Latest Hybrid SUVs

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid

The least pricey hybrid SUV, and the most fuel-efficient SUV, is the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. It brings compact car-like fuel saving (up to 32 mpg collective), plus roomy seating for five and optional … four-wheel drive. It costs more, tows less and handles a bit more inelegantly than the gas-only edition of the Ford Escape, but with up to 11 mpg improved fuel economy, specialists say the hybrid SUV does ultimately pay for itself. The Ford Escape Hybrid has a couple of fraternal clones in the 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid and limited-availability 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid. All Ford Escape SUVs experience from long braking distances and poor overturn ratings, although crash protection is otherwise good. 

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 

At 26 mpg combined, the 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient, seven-passenger vehicle one can buy. All-wheel drive comes typical (although Toyota says the hybrid is "not intended to be driven … off-road"), and crash scores are regularly good. The optional third row fits only for children, but testers find the Highlander Hybrid otherwise tremendously spacious and comfortable. It tows less than the larger eight-passenger 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (Base MSRP: $50,720 to $53,525), but the Toyota hybrid SUV drinks significantly less gas and costs thousands less. That said, the Highlander Hybrid costs $9,000 more than the base gas-only Highlander, and experts say it would take years to make up the difference on fuel savings.

2010 Lexus RX 450h

The 2010 Lexus RX 450h is simply the best choice if you want a hybrid SUV but don't want to skimp on facilities, reviewers say. Although not as powerful as new hybrid SUVs from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, this Lexus hybrid crossover … brings much healthier fuel economy of 30 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, and only 1 mpg less with all-wheel drive. Superb safety ratings, masses of cargo space and a posh five-passenger cabin complete the package. Don't anticipate fuel economy to equalize the hybrid's higher cost versus a gas-only Lexus SUV, expert’s caution, but if you simply want a luxury crossover SUV that's as environmentally friendly as possible, the Lexus RX 450h is the best option. 

2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

If you need to seat eight people and/or tow heavy loads, reviewers say the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is your best choice among hybrid SUVs. It's mostly the same vehicle as the 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid (Base MSRP: $51,185 to… $61,345) and 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (Base MSRP: $73,425 to $87,725), but the Chevy costs the least, even though it comes loaded with leather, GPS navigation and more. Its 22 mpg fuel economy is paltry for a hybrid, but notable for a gigantic SUV. Front and side-crash protection ratings are good, but the tall Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and its clones are more likely to roll over in a crash than any other hybrid SUV.

Some of the hot pics The 14th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2011)

A model poses beside the Spyker C8 Aileron during the media day of the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition at Shanghai New International Expo Center on April 19, 2011 in Shanghai, China.

Two models pose beside the Maserati GT MC Stradale during the media day.

A model poses by a Cadillac CTS coupe at the Shanghai Auto Show in Shanghai on April 19, 2011. About 2,000 car and parts makers from 20 countries are participating in the Shanghai auto show, showcasing 75 new car models, 19 of them making their world premieres.

 A Bentley Bentley Continental GT Car is displayed during the media day.

A Mercedes-Benz A Class concept vehicle is displayed at the Auto Shanghai 2011 car show in Shanghai, China, on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition

The 14th biennial Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition has rapidly become very important with the extraordinary growth of the world’s largest car market as a manufacturing and purchaser supremacy.

Besides the wild Chinese concepts from the infant home-grown marques, there is a great deal on present at Shanghai which is important to the world’s car market.

The Chinese market is tailoring precisely to the present needs of the luxury car industry, in maintaining reputation while simultaneously reducing emissions and expenditure. Up market crossovers and saloons with economical hybrid powertrains have been seen from Citroen’s DS5 to Audi’s A3 e-tron.

On the other hand, demonstrating the vast (and lucrative) difference in Chinese buying habits, Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Bugatti have all exhibited the latest versions of their flagship models, to great interest and acclaim.

There’s also proof of the huge leaps made by once-ridiculed Chinese manufacturers. European levels of build excellence and safety are yet to be definite but the vast majority look unmarked, conventional and workable as consumer products. Expect this to signal the start of a trend, which takes China right to the fore of world auto-manufacturing superpowers.