Get ready! The 2010 hybrid SUVs are coming! Now is a great time to think about buying a hybrid SUV. There are more choices than ever before and hybrid technology has grown considerably. As only the Lexus RX 450h hybrid SUV has been released as of July 28, 2009, the final prices of the 2010 models are not yet known. Here are the best 5 hybrid SUVs for 2010 listed as likely to be the least expensive to the most expensive.
1. Saturn Vue Hybrid
With the lowest 2009 MSRP base price of $28, 160, it’s not surprising that it also has the smallest engine (2.4 liters 4-cylinders) and the lowest fuel economy with 25mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Of the hybrid SUVs with seating for 5, it has the largest gas tank with a capacity of 18.3 gallons and can tow up to 1500 pounds. If price is your number 1 concern, the 2010 Saturn Vue hybrid is for you.
2. Ford Escape Hybrid
With a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, the 5-passenger Ford Escape hybrid is slightly more powerful than the Saturn Vue hybrid, but its 2-wheel drive models along with the Mercury Mariner ‘s achieve the best fuel economy with 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway while the 4-wheel drive model consumes 29 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. In 2009, the base MSRP for the 2-wheel drive model started at $29,645 and the 4-wheel drive model at $31,395. For an additional $2,000 or so, you can get a limited edition Ford Escape hybrid with shiny chrome and leather. As the first on the hybrid SUV scene, if the manufacturer’s track record is your number 1 concern, then pick the 2010 Ford Escape hybrid.
3. Mercury Mariner Hybrid
With its cool ice blue interior lighting and its 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, this 5-passenger SUV hybrid shares the best fuel economy for hybrid SUVs with the Ford Escape hybrid, at 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Both the Mercury Mariner hybrid and Ford Escape hybrid have a 17-gallon tank. Base MSRP for the 2009 models started at $30,090 for the 2-wheel drive model and $31,840 for the 4-wheel drive model. The warranties are industry standard at 3yrs or 30,000 miles for bumper to bumper coverage, 5 yrs or 60,000 miles for powertrain coverage and 8 yrs or 100,000 for hybrid related components coverage. If performance is your number 1 concern, then drive away with a 2010 Mercury Mariner hybrid.
4. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
With its larger 3.3liter 6-cylinder engine and seating capacity of 7, the Toyota Highlander hybrid still manages to beat the fuel economy of the smaller Saturn Vue with a rate of 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. It shares along with the Lexus RX 450h a fuel tank capacity of 17.2 gallons. Although not designed for off-road driving, this 4-wheel drive hybrid SUV can tow up to 3500 pounds. The 2009 model’s base MSRP is $34,700. By adding a little less than $2,000 to the price, you can get the limited edition which features leather interior, heated front seats, satellite radio, 6-disc in dash CD changer and more. If space is your number 1 concern, then choose the 2010 Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV.
5. Lexus RX 450h Hybrid
As the only released 2010 hybrid SUV on the market, the Lexus RX 450h is sure to get your attention. With the largest engine (3.5 liters 6-cylinders), this SUV hybrid can still get very decent fuel economy at 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The base MSRP for the 2-wheel drive model starts at $41,660 and the 4-wheel drive model at $43,250. With bumper to bumper coverage for 4yrs or 50,000 miles, powertrain coverage for 6 yrs or 70,000 miles and hybrid related component coverage for 8 yrs or 100,000 miles, the Lexus RX 450h has the best warranty on the list. If peace of mind is your number 1 concern, make the 2010 Lexus RX 450h your next hybrid SUV.
As you consider purchasing a 2010 hybrid SUV, take a comprehensive look at any of the 5 best SUV hybrids for 2010 listed. By clicking on the title link above for each of the top hybrid SUVs for 2010, you can go directly to the dealer website where you will not only find detailed information and photos of each SUV hybrid model but you can customize the car to fit you. By doing so, you will also get a more realistic estimation of price for the vehicle that matches your lifestyle. Remember to focus on your primary needs and concerns not only the sticker price. If you do find that funds are an issue, you may want to see if you are eligible for the CARS (Cash Rebate Allowance System) http://www.cars.gov/ discount or a tax credit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml from the US government or your local state government.
Sources:
Saturn Hybrid Home Page. Accessed July 28, 2009.
Ford Escape Hybrid Home Page. < http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escapehybrid/> Accessed July 28, 2009.
Mercury Mariner Hybrid Technology Home Page. Accessed July 28, 2009.
Toyota Highlander Home Page. Accessed July 28, 2009.
Lexus RX 450h Home Page. < http://www.lexus.com/models/RXh/?s_ocid=AllModels_RXh_Display_Info> Accessed July 28, 2009.
