Introduced last year, the Touareg Hybrid is Volkswagen’s first production gas-electric hybrid SUV model. It complements the Touareg SUV line that includes a choice of a traditional gas V-6 or a turbocharged diesel V-6.

The 2012 Touareg Hybrid combines a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with an electric motor. Essentially, the 2012 Touareg Hybrid shares the same basic platform and battery technology as the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and Audi Q7 Hybrid.

The Touareg Hybrid uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. This transfers power through VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. Car and Driver says this makes the Touareg: Powerful, without any hybrid weirdness.

The combination of the V-6 and electric motor delivers 380 hp and has a fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. The electric motor alone is capable of powering the car at speeds up to 31 mph. Towing capacity for the Touareg Hybrid is 7,700 pounds. This is much greater than its competitors, the hybrid Lexus RX 450h or Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid.

The 2012 Touareg Hybrid seats five (there is no third row of seats as is the case in some other SUV models). Marketed as a luxury SUV, the Touareg Hybrid includes many high-end features as standard equipment. Drivers and passengers should enjoy the power memory front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and touch-screen navigation system. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, stability control, six airbags, and tire pressure monitoring.

One problem with many hybrid vehicles is that the batteries take up valuable passenger or cargo space. Volkswagen took an innovative approach to eliminate this problem. The hybrid batteries are housed under the cargo area floor. That space would normally hold a spare tire. The Touareg Hybrid skips the spare and instead comes with run-flat tires. So no cargo room is lost to the batteries.

Online driver ratings and auto industry magazine reviews rate the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid as being high-quality and fuel-efficient. Some reviewers also say it’s one of the best-driving hybrid SUVs on the market.

The one downside to this SUV is its high price. The 2012 VW Touareg Hybrid has an MSRP of $61,995. That makes it one of the more expensive hybrid SUVs on the market today. View all the details at the official Touareg website here.

The Acura MDX from Honda has a decade-long track record as a reliable mid-sized luxury SUV. A big plus has been the SUV’s ability to seat seven passengers thanks to a third row of seats, thus making it comparable to much larger SUVs.

One negative about the MDX has been that its fuel economy was on the lower side (16 city/21 highway for the 2012 model) when compared to other SUVs on the market. That could change with the 2013 model, which will for the first time offer a hybrid version of the MDX. The hybrid version will use an electric motor to complement the MDX’s base V6 engine.

Fuel economy for the hybrid and standard versions of the 2013 Acura MDX might also benefit thanks to a switch in the engine and transmission. Industry reports claim that Honda will replace the current Acura MDX’s engine with a more refined 300 hp, 3.7 liter V6 engine. The 2013 Acura MDX engine will make use of a 6-speed automatic transmission, which replaces an older, less efficient 5-speed automatic transmission.

The combination of the new gasoline powertrain and the hybrid’s electric motor will make the 2013 MDX a speedster. One report claims the hybrid SUV will be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds.

Beyond the powertrain, there are other changes. And it’s about time. The MDX’s design has not changed in roughly six years. To remedy that, the 2013 Acura MDX Hybrid will benefit from a major redesign that includes a new exterior look, numerous chassis refinements, more comfort features, and a longer standard equipment list.

The redesigned MDX will retain the Acura’s luxury accommodations. The 2013 Acura MDX is expected to include leather upholstery, a power moon roof, heated front seats, rearview camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, and low beam headlamps. New to the 2013 model will be a power rear tailgate, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated rear view camera screen, LED backlit instrumentation, a new hill start assist feature, and custom floor mats.

Like many other luxury vehicles, the MDX incorporates and accommodates the latest technology developments. To that end, the 2013 Acura MDX will be available in five trim packages including: the base MDX; MDX with Technology Package; MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages; MDX with Advance Package; and MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages.

The 2013 Acura MDX Hybrid is expected to be available later this year. A hybrid RDX (smaller SUV) is also planned.

Source: Automotive News

Few car or SUV models have the staying power to remain a best seller and top performer for several years. But how about a vehicle that keeps ahead of the market for a dozen years? That’s basically been the case with the compact SUV the Ford Escape.

