The Cadillac Escalade is the top of the line, when it comes to an American, 7 seat SUV, which seat up to seven passengers. This is essentially a Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon, only it is polished up with all of the bells and whistles. The Cadillac name is enough to sell a lot of people on the vehicle, as they are one of the original, luxury auto manufacturers. This vehicle was redesigned in 2008, the same year that the new Tahoe and Yukon were released. The biggest changes were a little extra curve around the grille area and an engine upgrade. The new Escalade has a 6.2 liter engine, producing upwards up 400 horsepower, plenty to haul seven passengers. The Tahoe is also available in a hybrid package, for those who want a little better gas mileage. Overall, this is a very nice vehicle; however, the gas mileage is mediocre at just 12 in the city and 18 on the highway.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Another option for a 7 seat suv would be the Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon. These are essentially the same vehicle, with a few minor differences, such as the style of wheels. This is not to say that one has nicer wheels than the other, but rather, they have to make something look a little different to sell the same vehicle under two, different names. This would be an excellent way for people to have something a small step below the Escalade, but also being able to save $10,000 or more. People can even buy a more basic model, which would come with cloth seats for an even greater savings.

For those who want the best of the best, and do not demand an American made vehicle might consider the Range Rover Land Rover. This is a vehicle that was made popular in several movies. This model was actually designed for off road use in its early years; however, they realized that people were more interested in the luxury style vehicles. Range Rover claims this vehicle will still handle off road terrain; however, not too many people want to take an $80,000 vehicle through the woods. The Land Rover features a 5.0 liter V8, and people can also add a supercharger. The base V8 has 375 horsepower, while the supercharged model produces a whopping, 501 horsepower. All of this horsepower comes at a price, as this SUV also only gets 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 on the highway.

These would all be excellent choices for luxurious, seven seater SUVs. The Escalade and Range Rover are the most comparable for the price; however, the Tahoe and Yukon are a close second and will save some cash. These vehicle all get the same fuel economy, so buyers will not have to worry about that when making the decision. The ultimate difference between these is whether people prefer a domestic or foreign vehicle.

So why choose a hybrid SUV over a conventional model? Hybrid SUVs combine the great features of SUVs along with a duel power source. They operate with both gas engine and electric motor making for a highly efficient driving experience.

The 2012 Hybrid SUV models are high end vehicles that provide fuel efficiency far surpassing what a conventional SUV can offer. Plus, along with better fuel economy, hybrids have lower emission levels.

Let’s compare three of the top Hybrid SUVs of 2012. These three represent a good cross-section of the available SUV hybrids.

As you might expect, the major drawback to any 2012 Hybrid SUV is the cost. You’ll need to put quite a few miles on to recover this additional cost, especially for larger size models.

As far as hybrid SUVs are concerned, there’s no denying the appeal of the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid. The gas powered model has traditionally been the best selling SUV manufactured by Ford. With the introduction of the hybrid version of the Escape, consumers have even more options.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid version is a smaller SUV which seats five passengers comfortably and has cargo space of about 66 cubic feet.

The Escape comes with a 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder gas powered engine which operates along with an electric motor. You can travel at speeds of up to 44 mph powered by the electric motor alone, for limited distances. At higher speeds or over longer distances, the gas motor kicks in to supplement the electric motor.

Where the Hybrid Escape comes out ahead is in fuel efficiency. And it does that well compared to other hybrid SUVs. Coming in at 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, this is the most fuel efficient SUV in its class

The suggested retail price for a base model is around $30,500 making it possibly the most affordable hybrid SUV on the market.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been on the market for seven years. It’s certainly earned its reputation as the most popular of the mid-sized SUVs. The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid should have no trouble maintaining that popularity.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Although rated as a seven seat SUV, the third row seats do tend to be on the small size. Adults may find them a bit cramped for real comfort. But by limiting the size, the Highlander Hybrid is able to achieve great fuel economy.

It’s rated at 28 mpg for both highway and city driving, which is even better than earlier models and great for an SUV of this size.

