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.

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.

2012 is the next model year for the Cayenne Hybrid S. This model arrives at a time when its main competitors are exiting the sport utility hybrid segment. BMW and Mercedes have already announced that they will be discontinuing their X6 and ML-450 by 2012. However, 2012 is said to be the season for the new Porsche to shine.

The Cayenne S hybrid is equipped with a 3.0 litre v6 which provides 333 horsepower. The SUV may be a bit on the heavy side but the power-weight ratio is perfectly balanced. The engine is relatively quiet and provides a more peaceful driving experience inside the cabin as well. This SUV is designed to reflect the same style and beauty that its predecessors have displayed. The familiar Porsche logo stands out on the exterior creating envy and desirability at every turn.

The fuel-economy of this hybrid SUV is also a point that has not been ignored by Porsche. The vehicle is rated at 24 mpg highway and is still able to provide the same level of performance as non-hybrid Cayennes. The interior is quite elegantly designed as well. The use of leather, wood and other materials has been crafted with a great deal of attention. It is extremely well-designed and comfortable and there is nothing that seems to be overly done. The cab is quiet and peaceful with simpl climate control features. The sound system and other dashboard electronics and gadgets are well-placed. One potentially annoying feature (complained about in previous versions and test drives) are the parking censors. They are reported as noisy and sometimes go off at the slightest motion even when they are not even required.

Apart from a lag in the starting and stopping of the hybrid motor, the green Cayenne S gallops like a powerful horse and had become one of the most desired hybrid SUVs for all types of driving. The experience is smooth and stable in the city and in less inhabited terrains. Cayenne manages to turn heads and grab the attention of auto lovers wherever it goes. While the $69,000 MSRP is on the very high end of vehicles in its class, some would say this hybrid is in a class all its own.

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.

BMW Active Hybrid X6
BMW introduced a hybrid engine into its X6 model in 2009 but sales have been less than stellar and after this year, this luxury hybrid crossover will no longer be sold in the U.S. BMW enthusiast websites have started confirming the decision taken by the auto-manufacturer. The X6 hybrid might be most famous for being the fastest hybrid SUV in the world – at least for pure hybrids built to date. It is said to put out as much as 480 horsepower and maintains the luxury, comfort and status of the regular X6. Two problems that have been cited with the BMW hybrid are price and the reluctance of potential buyers motivated by efficiency versus speed and power. Maybe this hybrid was ahead of its time.

Mercedes ML-450
News that Mercedes will stop production of its ML-450 hybrid started coming in around September 2011 (here). The ML-450 was also introduced into the market in 2009 and will be ending production by 2012. The most likely problem with this green Mercedes was its low production and that it was too expensive. With manufacturers like Toyota already capitalizing on the hybrid segment for extremely fuel-efficient models like the Prius, Mercedes seemed to believe they could compete based on comfort and design. The luxury and class of this particular Mercedes does not seem to have supported the high price strategy and sales were not strong at this price point.

Ford Escape Hybrid
Ford Escape is the compact SUV line that was introduced by Ford Motor Company in 2000/2001. The hybrid version was introduced in the year 2004 for model year ’05. The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid SUV – built by the first American automobile manufacturer. After an eight year run, it is also being discontinued after 2012. This SUV hybrid will be replaced with a gas engine model that uses EcoBoost technology. It isn’t entirely clear why the hybrid Escape will soon be gone – but Ford has mentioned that their ecoboost model will do nearly as well as the hybrid did in terms of gas mileage. Sales of the hybrid version are down this year and Ford seems focused on their new C-MAX hybrids due out in 2012.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid
After more than 70 years, the Mercury brand is gone. As you might recall, Mercury was supposed to be a mid-priced brand – somewhere between Ford and Lincoln. Mercury phased out some vehicles in 2009 and announced on its website that the Mariner hybrid SUV will be phased out by 2012. The Milan, Mountaineer and Grand Marquis will be gone too. Goodbye Mercury cars…you will be missed.

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’.

Another unique fact about the VW Cross Coupe Plug-In Hybrid SUV is that it is the first vehicle built on the latest and much awaited Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix. There seems a wide chance that this concept will actually go into the production line soon. So, let us find what we can expect for the ‘probable’ upcoming VW Cross Coupe Plug-In Hybrid SUV.

A Closer Look
Design is something VW would never give us an excuse to complain about. Things are the same for the VW Cross Coupe Plug-In Hybrid SUV. Yet, it easily distinguishes itself from rest of the VW line-up. Although it is considerably smaller than a regular CUV, it carries a very dominant and powerful appeal that is missing even in many huge SUVs. This is perhaps due to its longer wheelbase, wider track with and ingeniously carved lines and styling. This design offers Cross Coupe better ground clearance as well.