The Escape consistently rates as one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. It gets 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and averages 26 mpg overall. And since its introduction in 2000, it has been one of America’s best selling small SUVs, according to Edmunds. By comparison, the hybrid version of this small sport utility gets 34 MPG in the city and 31 miles per gallon outside of town.

The four-door SUV is offered in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) gasoline and hybrid models. Ford offers the Escape in three trims designated XLS, XLT, and Limited. The XLS, or standard trim, includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, antilock brakes, cruise control, full power accessories, and stability control. The XLT trim offers additional items including automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power driver seat. And the Limited trim bundles higher-end features like leather upholstery, Ford Sync, and heated seats. All trims are offered in FWD and 4WD.

Powertrain options include a choice of a 2.5-liter 4 cylinder engine, a 2.5-liter 4 hybrid, or a 3.0-liter V6 engine. Models are available with 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and CVT transmissions.

One point to note about the Ford Escape is that it was the first hybrid SUV to market. That was in 2004. Another distinction with the hybrid version is that starting in 2005, New York City and other cities began using the Ford Escape Hybrid as taxicabs. That certainly bodes well for the Escape’s ability to handle tough road and driving conditions.

Through a patent-sharing agreement, the Ford Escape hybrid uses technology similar to that used in the Toyota Prius. The hybrid delivers about 75 percent greater fuel efficiency, getting about 33 to 36 mpg in city traffic.

With the 2013 model (pictured above – courtesy of Ford.com), which will be available this year, Ford has redesigned the entire SUV. Interior and exterior changes bring the Escape’s looks up to date. On the powertrain front, the V6 engine will no longer be available. Instead, Ford is going with its EcoBoost four cylinder engines. Ford claims this family of turbocharged, direct injected gasoline engines delivers the power and torque of the larger displacement engines while offering 20 percent better fuel efficiency. With the hybrid model gone after 2012, it will be interesting to see if the “ecoboost Escape” can meet or exceed it in overall fuel economy.

The Ford Escape has a starting MSRP of $21,440 for the XLS trim, $24,870 for the XLT trim, $26,370 for the Limited trim, and $30,570 for the hybrid.

Typically larger and heavier, SUVs as a class are not known for their fuel economy. But there are exceptions.

One is the Lexus RX 350, a four-door SUV, that is rated one of the most fuel efficient SUVs on the market today. The Lexus RX has EPA-rate fuel economy ranging from 18 mpg city to 24 mpg highway for its gasoline version, while still offering a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The hybrid version of the RX offers 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway.

The newest year model, introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, will carry over the same powertrain options. That means that next year’s models will offer a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine delivering 270 hp, 6-speed automatic, and CVT transmissions. The hybrid version, the RX 450h will include a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors delivering 295 hp combined. Hybrid and gasoline versions are offered in a choice of front or all-wheel-drive.

Independent of the powertrain, the Lexus RX continues the company’s tradition of offering top-of-the-line luxury in an SUV. This includes such features as a walnut trim interior, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a HomeLink® universal transceiver, which can operate a wide variety of garage, gate, home lighting and home security systems.

To ensure a safe ride, the RX 350 bundles many high-end safety features. Standard features include vehicle stability control, traction control, an anti-lock braking system, tire pressure monitoring system, and a bevy of front and side airbags and airbag curtains.

Given that people view their SUVs as communications and entertainment systems on wheels, the Lexus RX delivers premium features as part of its standard package. Drivers and passengers can enjoy incredible sound from a nine-speaker sound system (which includes a six-disc CD auto-changer). They can plug their iPods and MP3 players into an audio port or use Bluetooth for a wireless connection. And there is a SiriusXM Satellite Radio (drivers get a 90 day free trial).

For 2013, Lexus is refining the exterior look of the RX. The 2013 model comes with a new grille, front bumper cover, and new headlamps and taillights. A Sport package offers a new front bumper, halogen lights, and 19-inch chrome wheels.