Credit goes to the 3.5 liter V6 engine combined with 2 electric motors. The Highlander can run for up to 1 mile entirely on electric power at low speeds, making it ideal for use in stop-and-go city driving.

Although the Highlander Hybrid SUV is an all-wheel drive vehicle, it’s not suitable for off-roading which may disappoint if you’re expecting the 4-wheel drive experience. The trade-off though comes in a smoother ride.

The cost of the base model which starts at just over $38,000 is good value for this 2012 Hybrid SUV.

If you’re looking for an SUV heavy enough to do some towing, the 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid is the one for you. The Yukon is a full-sized SUV with a roomy seating capacity of 8. Cargo space of about 110 cubic feet is included to provide lots of room for just about anything you want to bring along.

GMC Yukon Hybrid

The Yukon Hybrid is powered by a 6.0L Vortec V8 engine along with an electric motor. Even with a V8 engine, the Yukon gets an impressive 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

This kind of fuel efficiency is achieved with an engine that’s designed to conserve fuel whenever possible. If less power is needed while you’re on the road, smart technology shuts down four of the eight cylinders.

This 2012 Hybrid SUV has optional 4 wheel drive available if you’d like to do some of-roading,

Although pricier than the Escape or Highlander, with a base price of about $52,000, the Yukon provides good value for what you’re getting.

Discerning consumers will be hard pressed to find a better alternative than the 2012 Hybrid SUV models. By combining fuel efficiency with the many features loved by SUV enthusiasts, you have a winning combination.

Let’s take a closer look at four of the top rated 8 passenger SUVs.

The 2012 Nissan Armada tops the list in pricing, coming in at close to $44,000. The 2012 GMC Yukon and the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe are each priced at just under $40,000. Finally at the lower end of the scale is the Honda Pilot which comes in at about $31,000, making it the most affordable alternative.

Nissan Armada

Built for families, or business owners in need of space to transport crews, these full-size SUVs have a lot going for them. Of course, you can easily seat eight in the spacious interiors that are the hallmark of an 8 passenger SUV. Best of all though is you can do that without sacrificing either comfort or cargo space.

In full-size SUVs there is simply more room overall, so you can be comfortable wherever you’re sitting. Each model has bucket seats in the front. Second row seating in all but the Armada is 60-40 split benches with lots of leg room and head space. The Armada comes with a 40-20-40 split-bench for even more passenger comfort.

The third row of seating in smaller SUVs is often cramped and flat out uncomfortable. But in these full-size SUVs, there’s plenty of leg room, more than ample hip space, and lots of room overhead.

Both the Armada and the Pilot come with a 60-40 split bench set-up, while in the Yukon and the Tahoe the third row is set-up with a 50-50 split bench. There are advantages and disadvantages to both of these arrangements.

If you find that you need more room for cargo, the 50-50 bench seats in the Yukon and the Tahoe are removable. But passengers end up with less seating room with this configuration. With the Nissan Armada, getting extra cargo room is as easy as folding down the second and third row seats. This is a lot more efficient than having to remove a bench seat.

The Armada has the most spacious arrangement, providing passengers with more shoulder space and a full six inches more leg room in the third row, compared to the other SUVs.

The sleek appearance of this new generation of SUVs replaces the boxy look of earlier SUVs. Along with the re-design comes a better safety rating. The roll-over problems that plagued SUVs in the past have been addressed, and safety ratings are at an all-time high.

GMC Yukon

All four of the 8 passenger SUV models we are looking at have taken safety to a new level, and as a result have earned close to perfect safety ratings.

Each of these SUVs includes airbags in four critical areas: front, driver side, passenger side, and overhead. All have side impact bars, as well as anti-locking brake systems. To minimize the possibility of a roll-over, electronic stability technology has been installed. The system used varies from one manufacturer to another.

Of course the main drawback of driving a full-sized SUV is fuel efficiency. Because these vehicles are bigger and heavier, they come with a more powerful engine. It’s no surprise that a bigger engine goes hand in hand with greater fuel consumption.