An Inside Look
This fabulous four-seat Cross Coupe offers impressive cabin space, thanks to its front-wheel-drive configuration which leaves the transmission tunnel for the battery. Rear seats can be folded flat in order to get a maximum luggage space of 43.4 cubic feet which seems quite unbelievable for its size. This battery placement also contributes to better handling and off-road performance due to a lower center of gravity.

A Deeper Look
Under the hood of VW Cross Coupe Plug-In Hybrid SUV, there are three different power sources. There is pair of 40 kW electric motors, one on each axle, producing 54 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque. The rear one drives the rear wheels while the front motor is for both the front and rear wheels. These motors are powered by a 9.8 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.

The third power source is a 148 hp direct injection turbo gasoline engine. Part of this powertrain is a dual-clutch seven-speed direct shift gearbox which enables the engine to be disconnected from the powertrain. This allows this hybrid to run on an all-electric mode which is good for 25 miles.

VW Cross Coupe Plug-In Hybrid SUV also introduces a multi-mode drivetrain. This feature gives the freedom to configure the SUV for City (economy), Sports (performance) and Off-road (All wheel drive) mode as desired. This Cross Coupe can easily hit the 0 to 60 mark in just 7 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. This top speed reduces to 75 mph for the all electric mode. What’s really astonishing is that this it delivers a fuel efficiency of 87 mpg.

The Final Look
VW Cross Coupe Plug-In Hybrid SUV design reflects ingenuity in both technical and aesthetic terms. Although it carries a lot of revolutionary features, it is a real-world practical concept which seems ready to go into production. However, even if it does not, all future SUVs from VW, including the Tiguan, are expected to borrow the Cross Coupe’s design and dynamics.

Booming economies like China and India require a large influx of petroleum products to support their industries and a rapidly mushrooming fleet of cars, trucks and other vehicles. Traffic, pollution, and the economic strain of constant fuel price increase is taking its toll in these economies, opening new doors of opportunities for green technologies and clean-powered vehicles like electric cars and hybrid SUVs to enter in.

A Ready Market?

The biggest market growth sectors for the automobile industry is undoubtedly in Asia, with China spearheading this growth backed by government stimulus and a greater deal of control over the local market. Already breaking through the 20 million barrier, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers expect sales to reach 25 million annually over the next couple of years. India is also poised to rake in even bigger sales figures with Hyundai-powered Korea following suit.

This trend however is not isolated to traditional diesel or gasoline-powered vehicles but is also seen on new emerging markets for electric cars and hybrid vehicles. A new market research report from Reportlinker placed 56% of the global sales volume for electric vehicles coming from East Asia, covering a wide variety of electric and hybrid bikes, cars and trucks. As prices become more affordable and better plug-in infrastructure support is established, sales of electric and hybrid vehicles is expected to reach further growth and market share.

These figures are supported by the “Powertrain of the Future” study from A.T. Kearney which projects that by the year 2020, the powertrain landscape for vehicles in Asia will have a more diverse distribution: 51% gasoline vehicles; 14% diesel-powered engines; 15% full hybrid cars; 11% natural gas powered vehicles; and the remaining 8% for plug-in hybrid vehicles. This is a far cry from the 80% gasoline – 19% diesel – 1% other landscape mix from 2007.

New Market Entries

Asian consumers particularly in China and India prefer vehicles that embody both luxury and utility, characteristics that are typically provided for by hybrid SUVs. This thirst for innovative super vehicles will be satiated in the very near future, with Asian consumers treated to a host of new hybrid SUV models and concepts showcased during the recent Shanghai Motor Show.

Stealing the spotlight was the Buick Envision concept, an innovative brain child from powerhouse General Motors in collaboration with its Chinese partner Shanghai Auto. Buick has enjoyed tremendous success in the Chinese market, selling more than 550,000 traditionally-powered units last year – a far cry from the 150,000 units sold in its counterpart US market. Such tremendous success prompted GM to launch this hybrid SUV crossover, initially intended for the Chinese and Asian market, and later to other global markets as well.

Other players in the hybrid SUV concept also emerged during the motor show, such as Peugeot SxC (Shanghai Cross Concept) featuring the new diesel Hybrid4 technology with four-wheel drive capabilities. Another innovative hybrid SUV concept showcased during the show is the 2011 hybrid release from Ford, the Escape Hybrid SUV which features its advanced hybrid technology – plus a plethora of added features and amenities well-suited for a vehicle in this class.