In a U.S. News analysis of all published auto ratings, reviews, and test drives, the Lexus RX Hybrid and Lexus RX 350 were ranked the number one and two luxury midsized SUVs, out of a field 19 such SUVs.

The FWD Lexus RX has an MSRP starting at $39,075. The official site is here.

The Lexus CT 200h is in a class by itself, literally. It is the only compact luxury hybrid hatchback on the market today and the only luxury hybrid sedan that gets over 40 mph, according to several reports. It also has the distinction of being in that rare oxymoronic class of the sporty hybrid.

Specifically, the 2012 Lexus CT 200h is categorized as a premium compact, four-door hatchback hybrid. The sedan draws technology from both the Lexus HS 250h and Toyota Prius. But several design elements (notably its lower stance and special suspension) allow the sedan to offer sporty handling. For example, a Sport setting drive mode delivers sharper throttle and steering responses.

The CT 200h takes its powertrain from the Prius. It uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive transmission, which incorporates two electric motor-generators. The CT 200h’s nickel-metal-hydride battery pack stores energy from the engine and regenerative braking, and can use that energy to either run the car on electricity alone or boost the performance when running the gas engine.

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h gets a combined city/highway mileage of 42 mpg. That’s lower than the lighter-weight Prius, but still quite impressive for a vehicle of this class. One downside of using the Prius powertrain in the heavier CT 200h is that, as one would expect, acceleration is slower. The CT 200h can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.4 seconds (0.3 seconds slower than the Prius).

The combination of the CT 200h’s high fuel economy, but slower acceleration sets it apart in the premium compact car market segment. According to Edmonds, “the only model that comes close to matching the CT’s fuel economy and four-door hatchback practicality is the diesel-powered Audi A3.”

Like the 2011 year model, the 2012 Lexus CT 200h offers drivers several performance modes of operation. These include an ECO mode that optimizes the use of climate control systems and evens out acceleration to improve fuel efficiency, an EV mode where the hatchback runs on electricity alone, and a Sport mode that combines the engine and motor output for maximum acceleration.

Drivers have a few new options for 2012. First, there are two new premium trims: the F-Sport Package and the F-Sport Special Edition. The F-Sport Package bundles a tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, special mesh grille, large rear deck spoiler, and splashy interior features like aluminum sport pedals, a leather-trimmed shift knob, and a metallic trimmed dash panel. The F-Sport Special Edition has all of those features plus different wheels, Ocean Blue NuLuxe leatherette-trimmed seats, and a TUMI duffle bag and backpack with the F-Sport logos.

Also new in the 2012 model is an audible warning system to caution pedestrians and cyclists that the CT 200h is approaching. This feature is likely to become mandatory in future models, as the politically divided U.S. House of Representatives, which has had trouble agreeing on anything in recent years, overwhelmingly (379 to 30) passed a bill in 2010 to require such systems for electric vehicles and hybrids.

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback has a MSRP of $29,100. Take an interactive test drive here.

The A3 e-tron is an electric version of the gasoline and diesel A3 hatchback. It has a range just under 90 miles, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 11 seconds, and has a top speed of 90 mph. The e-tron name indicates an advanced electrified power train with plug-in capability. From the press release…Audi engineers are researching e-tron power concepts tailored to different vehicle types and driving needs including full battery-electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and extended range electric (EREV) versions. The goal is to have the right product for the market at the right time – the best solution for the individual requirements of Audi customers. (So, while the A3 e-tron is a hatchback, we might someday find this technology in future Audi sedan models and their larger SUVs/CUVs.)

So why use TED to introduce this car?

The TED conference attracts thought leaders and influencers in technology, entertainment, and design industries. It bills itself as a “a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world’s most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other.”

Audi is looking for key influencers to lease and test the A3 e-tron in a pilot program in select cities in the U.S. including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, and Washington. According to one report, ideal test drivers would be movie stars in LA, high tech leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area, and politicians in Washington. These are exactly the type of people who attend and pay attention to the news from the TED conference. (Denver is included because its combination of altitude and weather offers a mix of driving conditions to more fully test the car.)