The 2012 GMC Yukon has a 5.3L V-8 320 HP motor. The 2012 Nissan Armada comes with a 5.6L V-8 317 HP engine. The 2012 Chevy Tahoe is powered by a 5.3L V-8 320 HP engine, while the 2012 Honda Pilot has the smallest motor at 3.5L V-6 250 HP.

Gas mileage is affected accordingly. Coming in at the top of the list for best fuel economy is the Honda Pilot with an estimated MPG of 18-city and 25-highway. Both the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Tahoe get an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Armada gets 12 mpg in city driving conditions and 18 mpg for highway driving.

Your best bet is to visit each dealership and take a test drive to see for yourself which one you prefer. With lots of extras available in all models, you can customize your ride the way you want it, and choose the look that appeals to you. There is really no bad choice when it comes to an 8 passenger SUV. It comes down to getting what you need.

The major complaints have been that the third row seating is often only appropriate for child size passengers, if that. In addition, the materials used for this optional seating are too often inferior and flimsy, making it uncomfortable for riders. Use this as a guide to help determine which SUV for eight or more passengers may best fit your needs.

Chevrolet Tahoe

What you get with the Tahoe is a serious driving machine that comes with a 5.3 liter, V8 engine that produces 320 horsepower. It also comes with a six speed automatic transmission. This is the type of vehicle designed with function in mind. It was also built to be a family friendly vehicle. You get a full size, four door SUV that seats eight and with room to spare.

The 2011 model had an EPA estimated mileage ranking of 15 city miles per gallon and 21 for the highway, which is one of the better fuel efficiencies of this class. Drivers also raved about the smooth ride and superior handling. If you also need the best 8 passenger SUV that has exceptional towing capabilities, this may be your best option. The one con of this is that consumers complain the third seat can be bulky making it difficult to remove.

Nissan Armada

When it comes to hauling around eight passengers in addition to whatever else you need, the Armada should have the capabilities you need. Under the hood is a 5.6 liter, V8 engine that produces 317 horsepower. The transmission is a five speed automatic with overdrive. You have the option to get this Nissan SUV in either rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. All this offers consumers some of the best towing capabilities in this division.

The fuel efficiency leaves room for improvement as it gets only 13 miles per gallon for urban streets and 19 for highway miles. You do get ample power and good handling for such a large SUV. On the other hand, many consumers complained that the height made it challenging to get in and out of. For a Sports Utility Vehicle with third row seating, however. One rave is that this Nissan Armada still remains roomy and spacious.

GMC Yukon

A powerhouse when it comes to design and function, the Yukon has a 5.3 liter, V-8 powering it and generating 320 horsepower. It also has a six speed automatic transmission with overdrive and can be yours in two wheel or all wheel drive. The mileage is better than the Nissan, but only slightly. The Yukon has a fuel economy rating of 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 for highway. As far as large sports utility vehicles go, the GMC Yukon is one of the more affordable ones.

Reviews praise the Yukon for having good performance and a comfortable interior. On the down side, however, drivers pointed out that much of the competition in this class have better towing capabilities. Also noted was that the third row may comfortably accommodate passengers, but when not in use the seats do not fold flat into the floor.

Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia is another option for those who want a full size SUV that has room for at least eight passengers. The engine in this Toyota is a 4.6 liter V8 paired with a six speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This is a popular option because of the features that come standard or are available for upgraded trim packages. These include things such as a voice activated navigation system and a key fob for remote keyless entry.

Again, the fuel economy could be better, but it is difficult to find an SUV this size that gets good miles per gallon. For city driving, you get 14 miles per gallon and 20 for the open road of the highway. The feedback from drivers is that the Sequoia drives and handles like a much smaller vehicle than it actually is. In addition, the braking and acceleration is surprisingly good especially for a vehicle of this size. The rants from consumers included that the miles per gallon could be better and that some of the controls were difficult to reach, especially while trying to drive. Otherwise, the Toyota and other vehicles mentioned here could all be the best 8 passenger SUV available today.

