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.
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. 
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. 
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