Sports Utility Vehicles and Crossover Utility Vehicles are the Swiss Army Knives of the automotive world. Unfortunately, they are not the most thrifty when it comes to fuel consumption. Recently, many automakers have addressed this issue by converting some SUVs and Crossovers to hybrids. Here's our top 10 choices for 2009 hybrid SUVs
This is another vehicle that shares its platform with the Cadillac Escalade 2-Mode Hybrid, but there are several internal, external and trim differences. The
GMC Yukon Hybrid bridges the gap between the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Although it sits in 10th place, make no mistake, this is an excellent vehicle that pampers the driver who likes feeling like they are driving a Cadillac Escalade without looking like they are driving an Escalade. The GMC Yukon uses the same 332 horsepower Gen IV 6.0L Vortec V8 with Active Fuel Management 6.0 liter gas engine and electricity generated by the electric motors and 300V Energy Storage System used in the Cadillac and Chevrolet. When in Auto Stop the hybrid will conserve fuel by shutting off all engine power when the vehicle is not in motion. This ensures that no fuel is wasted and no carbon emissions are produced. While operating at slow speeds or during stop-and-go city traffic, the Hybrid can use electricity, taking its power from the electric motors and 300 volt battery. The Hybrid can run on both the electric motors and the 6.0 liter gas engine depending on vehicle speed and engine loading. When additional power is needed, the Yukon Hybrid will transition to full power and use both gas and electric motors. With unique body panels, lights and interior options, the GMC Yukon sits squarely between the Cadillac and Chevrolet’s price and option bracket.
Available in either 2WD or 4WD, both models come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and room for 5. The 2WD version gets the best EPA ratings of 32 mpg combined. The 4WD is slightly less and has an automatic transfer system that sends power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected. This works in all terrain and is well suited for slippery roads. A gasoline powered 153 horsepower (with 136 lbs feet of torque at 4,500 rpm), 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder is the only engine choice. The gas engine is coupled to a Permanent Magnet AC synchronous motor 330-volt Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) producing 94 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Think of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid as the luxury edition of the Ford Escape Hybrid. Features and options are many and the suspension, tire, wheel and interior differ from both the Ford and Mazda cousins. The overall design communicates more of a sophisticated bent than its cousins and there is an urban vibe that translates well throughout the
Mercury Mariner Hybrid’s design.