Hybrid SUVs aren’t cheap. And, because used hybrids hold their resale value better than their less fuel-efficient counterparts, used hybrid versions aren’t cheap either. So, raise your hand if you’d like to see a more affordable hybrid suv option. I’m not talking about a full-size luxury suv, or one with lots of bells and whistles. Heck, I don’t even need it to be an all wheel drive model; just one that competes with several other new sport utility vehicles in terms of price, options, reliability, etc.
For starters, let’s examine a few of the more affordable (non-hybrid) options for those of us in the market for a new suv in 2008 (based on data from Motor Trend).
1. 2008 Jeep Liberty (starting at $20,990)
2. 2008 Jeep Patriot (starting at $16,035)
3. 2008 Nissan Rogue (estimated starting price: $19,000)
4. 2008 Saturn Vue (starting at $21,395)
5. 2008 Ford Escape (starting at $19,770)
6. 2008 Kia Sportage (starting at $16,050)
7. 2008 Suzuki XL7 (starting at $21,349)
8. 2008 Suburu Forester (starting at $21,995)
9. 2008 Honda CR-V (starting at $21,900)
10. 2008 Chevy Equinox (starting at $22,380)
11. 2008 Dodge Nitro (starting at $19,595)
For these 11 suv’s, the average starting price is less than $20,100. Now, let’s compare these to what you’d have to pay if you wanted to buy an suv that gets better gas mileage and is less harmful on the environment. And, since we want to compare apples to apples, we’ll leave out the Lexus 400h and the Toyota Highlander hybrid.
1. 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (starting at $26,330)
2. 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid (starting at $24,795)
3. 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid (starting at $25,310)
4. 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (starting at $26,995)
For these 4 suv’s, the average base price is over $25,800…a whopping $5,700 more than our gas only average! So, how long might it take to recoup the extra $5,700 you have to shell out for a base-model hybrid utility? Well, let’s assume you drive 15,000 miles per year, with the price of gas averaging $3 per gallon. And, let’s suppose your hybrid suv got 28 miles per gallon (compared to 20 mpg for a traditional, gas only model).
In this realistic scenario, you’d save about $650 in fuel costs each year, taking more than 8 years to break even. And, even if you figure in the $3,000 fuel dollar credits - currently available for the Escape and/or Mariner, it would still take more than 4 years before you’d be ahead. (Maybe some improved tax credits for buying a hybrid vehicle should have been part of the 2007 energy bill??)
So, if it’s an affordable hybrid suv you’re looking for…don’t hold your breath. Unfortunately, things don’t look any more promising in 2008, with the hybrid Tahoe and hybrid Yukon expected to start at more than $47,000. When do you think we’ll see a hybrid suv starting at less than $20,000? And for all you AutoSpies, are there other alternative fuel SUV’s that should be on our list? How about diesel options?