The downside to getting an SUV suitable for towing is that you generally sacrifice fuel economy to accommodate a larger more powerful engine. In addition, you will probably want an automatic transmission so you have an easier time with the gear shifting. If there is an SUV you are already interested in just make sure you do some research to find out how it measures up for towing if that is a feature that ranks high on your necessity list.

GMC Yukon Hybrid

When it comes to a best towing SUV, consumers like hearing the word hybrid because it means you can probably retain some of the fuel efficiency that helps save on gas costs. Of course, with hybrids comes a higher initial upfront investment, but it pays off with fuel economy in the long run.

The GMC Yukon Hybrid comes with a 6.0 liter, V8 engine that includes two 60kw electric motors. The end result is 332 horsepower and 367 pound/feet of torque. The trick is to make sure to get the all wheel drive with the towing trim and you will be able to tow over three tons with this vehicle. With all this you can still get 20 miles per gallon for city driving and 23 for highway roads.

Ford Expedition

Practically built with towing in mind, the Expedition is more of a truck build design. This full size vehicle isn’t just great for towing; it is a large and powerful machine. With room for eight passengers and plenty of storage space, this is one of the ideal towing SUVs, unless it ends up being more vehicle than you really want to get into.

You get a 5.4 liter, V8 engine that produces 310 horsepower. For the torque, you can enjoy 365 pound/feet. Opt for an all wheel drive, six speed transmission with towing equipment, and you will have a lean, mean towing machine. Just be sure to test drive and make sure you want to have this size and power SUV.

Ford Escape

This is a favored option for those who want a smaller Sports Utility Vehicle. Again, you will need to opt for the four wheel drive version to be certain it will meet your towing needs. The 3.0 liter, V6 engine offers up an impressive 240 horsepower still, and comes standard with a six speed transmission. For fuel efficiency, you can expect 23 miles per gallon for urban driving, 28 for highways and 26 for the combined rating, at least for the new 2012 edition.

Even with this more compact SUV option, you can get a good towing amount of up to 3,500 pounds. The Ford Escape does great for safety ratings but leaves some consumers desiring more from the design, comfort and use of the interior. Also many feel the handling for a crossover could be improved upon. Of course, with the towing capabilities, size and a feature like the self-parking system, this could be your new vehicular best friend.

Audi Q5

There needed to be at least one luxury SUV on the best SUV for towing list, and the Audi was it. This is also a smaller towing SUV but works for many for lighter towing needs. The great thing about the Audi Q5 is that it is turbocharged. The 3.5 liter, V6 engine produces 355 horsepower, which can really help with towing. All wheel drive paired with an eight speed transmission is what comes standard on the basic Q5 trim and makes this vehicle capable of towing 4,400 pounds maximum.

It may look and feel small, but it packs a serious towing punch. The fuel economy for this Sports Utility Vehicle is 20 city miles per gallon and 27 for the highway. If you want to tow in luxury, this is the one for you, but expect to pay for what you get. One of the chief complaints with the Audi Q5 is the high sticker price. While it gets raves for being stylish and attractive, many drivers are disappointed with the lack of space for passengers and cargo.

When searching for the best towing SUV, there are more options than these but hopefully this has been a good starting point for you.

What Is an SUV?

First of all, let’s discuss what an SUV actually is. The term SUV is an acronym for Sport Utility Vehicle. There are many different types of SUVs available on the market today, and they have different uses. Some are specifically geared towards soccer moms, while others are marketed to those who love outdoor adventures. A seven passenger SUV will hold seven passengers, which includes the driver. There is a lot of storage space in these vehicles, and they are able to haul loads that are similar to loads a full-size pickup trick can haul. As a rule, these vehicles are very popular with families, and are usually used as passenger vehicles. There are even hybrid seven passenger SUVs available for those who are environment conscious and want to save money on their fuel costs.

