Ever since gas hit the three dollar mark a couple of years ago, people have been comparing the SUV Hybrid MPG vs. the Hybrid car MPG. All the while, looking for ways to reduce their energy cost. Car manufacturers have responded by offering hybrid versions of some of their most popular vehicles, but do hybrids offer the fuel savings that we have come to expect?
Toyota Prius vs. Highlander
Ever since the Prius made its American debut in 2000, Toyota has been at the forefront of hybrid development, and it shows. The flagship hybrid from Toyota is the Prius sedan, which achieves 51 MPG city and 48 MPG highway. It does this with a 1.8L 4-cylinder, coupled to a constant velocity transmission (CVT). With a base price of $21,000 and a top price of $26,000, the Prius is a good deal, unless more room is needed than a compact has to offer. If so, then look at the Toyota Highlander hybrid. The Highlander is powered by a 3.3L V6 coupled to a CVT transmission, which achieves a very respectful 27 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. The Highlander is expensive, costing between $35,000 and $41,000.
Ford Fusion vs. Escape
In the mid-size hybrid category is the Ford Fusion. The Fusion is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder coupled to a CVT transmission helping it achieve 41 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. The Fusion hybrid is only available in one trim, with a price around $27,000, making it more expensive than the Prius. The 2010 Ford Escape hybrid has best in class fuel economy, for a SUV, besting even the Toyota Highlander. The Escape is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder coupled to a CVT transmission, helping it achieve 30 MPG city and 27 MPG on the highway. The price is about the same as the Toyota, with the Escape costing between $29,000 and $34,000.
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet is fairly new to the hybrid market and it shows. The Tahoe is powered by a 6L V8 coupled to a CVT transmission and achieves a paltry 21 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. It also is the most expensive one on the list with a price between $50,000 and $53,000. Chevrolet has offered a hybrid version of the Malibu in the past, but it is not available for the 2010 model year. The Tahoe is the most expensive one on the list and achieves the worst mileage, making it a bad deal.
There are a lot of different hybrid cars on the market today, from a compact Prius all the way to the full size Tahoe. All hybrids are not created equal, and should be thoroughly researched before a purchase decision is made. There are many factors to consider, from size, to passenger capacity, towing capacity, and fuel mileage, to fit many different lifestyles. The two automakers with the best offerings are Toyota and Ford, but Honda has a few good hybrid cars to choose from as well. Chevrolet has hybrid versions of its popular Tahoe and trucks, but the fuel mileage is only marginally better, and the cost to purchase is steep. In the end, it all comes down to needs and personal preference.
Mileage information taken from www.fueleconomy.gov
