Ok I'm not searching for a new car/SUV right now since I still have my 2002 Saturn and will probably have it until it dies on me, but Im hoping to start a family in the next few years and I think I'd want a SUV for my next vehicle. With gas prices the way they are, I think its a good investment to put forth the extra money to get a hybrid that will get more gas mileage. I think there are like 4 or 5 hybrid SUVs out right now, and I think the best one overall (on internet reviews) is the Ford Escape. So my main question is, in the next few years, what are some models of SUVs that will come out on the market available in a hybrid? I've always wanted a Nissan Murano and the gas mileage isn't terrible, but its not as good as the other hybrid SUVs. Anyone have any further knowledge on upcoming hybrid models?
I know this is a little off topic...but keep this in mind when considering a new vehicle. If you are thinking about starting a family and will end up with more than one kid, make sure you throw in two carseats at the same time so you'll know exactly how much space you'll have while checking these vehicles out. I currently have a Sequoia (wife's choice) solely for the space...and I've got to say that with two kids in carseats right now, it is really nice to fit an adult in the back seat between the two seats. We previously had a 4Runner and would not have been able to do this. Just something to think about in case you're trying to fit > 4 people in the car (including the two kids).
Escape looks the coolest. I heard a Tahoe hybrid is coming out, it one like best hybrid of the year or something. A simple google search should answer your questions.
i like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Dont know much about it, except ive been in a highlander and it's pretty nice.
The ford escape, unlike other hybrid models, has a A/C compressor that requires the engine to be running on gas. Therefore, I'm not sure in Houston how well the MPG looks...ie, when you're in traffic, you should be in electric only mode, but instead your engine has to use gas b/c of the A/C....otherwise I think this looks like the best small SUV hybrid option..especially given the tax breaks you can get (assuming Toyota hits their hybrid quota and its not an option)....
OK, i bought 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV. it's basically Ford Escape, but with a sexier finish. i got it fully loaded with the big ass window on top, 6 speaker stereo system, and the navigation system. so i assume the newer models are like that too. big wheels. you can pull down the back seat to make room to fit in bigger stuff. the whole thing, after tax, extended warranty, cost me almost 38K. not cheap, but cheaper than highlander i believe. and for the tax return, i got 2K tax off last year because of the car. if a model you get is popular, you will NOT get the full tax refund. Mariner Hybrid wasn't that popular, so i was able to get the FULL tax refund. now on the mileage. it claims 30+ MPG, but in reality, it's 25 MPG in the summer and 20 MPG in the winter. if you are down south, you don't have to worry about winter. on the highway, it can get up to 30 MPG. Only seats 5. it's an awesome car. not really a chic magnet, but that's probably because of me, not the car.