Although there is some reluctance among Asian consumers for hybrid SUVs, particularly with regards to the higher upfront costs, the fuel advantage and promptings from their government to reduce overall fuel consumption makes hybrid sport utility vehicles an appealing solution. As Asian economies gear up for an influx of hybrids and electric vehicles, expect a greener and cleaner automobile landscape to appear in this area of the world during the very near future.

We have covered hybrid SUV safety here before, and compared hybrid safety to that of other vehicles as well. In light of this recent study, below are general safety ratings and features on four of the largest, heaviest hybrid sport utilities available now.

Top-Rated Hybrid SUVs: Some Safer Options

If you cringe every time you pay at the gas pump, chances are you have considered a hybrid vehicle. With the price of gas at record levels, coupled with the looming panic over global warming, now is as good a time as any to consider a hybrid alternative. Virtually all car manufacturers now carry a selection of hybrid cars. Such variety in models, brands and styles allows consumers to consider what they value most when considering their next automobile purchase: at the top of every parent’s list is safety. For the style savvy parent who requires room for all of the camping, soccer and hockey gear, a hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV) is a great option. Below you will find four of the top picks in Hybrid SUVs based on their safety ratings.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a leading authority in highway safety, tests and rates vehicles based on their safety options. They test for frontal and side crash ratings, as well as rollover and overall safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests and rates vehicles based on their front, side and rear crash ratings, as well as their rollover safety.

The NHTSA ranked the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV AWD, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV 4WD and the GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV 4WD (all 2012 models) very high. The frontal and side crash rating for these three models was a perfect 5 stars. Despite each receiving a mediocre rollover rating of 3 stars, the Escalade, Tahoe and Yukon all averaged an overall rating of 4 stars. The IIHS touted the Toyota Highlander 2011 models as among the safest of midsized SUVs, with a top rated front, side, rear crash and rollover rating.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid features enhanced stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, smart stop technology, advanced airbag system (including curtain airbags), seatbelt warning sensors, side impact door beams and a tire pressure monitoring system – to name only a few of the many standard safety features.

The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a luxurious option in the fuel efficient SUVs. The 2012 model has standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a blind-spot warning system, front and side airbags and OnStar. Despite the NHTSA review, Cadillac insists that it has “exceptional rollover mitigation”.

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid also has the OnStar system and anti-lock brakes. The OnStar system has an automatic response in the event of a crash. The Tahoe also boasts a steel safety cage, traction control, Proactive Roll Avoidance, a tire pressure monitor, rear view camera system and 6 air bags.

The GMC Yukon Hybrid also has an impressive list of safety features. Airbags line the vehicle from front to back and curtain-side. A “LATCH” system allows for child safety seats. Other standard features are rear parking assist, OnStar, rear vision camera, tire pressure monitoring system and intelligent brake assist.

All things considered, these SUVs have been touted as impressive performers in crash tests. The Highlander, Escalade, Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid versions receive top marks for safety – not to mention style, comfort and the fuel economy that you would expect from a Hybrid.

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.

There will be more than 20 auto-maker press conferences, where the auto-makers are eager to convince consumers that they are investing heavily in cars that buyers really want. Those attending the show this year can expect to see cutting-edge technological advancements, significant improvements in performance and design, and an even stronger trend towards lower carbon emissions. Over 900 new vehicles will be on display, and many of the manufacturers have enhanced their product offerings with interactive digital features.

Especially notable for this year is a substantial increase in fuel economy across all categories. We count nearly 20 high-efficiency automobiles—each achieving 40+ mpg with basic combustion engines.  We see a clear resurgence for the four-cylinder engine, which has become an essential powerplant for most automakers in this time of higher fuel prices and lower consumer spending.

A number of manufacturers are offering completely new designs—many re-engineered to deliver power that we’ve previously seen only in larger displacement engines.  As a result, four-cylinders are now more commonly seen in medium size models. In particular, the intensely competitive light-crossover category will feature two long-standing rivals–the Ford Escape and Honda CRV—both having 4-cylinder base models. Mazda is also putting forward a new entry in this class: the all-new CX-5 crossover, which makes its North American debut at the LA show.

Carbonless emissions go full-throttle—or should we say no throttle—with a large group of entirely electric vehicles on exhibit at this year’s show.  Most of these are either entering production or already shipping to dealerships—these include the Ford Focus Electric, the Nissan’s LEAF, the all-electric Mitsubishi “i,” the BMW i3 Concept, Coda’s sedan, and the DOK-ING XD (an Croatian import). Hybrids and plug-ins continue to grow.  Highlights in that category are the Toyota Prius Hybrid Plug-in, and Honda’s Civic Hybrid and Insight Hybrid. BMW will also exhibit the ground-breaking hybrid i8—their latest concept for a plug-in sports coupe.

