Why a Hybrid SUV?

Hybrids are quickly becoming the fashionable car to have. Everyone wants to align themselves with green ideals and save the earth. However, we have also grown accustomed to all the space and versatility SUVs afford. Some lifestyles and hobbies simply aren’t a good match for a tiny hybrid, so why not go green and satisfy your need for space and power with a hybrid SUV?

Some people might say that because even the best, midsize hybrid SUVs get around 25-30 miles per gallon, they aren’t doing much for our environment. Well, consider this: if a standard fuel sport utility gets less than 20 miles per gallon and a large percentage of the vehicles on our roads are SUVs, then that increase in fuel economy will make a big impact if the switch from standard fuel to hybrid power is done on a large scale. In addition, the average gas mileage for any car on the road today is about 22 mpg, meaning there are several “above average” hybrid SUV’s.

If you are considering buying and driving a hybrid, here are a few of the advantages you can enjoy in choosing a SUV over a smaller vehicle:

1. People moving. Yes, piling the whole family into one car for that Thanksgiving trip to Grandma’s will save gas and pollute less than if you were to split into a few separate cars. Some hybrid SUVs can seat up to nine people, plus lots of luggage and left-overs.
2. Hauling stuff. Whether you are a DIY-er replacing your flooring with a more earth-friendly material or moving kids to and from college dorms, the space a hybrid SUV offers is the same as a non-hybrid. The difference will be your fuel costs and impact on the environment.
3. Pulling toys. While most boaters and snow mobilers are more eco-conscious than the general public because they spend their leisure time enjoying the great outdoors, many just can’t settle for a smaller hybrid vehicle. How would a Toyota Prius or Honda Civic hybrid haul two jet skis, a fishing boat or a pop-up camper? If you don’t want to sacrifice your hobbies for 40-50 miles per gallon, a reliable hybrid SUV that gets 20-50% better fuel economy than your average SUV may be a good option.
4. Deals and value. With the economy not looking up any time soon, dealers are having a hard time moving any inventory, especially SUVs and even their slightly more expensive hybrid counterparts. Now is the time to locate that “SUV Sale” to wheel and deal on a new hybrid SUV.

Hybrid SUVs are a great way to do what you can for the environment without inconveniencing your life. When we make changes that make a difference and are also easy for us to stick to, we will be better stewards of the environment. After all, what good is a tiny hybrid car that you leave in the garage week after week while you take the kids to soccer, the antique rocker to be reupholstered and the boat to the lake?