Audi is not the first auto company to try to leverage the celebrity appeal for its cars to influence the market. Fisker has certainly touted that its Fisker Karma had Leonardo de Caprio, Al Gore, and Colin Powell lined up to be the first to own the all-electric, exotic car. And while the TED conference draws this level of attendee (over the years it’s featured speakers including Bill Clinton and Bill Gates), the conference talks are widely followed by influencers of another type.

The TED conference talks are freely available online through YouTube and iTunes. According to industry sources, by mid-2011, TED talks had been viewed more than 500 million times.

The type of person who views and shares material online through YouTube and iTunes is typically a member of Generation Y. These are people who are between 19 to 31 years old this year. This group is both very interested in electric vehicles and represent a substantial percent of the auto-buying public. Specifically, a recent survey by the consultancy Deloitte found that 59 percent of Gen Y respondents prefer an electric vehicle over any other type of car or truck. And they heavily favored hybrid vehicles over vehicles with a gasoline-only powertrain. Additionally, Deloitte estimates that one out of four new automobiles sold this year in the United States, and 40 percent of vehicles sold in the next 10 years, should be bought by a Gen Y consumer.

So the TED conference seems like a perfect match for the intended drivers for the A3 e-tron. Only time will tell if this type of car introduction resonates with buyers. Read the full press release here.

Unveiled in early February, Tesla Motors announced that by mid-month, it already taken $40 million in orders for the plug-in crossover. The Model X won’t be available until the end of 2013, yet CNN Money reported that between 400 and 670 people put down either a $5,000 deposit for the base version of the vehicle or $40,000 deposit for a top of the line version.

Why such strong interest? Drivers most likely are enticed by the crossover’s performance. According to Tesla, high end versions will have acceleration similar to that of a Porsche sports car, taking 4.4 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph.

Another possible reason for the early interest is the crossover’s design. The seven-seater provides easy passenger access to the rear rows of seats via double-hinged “Falcon Wing” rear doors. Looking a bit like the doors on a DeLorean, news reports say the design allows the doors to be opened in tighter spots than regular car doors. And the doors swing open high enough to fit a standing passenger.

The Model X is also benefiting from the great interest in the Tesla Model S, an all-electric luxury sedan that is expected to go on sale this year.

Like the Model S, the Model X will offer drivers a choice of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Similarly, drivers can select from two different batter pack sizes — 60 or 85 kWh battery options will be available. The different battery packs let drivers trade-off cost versus performance. The higher cost and higher capacity battery packs offer a greater driving range between charges, faster 0 to 60 mph acceleration, and a higher top speed.

The Tesla Model X is expected to have a price range of between $60,000 and $100,000, depending on the powertrain configuration. A high-end “Signature” version will be available in limited quantities in late 2013; general production versions will become available in 2014.

Above: View A Tesla Model X Video

View a photo gallery of the Model X here.

In its fourth annual Gen Y survey, the consultancy Deloitte found that 59 percent of respondents prefer an electrific vehicle over any other type of car or truck. And they heavily favored hybrid vehicles over vehicles with a gasoline-only powertrain.

This is good news for the industry. This group’s buying power is potentially a game changer. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 80 million Gen Y consumers. This group is one of the biggest domestic automobile buying market segments and the largest consumer segment since the baby boomers. According to Deloitte projections, one out of four new automobiles sold this year in the United States, and 40 percent of vehicles sold in the next 10 years, should be bought by a Gen Y consumer.

There are several reasons for the group’s high level of interest in hybrid and electric vehicles. Most notably, fuel efficiency: 89 percent of Gen Y consumers are considering buying a vehicle that gets better mileage. Interestingly, this was especially true when gasoline prices rise above $2.75 per gallon, which is the median price Gen Y consumers see as fair. This is a far lower cost per gallon value than many assumed would be needed to drive interest in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Furthermore, the study found that 49 percent of Gen Y consumers are willing to pay an additional $300 for each mile-per-gallon of improvement they can get out of a hybrid. And one other important finding in the survey is that Gen Y consumers view hybrid technology as proven and reliable.