Hybrid SUVs at the LA Auto Show include the Escalade, ActiveHybrid X6, Tahoe, Yukon, RX 450h, Cayenne S, Highlander and Touareg. View them all on this page.

High-technology systems are becoming one of the most critical aspects of new car product development.  At the LA Show, expect to find cutting-edge applications of Bluetooth, embedded radar sensors, telephony and higher-bandwidth Internet access. Such systems give the modern driver heads-up access to advanced safety system monitoring, enhanced communications, audio, and social networking. Visitors to the show should pay special attention to the showcases of Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Since it’s the premier North American auto show for the 2011-2012 season, this year’s LA Auto Show is hosting the industry’s hottest new vehicles and setting the pace for the remainder of the year. The dates are November 16 & 17 for the press and November 18-27 for the general public.  The LA Auto Show is typically one of the largest-attendance shows in the entire world. Check out the L.A. Auto Show on Facebook ,Twitter, and www.LAAutoShow.com.

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.

That same pricey Mercedes also boasts the worst fuel economy of the group (about 13 MPG combined) while the Ford Escape Hybrid (most likely in its final year of production) averages closer to 33 miles per gallon in combined city and highway motoring.

So, without further introduction – below is a comparison of *price and fuel economy for the 2012 model SUVs.

Much of the information in the above chart was compiled from the November 2011 issue of Motor Trend magazine, which also previews 2012 trucks and vans.

* Several of the above listed starting prices and fuel economy numbers are estimates based on prior year models and best guesses. In many cases, manufacturers offer numerous engine and drivetrain configurations (v-4, v-6, FWD, AWD, etc.) making it difficult to list and compare SUVs in this type of format.

In most cases, we tried to list the least expensive option (typically the front wheel drive model with the 4 cylinder engine). The same is true for gas mileage, where we entered the best case scenerio for city and highway fuel economy.

The original article and research from Motortrend can be found online. It includes much more information such as what’s new in ’12, why you might want to avoid particular models, cool facts, best buys, what to look for in the future, the driver’s configuration of choice, and a quick summary. Specifications also include the 0-60 mph figures, tow capacity and/or payload, and some warranty and safety data.

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.

Luxury car makers are stepping onto the hybrid playing field. Cadillac offers its top-of-the-line SUV in a hybrid version of the Escalade. Already a popular luxury SUV, Cadillac took the engine design a step farther to improve mileage of the traditional SUV by 33%, without sacrificing any of the power. By storing energy used during braking, it provides an efficient, luxurious ride, but can also haul almost three tons and comes in 2WD or 4WD. With this SUV, Cadillac currently owns the full-size luxury hybrid SUV market.

One of the more successful hybrids of late, the Honda Insight is undergoing a massive retooling. Already holding a record for the highest fuel efficiency and lowest price of hybrids, Honda now introduces the Honda Insight Executive. Like the Mercedes-Benz, Honda wants to attract an upscale audience. The patented engine is upgraded from 1.3 liters to 1.5, adding 26 horsepower. Although only available in Japan, industry experts expect a version will soon come to the US.

Some car companies have languished in the background of the hybrid war, and appear to be waiting for technology to improve before introducing their model.  With several mediocre models already in production, Kia has quietly perfected the Ray, its big weapon in the hybrid slug fest. Although still a concept car, the Ray is well on its way to production. If this does what Kia says it can do, the first battle might be over.

The Ray plug-in would be a direct competitor to the Chevrolet Volt. Although it only achieves 202 mpg compared to the Volt’s 230 (seriously?), a single refueling allows it to go almost eight hundred miles and fifty miles on the batteries alone. This is achieved by a few smart tweaks. The alternator charges only on deceleration and braking, using the kinetic energy of the car itself. Additional solar cells on the roof charge secondary electronics, preventing drag on the engine.

These days, car makers seem to announce (or leaks rumors of) new hybrid-electric vehicles every other week. Most recently we learned about the Tesla X (SUV), Honda Freed (hybrid minivan) and Chrysler’s plans to (reluctantly) build more hybrids. These additions and improvement to hybrid technology offer a quick peek into the future.

Some industry experts believe that within thirty years, hybrid and electric vehicles will capture up to 80% of the new car market. If vehicles of the future advance as quickly as the Ray, Insight or Escalade Hybrid – they could be right.