Hybrid Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)

I'm starting my research on a new car, and I feel a strong obligation to buy a hybrid car. I've always considered myself as being an environmentally conscious person, but after recently seeing "An Inconvenient Truth", I'm more motivated than ever to make some real lifestyle changes. A hybrid car is one thing that our family can do to help reduce global warming.

I know that some of you are non-believers after the New York Times article claiming that SUV hybrids and SUV non-hybrids had similar mpg. On the highway there may be little difference ( 27 mpg for Toyota Highlander Hybrid and 25 for the same Toyota Highlander) but in the city the differences are sizable (31 for the hybrid and 19 for the non-hybrid). When driving in the city, the hybrid's range is 533 miles, where the non-hybrid is 363 miles. Personally, I think it's enough of a difference to pay the extra money and go for the hybrid.

Buying a small hybrid sedan or coupe would probably be the best for our environment, but it's just not practical with kids and a dog. Luckily, automakers are catching on and building hybrid SUVs. I'll be compiling a list of the current on-the-market hybrid SUVs and the ones that will be coming out in the next few years.

I figure I might as well make a hub for each car I research. Click on the link of each car for more information. If you own a hybrid or have any advice, please leave a comment below.

• Toyota Highlander Hybrid

• Lexus RX400h
• Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
• Ford Escape Hybrid