by the rising consumer affluence in these economies. But with this growth in opportunities comes a parallel growth of related problems.  Read more...

Earlier this month, you may have read that hybrid vehicles are 25% safer (for drivers) than their non-hybrid counterparts. This was according to a recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) where the main factor cited was the increased weight of hybrids (in part due to hybrid battery packs). While occupant protection in newer vehicles continues to improve, vehicle safety is largely a function of physics. In most collisions, smaller and lighter vehicles simply don’t fare as well as larger, heavier ones.  Read more...

35 new Hybrid and Plug-in Models Will Showcase at the LA Show, November 16-27

The Los Angeles Auto Show will be open for the press on November 16 & 17 and for the public November 18 through 27. Over 50 vehicles will debut, and many more new models will be on exhibit. The auto industry has been a relatively strong part of the economy, and all expectations are that it will continue its momentum at the L.A. Show.  Read more...

Most visitors to HybridSUV.com are here for one of two reasons. Either they want to learn more about hybrid-electric SUVs, or they are looking for a sport utility vehicle that gets decent gas mileage.

And while we are very passionate about green car technology at Hybrid Kingdom, we also realize that there aren’t enough hybrid models (yet) to fit the needs of many SUV buyers.

For model year 2012, those of you in the market for a new SUV have roughly 100 vehicles to choose from. In terms of MSRP, they range from under $17,000 for a basic Jeep Patriot to over $107,000 for the Mercedes Benz G550.  Read more...

Despite Setbacks, Hybrid Future Looks Bright

Although the recent economic crises damaged the sales of hybrid vehicles, manufacturers expect the number of hybrid cars and SUVs sold within the next two decades to increase dramatically. The ever-increasing gas prices coupled with an improving economy contribute, but the recent improvements in the design of several hybrid models are poised to bring them back.  Read more...