Hybrid SUV's....explained

One of the fastest growing area's of the hybrid industry are the new hybrid SUV vehicles. Hybrid SUV's have not only gained in popularity year after year, but the number of hybrid SUV's now available have seen an amazing increase. Hybrid SUV's not only give consumers the space they have grown acustome to (a change from the cramped hybrid car models), but they also increase the overall driving safety of the vechiles. While hybrid SUV's haven't progressed as quickly as hybrid cars, there are still plenty of options for consumers. What hybrid SUV is right for you, and which one will stand the test of time? The easiest answer to that question is to look, compare, and do your research.

Hybrid SUV Models 

Toyota and Lexus are providers of hybrid SUVs. Honda provides the mild hybrids. These are the ones that rely mainly on the gas engine while using a small electric motor or generator to supplement it. Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid are examples of strong hybrids which have a larger role ascribed for the electric motor.

Features and Functionality of Hybrid SUVs

The pathway of energy for the Hybrid SUVs can vary to wide extents. This depends upon various conditions and demands of the driver. Usually it is the electric motor that provides most of the momentum while driving at lower speeds despite the engine revving. The excessive power from the engine is absorbed by the smaller motor or generator and then routed back to the main motor to be used either for providing the energy to move the car or for charging the battery pack.

A simple system is involved in the Hybrid SUV setup. No rotating belt is there as in case of conventional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). There are simply two electric motors and a gas engine that is permanently linked together using a planetary gear set. The driver can perceive nothing but only a smooth flow of power in spite of the fact that there is a lot of variation in the different modes.

There is a third electric motor or generator in case of the RX400h and Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i – two models of Hybrid SUVs. It is worth noting that the front-wheel-drive Highlanders do not have this motor. These Hybrid SUV models have none of the typical elements present in an all-wheel-drive system, namely, individual drive shafts connecting the front and rear axles and a center differential varying the power split. The independent third electric motor or generator rated for 68 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque is instead built into a rear transaxle. It is only in times of need like during hard acceleration or starting on a slippery surface that the rear electric motor comes into play. While moving under force of gravity (coasting) and braking, this rear electric motor acts as a generator. In other circumstances the two models work as front drive SUVs.

2009 SUV Buying Guide

Over the years, SUVs have grown from fairly basic truck-based vehicles to include car-based crossovers, mid- and full-size SUVs and luxuriously appointed mansions on wheels. Rather than separate this general segment out by individual body types, we divided them up according to price ranges. Within these ranges, you'll find both crossovers and truck-based SUVs from domestic, Asian and European manufacturers.

SUVs Under $25,000
In this price range, you'd expect to find some pretty straightforward crossovers that lack the creature comforts we've all become accustomed to. You'd be wrong on both counts, as we've picked two well-equipped crossovers and one very competent off-roader. All of these vehicles offer a wide range of versatility and strengths in their given fields without breaking your budget. For our crossover picks, we chose the 2009 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 — both of which are excellent, car-based utes with roomy cabins and impeccable city driving manners. The Honda CR-V has a refined interior and seating for five, while the Toyota RAV4 offers third-row seating (albeit cramped) and a more powerful V6 engine. Either of these SUVs is an excellent choice for a growing family.

For those looking for adventure off the beaten path, we also chose the truck-based 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser. This midsize SUV for a small SUV price delivers a lot of bang for the buck. Known for its astounding off-road prowess and nostalgic styling, the FJ Cruiser offers the kind of utility no crossover can deliver.

SUVs Under $35,000
Fittingly for this price category, the choices have moved past small crossovers in favor of the large crossovers with increased passenger seating and cargo space. For 2009, we chose the GMC Acadia, Hyundai Veracruz and Mazda CX-9 which, despite their added size, all maintain a decent amount of carlike driving ease. Both the Veracruz and CX-9 allow seating for seven, with the CX-9 offering just a bit more room for the rearmost passengers. The GMC Acadia, however, has spacious seating for up to eight adults. It should be noted that inclusion of the Acadia also indicates our selection of its rebadged GM cousins, the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and Saturn Outlook.

All of our choices in this price range are powered by V6 engines and are offered in a wide range of trim levels. The Veracruz and CX-9 are quite a bit less expensive than the Acadia, which is only available under $35,000 in its base trim level. All of our picks are also available in front- or all-wheel drive, with the fully loaded trim levels of the AWD Veracruz and CX-9 just peeking above the $35K boundary.

SUVs Under $45,000
At this price limit, we find the pricier luxury brands' interpretation of an SUV. Leading the way is the 2009 Lexus RX 400h , which is the only hybrid-powered vehicle among our SUV picks. This selection is notable for its V6 power with four-cylinder fuel economy, carlike handling and luxurious interior. Our other pick is the 2009 Porsche Cayenne which, at this price point, is only available in the base model trim with a manual transmission. What the Cayenne does deliver, though, is Porsche's legendary handling (even for an SUV), performance and cachet. Though the Lexus and Porsche are both all-wheel drive, both specialize in transporting well-heeled city dwellers in style.

SUVs Over $45,000
When price is no object, our picks for SUVs get whittled down to two German marques. Starting with the 2009 BMW X5, with its impeccable handling, prodigious power, wide range of amenities and luxurious interior, this midsize premium SUV sets itself apart from all others in its class. Drawbacks are few and include a ride quality that may be a bit too firm, lack of off-road capability, cramped third-row seats and BMW's fussy iDrive system. The X5 is followed closely by the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, which offers more room, gobs of power and the option of an off-road package. All of this naturally comes with a hefty price tag and, in direct opposition to the BMW, some may find the ride a bit too wallowy and soft. Both of these choices embody luxury, style and performance for SUVs, with just a hint of elitism.

Nine Tips to conserve your Gasoline/Fuel Consumption (Increase your fuel economy)

1. Slow Down
One of the best ways to save on gas is to reduce your speed. According to the DOE, every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph represents a 7 percent decrease in fuel economy.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance, which causes you to burn more fuel to keep the car moving. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (if equipped), or the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) label on or near the driver’s side door. Properly inflated tires may improve your fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent.

3. Accelerate With Care
Fast acceleration wastes fuel. Accelerate modestly so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears more efficiently. Rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage by up to 33 percent on the highway and up to 5 percent during city driving.

4. Drive A Consistent Speed
Follow the lead of trucks and keep a consistent speed. Constant slowing down and speeding up reduces fuel economy. Consider using cruise control when appropriate.

5. Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling your vehicle gets 0 miles per gallon.

6. Stick With Stock
New wheels and tires may look cool, but if they’re not the same as the OEM specifications, they could create more resistance, thereby reducing fuel economy.

7. Clean Out Your Car
Carrying around extra baggage — or anything that you don’t need for that trip — only adds extra weight to your car and impacts fuel economy. For example, depending on your vehicle’s weight, an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could decrease your MPG by up to two percent.

8. Plan Your Trips Better
Consider grouping your trips instead of making several trips to accomplish your daily tasks. Several short trips may use twice as much fuel as a single, longer trip that covers the same distance.

9. Use The Proper Maintenance Fluids and Replacement Parts
Always use the engine oil, replacement parts and any other fluids that the manufacturer recommends. Change your oil at the recommended intervals and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for all routine maintenance.