The Ford Escape Hybrid
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SUVs are gas guzzlers. The emissions are much higher, thus contributing to smog and pollution, and the cost at the pump is extreme as well.
In fact, if you look back to when gas was topping off at around $4-$5 per gallon, brand-new SUVs were suddenly for sale at very low costs. The owners simply couldn't afford to drive them anymore.
So what do you do if you want or need an SUV but don't want the trade-off of burning all that excess, and unnecessary fuel?
Buy a Hybrid SUV!
"What is a Hybrid SUV?"
Hybrid SUVs are modeled after their non-hybrid counterparts. The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, is modeled after the traditional version. The difference? Hybrid Technology!If you look at the Hybrid SUV chart, you'll see that the hybrid is roughly $9,000 more than the non-hybrid version. And the fuel savings are incredible.
This SUV hybrid gets better gas mileage with EPA gas mileage ratings at 34 city and 31 highway miles, while the non-hybrid model gets a mere 20/28 according to EPA gas mileage ratings and tests. That's an additional 14 MPG if you do most of your driving in the city. Impressive!
Ford Escape Hybrid
The basics of hybrid technology that are true in all hybrids is the combination of gas and electricity to power the vehicle.
At low speeds, usually below 25 mph, the electric motor takes over, using no gasoline what-so-ever. Once your speed increases, the gas system takes over.
Regenerative Braking is another aspect of this new technology. This means that you will lose no power when you hit the brakes.
How does this work? This thrifty Ford has a 330 volt battery pack which stores built up, unused energy when you apply the brakes. This energy is used by the electric motor later on.
The Ford Escape Hybrid comfortably seats 5 people. If you require a vehicle of this size for passengers, hauling, or just some fun off-roading, then a hybrid SUV is a much better deal than a regular one.
Comparing the price with its sister model, there is roughly a $9,000 difference. It could be well worth it depending on your needs and budget, especially if you are prepared to wait keep it for a long time and are patient about getting your money back. You should also factor in the Federal Tax Credit of up to $1500, and a possibly higher resale value, particularly if the price of gas rises.
If you just need a hybrid, but an SUV is large and unnecessary, you will get a lower price and better gas mileage if you go with a regular hybrid car, such as the Toyota Prius.
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