When the time comes to make a decision to buy a new SUV, there are many factors that come into play. Do you need seating for eight or just five? How much power do you need? How big is too big? Would you like a hybrid or standard fuel SUV?
A quick browse of hybridsuv.com shows you that more and more auto manufacturers are adding to their hybrid offerings by making hybrid sport utility vehicles. With so many green options, it can be difficult to know which hybrid SUV will fit your needs. Here is a quick list of things to consider when looking for a new hybrid SUV:
1. Lifestyle fit. Will you be shuttling the kids back and forth from school to piano lessons to basketball practice? Or do you need something that can handle frequent long-haul trips to the lake with your boat in tow? When it comes to hybrid SUVs, the range of available sizes and towing capacities is about as wide as it is with standard fuel SUVs. From the petite 2009 Ford Escape to the gigantic GMC Yukon, there is a hybrid SUV for all types of drivers.
2. Fuel economy. Of course, with the size differential comes a similarly wide range of fuel economies. As you can see from this SUV gas mileage chart, how large of a hybrid SUV you buy is a good approximation of how good your fuel economy will be: the larger the vehicle, the less miles per gallon you will get. Obviously, the hybrid versions do better than their gas-only siblings.
3. Price wise. With so many auto makers jumping in on the hybrid SUV market, there are options at any price point. Economy rides like the Saturn Vue start around $26,000 while the luxury, top-of-the-line SUVs such as the upcoming Porsche Cayenne hybrid or Lexus RX 400h, which is currently on the market, run buyers over $40,000. In addition to sticker price, you’ll want to also consider if the hybrid you buy is eligible for tax credits. Check out our article on hybrid SUV tax credits here to learn more.
4. Other hybrid options. If you were mainly considering a green SUV to haul or tow, you might want to watch the news on hybrid pickups and trucks. Also, when gas prices rise, many people start to wonder if they really even need a sport utility. Some of the larger hybrid cars, like the Camry, Altima, and Malibu might work equally as well. Before you buy, it’s worth taking some time to look at all the best hybrid car options.