The study also found that auto manufacturers may have an opportunity to capitalize on Gen Y’s connected lifestyle by developing innovative and low-cost personalization options. To tap into the younger buying market, hybrid and electric car makers are adding new features that will enhance the appeal of their cars to Gen Y consumers.

One example is a partnership between Salesforce.com and Toyota, where the two companies have developed a private social network called Toyota Friend. The network links Toyota customers with their cars, their dealership, and with Toyota through smartphones, tablet PCs, and other mobile devices. One feature of the network is the ability to send low-battery “tweet-like” alerts for electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle drivers.

And the Wall Street Journal reported that Tesla “wants to make sure that electronics in the car are cutting edge, like the vehicle itself,” and plans to offer a 17-inch touch screen display with Internet access and four USB ports to attach devices in the Tesla Model S electric car.

In another effort by manufacturers, Ford has teamed with Google in an experimental program to help optimize and automate the use of electric motors versus gas engines in plug-in hybrids. One application of this technology would be to automatically turn a gas engine on and off depending on whether a plug-in hybrid is entering a dense urban zone where only EVs are allowed.

These efforts and the findings of the study bode well for the hybrid and electric vehicle market in the years to come.

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.”

The converted SUV relies on two rear-mounted electric motors. The motors are each 152 kW Remy AC motors. They are powered by a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery system. There is no transmission as the motors directly drive the wheels. This combination comprises AMP’s e-Dual Direct Drive™ system, which allows the company to replace a gasoline powertrain in a production vehicle with an all-electric powertrain.

In the conversion process, AMP removes the Jeep’s gas-combustion components and installs the all-electric powertrain. Batteries are stored under the vehicle and in the front engine well, leaving the rest of the vehicle exactly the same. That means drivers have the same 5-passenger seating, split-folding rear seats, flexible cargo space, and the luxury features they know and love.

AMP claims the electrified Jeep Grand Cherokee has a driving range of 80 to 100 miles. And the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 10 seconds.

The EV Jeep Grand Cherokee is just the latest production vehicle AMP has converted to an electric vehicle. Last year, it introduced the AMP MLE, an all-electric version of the Mercedes ML luxury SUV. For both SUVs, AMP works with dealerships throughout the United States, who in turn, offer ML and Grand Cherokee drivers a choice in powertrain.

AMP announced an introductory price starting at $57,400 for the all-electric Jeep Grand Cherokee. First deliveries of fully validated vehicles are projected for this fall.

> View a AMP Jeep Grand Cherokee test drive here.

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.

Using various combinations of these two powertrains, drivers have three driving modes to choose from depending on whether they want fuel economy, performance, or an extended driving range. The modes include a Pure Mode where the XC60 is powered solely by its electric motor with a range of up to 35 miles. There is a Hybrid Mode that used both the gasoline engine and electric motor. And there is a Power Mode where the engine and motor are used together to deliver the most power. Drivers can select a particular mode by pressing a button on a central console.

The XC60 offers a 35-mile all-electric range, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 130 mph. Using the Hybrid Mode, the XC60 is estimated to average 50 mpg, with a range of 600 miles (that includes the 35 miles running only on battery power).

One contributor to the estimated fuel economy is that the XC60 will make use of Volvo’s upcoming Environmental Architecture engine family. Volvo claims the new engine will deliver 6-cylinder performance with the fuel economy of a 4-cyclinder engine.

The engine makes use of turbocharging and direct-injection and will also employ Volvo’s stop-start technology. Stop-start uses information from the braking system to shut down the engine as soon as a vehicle comes to a stop. Once brake pedal pressure is reduced, the engine immediately restarts. Volvo claims its stop-start technology cuts CO2 emissions and reduces fuel consumption.

Volvo will introduce the XC60 in the U.S. and Chinese markets. In the U.S. market, the first versions will be gasoline-only, but Volvo plans to use the concept crossover to test U.S. market interest in a plug-in hybrid version of the model.

> Watch the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid video here.
> View Volvo XC60 pictures and a full photo gallery here.