What to Look For

If you are in the market for a new 7 seater SUV, there are a few things that you should be looking for. Obviously, one of your first considerations, besides the vehicle having enough room, is to make sure that it gives good gas mileage. There are many larger vehicles out there that are great for hauling big families around, but they can really make a dent in your wallet when you visit the pumps. One option would be to get a hybrid, which will help you to save a lot of money on gas. Other things you need to consider when choosing an SUV include:

• Price – SUVs range in prices depending on the features you want them to come with.
• Safety Features – There should be certain safety features that are standard on all SUVs, and you should also look for models that offer additional safety features.
• Safety Rating – Make sure the SUV you ultimately choose has an excellent safety rating.
• Performance – You will want to know if the vehicles you are looking at have any performance issues. You would do well to go online and check out the various reviews and articles that are there about the different SUV models available.
• Warranty – If you are getting a new vehicle, you need to make sure that the warranty is one that is going to work for you.

7 Passenger SUV Models

If you are looking for a 7 seater SUV for your family, there are many different models you can choose from, available from a number of auto manufacturers. With one of these vehicles, you can be sure that you will be able to seat your family comfortably, even for long road trips, and you will have plenty of room left over for everything you need to bring along wherever you are going. Some of the more popular models of seven passenger SUVs include:

• GMC 7 Passenger SUVs – There are a variety of different 7 passenger SUVs available from GMC, all of which are very popular. You may be interested in the Chevy Tahoe which is extremely popular, or the GMC Yukon. If you are looking for more of a luxury vehicle, the Cadillac Escalade may be an excellent option for you.

• Toyota 7 Passenger SUVs – There are a few different SUV models from Toyota that you may be interested in test driving. All popular are the Rav4, the FJCruiser and the Highlander. Other popular SUV models from Toyota include the 4Runner, the Sequoia and the Land Cruiser, and one of the most popular is the Toyota Sienna.

• Ford 7 Passenger SUVs – One of the most popular SUVs from Ford is the Expedition. Other popular models include the Escape, the Sport Trac, the Explorer and the Escape Hybrid.

There are many different types of vehicles you can choose from. A 7 seater SUV, which is going to provide you with the space you need, and all of the safety features that will protect you and your family while you are on the road.

Some GMC Yukon Hybrid Highlights

For the price you pay, the Yukon crossover does include a good variety of impressive standard features. This includes things such as the tri-zone automatic climate control, so that passengers can enjoy different temperature settings. In addition, standard in this GMC hybrid are the CD player with MP3 player as well as the navigation system. You will have the Bluetooth for your phone and a serious sound system that has Bose premium 9-speakers.

As many crossover SUVs do, the GCM also has the regenerative braking system, which powers the battery when the brakes are applied. There is also the remote vehicle starter system and XM radio, with a three-month trial subscription. Some of the highlights that make the ride better and safer are the StabiliTrak and the suspension package and Premium Smooth Ride. Many people don’t mind the standard 18” polished aluminum spoke wheels.

What Matters Most

 Of course, aside from the fancy features, you will want to know about what GMC has under the hood, and other places, that makes this hybrid SUV worth the price tag. The engine is a Vortec 6.0 liter V8 SFI with variable valve timing. As for the other mechanics of the car, the GMC Yukon Hybrid has a two-mode strong hybrid automatic transmission. It also includes a differential, heavy-duty locking rear.

Another important feature is the hybrid-specific four wheel antilock, four wheel disc brakes. The safety features are possibly the most vital part of the GMC Yukon Hybrid. Inside, the Yukon has air bags that are dual-stage frontal, driver and right side passenger located. There are also head curtain side-impact air bags. You also get a rearview camera system, to make backing up safer, not to mention easier.

There are also a myriad of OnStar features that help make this a safe and sound SUV ride. This includes Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist and Emergency Services. You will also have access to OnStar Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.

Beauty on the Inside

Last but not least, the interior deserves an overview. Aside from the details already mentioned in the highlights section earlier, there are still some features for the interior worth a mention. There are things such as cruise control, a rearview camera system, ultrasonic rear parking assist, universal home remote and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Overall, there are some generous offerings when it comes to what the GMC SUV hybrid has to offer.

Pros, Cons and Things to Consider

The reviews and customer feedback are mixed, as with anything. The thing to keep in mind is that this crossover vehicle is a top seller in the hybrid SUV market. Some feel the powertrain components add too much weight for this SUV to have the pickup power it should, even for a hybrid SUV. Though this is a popular model because of its strength in towing abilities, if towing isn’t something you especially need, you may want to consider another SUV.

As far as safety, the GMC hybrid did well for crash test ratings on the frontal crash and side crash protection. It only received three out of five stars for the rollover rating, though. While this is a common problem with safety ratings for SUVs, you should be aware of the rating in this category.

The reviews about appearance are positive and most feel one cannot tell the difference between the hybrid version and the standard version of the GMC Yukon. As far as roominess goes, though, the Yukon crossover is the most spacious on the hybrid SUV market, today. It is as quiet as the standard SUV car, and can be a little off putting in the cabin of a GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV this size without the usual rumble of the big engine.

The way the engine system is designed enables the energy used in braking and the extra heat generated from the engine to re-power the electric motor. The electric motor is usually what is used by the car when traveling at slower speeds, as in urban versus highway driving.

There are two main reasons the hybrid cars and other vehicles have gained so much popularity in recent years. The first reason is the concern for the environment, as hybrid vehicles are cleaner and “greener” for the environment. The second reason is that, though often initially tagged with a higher sticker price than standard vehicles, the cost of operating the vehicles is much lower.

Many forms of transportation have begun to incorporate hybrid versions into their “inventory”. There are, of course, hybrid cars and SUVs, but there are also mopeds, electric kick scooters, boats, which often use solar power, and even trains are now available as hybrid alternative options. There are also different types of manufacturers who produce SUVs that are hybrids, and you can read about some of them here.

Top Hybrid SUV Options

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

The Toyota Highlander hybrid is the more environmentally kind, not to mention generally smaller, version of the standard Highlander. Currently, the most recent version of the vehicle gets an impressive 28 miles per gallon for highway driving and, surprisingly, 28 for city driving, too. It comes with Electric-on-Demand four-wheel drive. It also has horsepower of 280 and can seat up to seven people.

The Highlander Hybrid is a popular choice because of its 3.5 liter V6 engine with supercharger, but that is just one of the reasons. Much of the positive customer feedback has been about the superior handling and the design element of the interior. The $38,140 starting price is higher than some models and lower than several other vehicles, making it a middle of the road price point with a good number of standard features.

CHEVROLET TAHOE HYBRID

The MSRP of $51,145 makes this hybrid SUV one of the pricier ones, but you do get a lot of lean, green machine for the price. In fact, the standard Tahoe is one of the top selling SUVs, and the hybrid version helps fuel this. The current version boasts an impressive EPA estimated 20 miles per gallon for city roads and 23 for the highway. This may not be as decent as some of the competition, but with the Tahoe, it is about getting the mileage for a vehicle of this size.

The horsepower behind the Tahoe Hybrid is 332, and the engine is all muscle with a 6.0 liter V8 system. Inside, the seating capacity is eight. Overall, the safety features and many of the standard features available for the Tahoe are part of what makes the price justifiable. With the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, ample interior space and engine power are the highlights that make it a top seller.

FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

The fuel efficiency rating for this crossover SUV makes it a smart investment. For hitting the highway, the Escape gets 31 miles per gallon and on city roads it drops to 34 MPG. Not to mention, as far as pricing goes, this hybrid vehicle is at the more economic side of the pricing scale at a starting price of $30,570.

The Ford Escape Hybrid comes standard with front wheel drive but lacks a bit of power, compared to some of the competition, with just a 2.5 liter engine. The standard horsepower is 171, but the vehicle can be upgraded to a 3.0 liter engine that produces 240 horsepower. The seating capacity is only five, making it a good choice for those who have less need for space and seating capacity. In other words, the price is right for those who do not need as much power or interior space.

GMC YUKON HYBRID

With the Yukon, it is back to increased power, along with a price to match. That is also because this is America’s first full sized hybrid or crossover SUV. The more seating, space, power and towing capacity you get for an environmentally friendly sports utility vehicle, the more you have to be willing to pay. The starting point for pricing on this vehicle is $51,610, but the Yukon also gives you 43% better fuel economy for urban driving than any other SUV in its class.

The standard Yukon Hybrid Vortec engine is 6.0 liter with a V8 and two wheel drive and is available in four wheel drive, as well. This engine has 332 horsepower at 5100 RPM. It comes, standard, with four-wheel anti-lock brakes. For mileage, the miles per gallon for city is 20 and 23 for highway. For the interior, the GMC Yukon Hybrid has a seating capacity of eight.

LEXUS RX 450H

It may come as a bit of a surprise, but even with the steeper sticker price, the Lexus crossover SUV has been a top seller in the hybrid SUV market since it was first released. The reason for this is largely due to the fact that, with the RX 450h, you’re getting luxury in SUV driving. With this version, you are getting plenty of amenities, technology and a powerful SUV, not to mention the status.

The MSRP starts at $46,325 for the all wheel drive version, which is still under the starting price of the GMC and the Chevrolet. The Lexus SUV hybrid comes equipped to seat five. You get a 3.5 liter, V6 engine and 295 horsepower. Aside from that, you get some whistles and bells, some standard and some optional, voice recognition system, for one example. As for miles per gallon, the Lexus uses 30 for city, 28 for highway and 29 for combined.

SATURN VUE HYBRID

While this was a popular choice and decent selling option for SUVs, the Saturn brand is currently being phased out. You can still purchase already manufactured vehicles, or find one used, so there are still some details you should know about the VUE. At the present time, though, finding the pricing for the Saturn VUE Hybrid is tricky. By comparing prices from individual car dealerships, the price for the Saturn, versus the competition, puts this one at the lower end of the pricing spectrum.

The Saturn VUE does not have quite the same amount of power as the “big boys” such as GMC and Chevrolet, but for those seeking an affordable version of a crossover SUV, this is a good option. As for mileage, the VUE gets 32 miles per gallon for highway driving and 27 for city driving, with a 29 MPG for combined driving. The engine is smaller, a 2.4 liter four cylinder, but is still enough for those who do not need too much power in a hybrid sports utility vehicle.

CADILLAC ESCALADE HYBRID

This crossover SUV has been gaining recognition and popularity with consumers for its fuel efficiency. The standard version of the Cadillac Escalade is known for its luxury, including being spacious as well as stylish. Most consumers feel the hybrid alternative has retained all the same details, while adding the satisfaction of being environmentally friendlier. Now, the thing to keep in mind with Cadillac’s contribution to the hybrid SUV market is that the MSRP is the highest priced, at least of the ones mentioned here. To avoid sticker shock on the lot, you should know, now, that the starting price for this crossover vehicle is $74,135. You also get the combination of power and luxury, as well as space.

For mileage, the Escalade hybrid has an EPA estimated 20 miles per gallon for city streets and 23 for the highway, with 21 for combined driving. The Escalade has seating capacity for eight adults to fit comfortably. Powering this hybrid vehicle is a 6.0 liter V8 engine. This gives the motorist 332 horsepower at 5100 RPM. Of course, for this price, you get some impressive standard features, including rear view backup camera and heated and cooled front seats.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that in the world of hybrid transportation, SUVs have come a long way. There are now, more than ever, more car manufacturers offering their version of the earth friendly vehicle. The best way to make a decision about which one would work best for you is to determine how much power and seating capacity you realistically need. Of course, for most people, the other major player in making a choice is the sticker price. Compare these, read reviews and decide which hybrid SUV is right for you and your family.