The Not-so Green Honda Pilot

The 2010 Honda Pilot is no doubt one of the most talked about 8-passenger crossover SUVs on the market today. The Pilot is stylish, roomy, and as close to a minivan feel while still having the SUV label. Unfortunately, the Pilot has undesirable fuel economy and many test drivers report lower fuel efficiency than what Honda claims. The Honda Pilot tries to redeem itself with its Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) rating but this rating doesn’t give it enough green to consider it an eco-friendly SUV.

The 2010 Honda Pilot was redesigned last year and didn’t get too much of an upgrade for its newest model. The Pilot carries a V6 under the hood and gets praise for its power and agility when driving. It does come with a roomy 3rd row of seating that is big enough for children and adults. It is also praised for excellent safety and amount of cargo space and storage. The Pilot is another good choice for those who need the room and perks of a minivan but want to continue to drive an SUV.

The 2010 Pilot has a long list of cons as well. Some test drivers complain about its sluggish acceleration and lack of quick breaks in a panic situation. The largest complaint is its unacceptable fuel economy. The 2WD Pilot gets 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Subtract by one for the 4WD model. Many test drivers claim that they do not even get that when measured for average mpg.

Honda prides itself on the fact that the Pilot has its Variable Cylinder Management. A system that will activate and deactivate cylinders based on the engine’s needs. Honda believes this attributes to better fuel economy and lower emissions. Alas, this system is not enough to put the Pilot on our green SUV list although Honda’s efforts are recognized.

There are a few rumors circulating about a future Honda Pilot hybrid but nothing to hold your breath over. The current 2010 Honda Pilot starts at $27,895.

2010 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai first introduced the Tucson five years ago but since the auto market has been flooded with crossover SUVs, the Tucson has had to make some sportier changes to keep up. The first Tucson design was boxy but the new 2010 Tucson has curves and angles aplenty. It now can compete with the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. And we can add it to the eco-friendly SUV list thanks to one of the best fuel efficiencies in its class.

Previous models of the Tucson lacked in style but the new 2010 model comes with 17-inch wheels with optional 18-inch. It also has a new design that Hyundai calls “fluidic sculpture design”, basically it lost its boxy look. The 5-passenger Tucson also comes with a panoramic sunroof. The inside has a few new features as well including Bluetooth XM Navtraffic, Everything IPOD, and touch screen navigation. For its compact size, it carries 65 cubic feet of cargo space thanks to a 60/40 split rear seat that folds down.

As for a green side, the front wheel drive 2010 Hyundai Tucson gets up to 31 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. The all-wheel drive model gets a bit less, 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The Tucson will come with one engine option, Hyundai’s new Theta II 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that boasts 176 horsepower. Rumor has it that Hyundai is working on a Theta II 2.0-liter engine that will be introduced in a Blue model in 2011 that is even more fuel efficient.

The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is ready to compete with the greener and more stylish parade of crossovers in the auto market. The Tucson will stand out among the many for its affordable price. The 2010 model starts under $20,000.

GMC Granite Crossover SUV Concept

The GMC Granite Crossover Concept was an award winner at this year’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The Granite won the EyesOn Design award at the famous auto show. Maybe because it is hard to keep your eyes off of it. As it would be the smallest of GMC’s, the Granite is sleek, stylish, and does not have a small feel to it at all.

As for the exterior the Granite uses no chrome but a brushed metal or satin gaze. The materials are premium giving it an industrial outside look. The Granite also comes with 20’’ wheels and doors that open together with no pillar in between for extra wide access. The interior seats use a suede-like material, along with a full center console with storage and connection ports. The GMC Granite will be a 5-passenger crossover with plenty of storage and cargo, yet short enough to drive through crowded urban environments with ease.

Unfortunately, the GMC Granite is no hybrid but it does get fairly eco-friendly fuel economy and is backed up with driving power. It is estimated to get 140 horsepower with its 1.4 liter turbo-charged engine and 6-speed transmission. Estimated fuel economy comes in at 27 mpg city and 33 mph highway. Not too shabby.

This crossover SUV is hard to compare to other vehicles because it seems to be in a class on its own. Right now the closest in size to the Granite is the Honda Fit and it could be compared to the Scion xB or Nissan Cube but has much more flare and style.

No word from GMC about a production model just yet.

Hybrids are here to Stay

Internet rumors have been circulating that hybrid SUVs and cars are just a fad and that this technology will not last or will eventually be replaced by all-electric vehicles. But the truth is that auto makers are continuing to pursue hybrid options and the Detroit Auto Show for 2010 will prove that to be correct.

The 2010 North American International Auto Show (hosted every year in Detroit) officially begins January 16th but the media and lawmakers got a preview of all the green technology being showcased at this year’s event. Members of the U.S. Congress stopped by, showing that the U.S. government is invested in the American auto scene, especially in the green scene.

Ford Motor Company will take home the majority of the awards this year from the 2010 Auto Show winning Car of the Year for the Ford Fusion hybrid and Truck of the Year for the Ford Transit Connect van. Some of our favorite eco-friendly SUVs were among the finalist; the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Outback.

It seems that hybrids are winning awards and still going strong. Due to the expense of all-electric vehicles, hybrids continue to be a more affordable choice and more auto makers are focusing their efforts on introducing more hybrid SUVs and cars. Toyota recently made a statement that they expect 30% of their sales to be hybrid vehicles by 2020.

Even though many auto companies such as Nissan are trying to focus efforts on all-electric vehicles the cost is too great and the lithium batteries needed have not been perfected. For now, it is hopeful that we will continue to see more releases of hybrid SUVs and other vehicles and hopefully as the market grows, prices will come down.

The Best Hybrid SUVs for 2010

2010 may be your year to buy the eco-friendly, gas-sufficient, hybrid SUV you have been eyeing all last year. There are so many hybrid choices among SUVs it can be a tough decision. Are you looking for efficiency, speed, or size? Below are some of the best hybrid SUVs on the auto lots today, look for the one that fits your lifestyle.

Efficiency & Affordability
If you’re looking for the best fuel efficiency and an affordable car payment your best bet is the Ford Escape hybrid, Mercury Mariner hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid, or the Saturn VUE two-mode. Each of these hybrid SUVs get around 30 combined mpg and cost plus/minus $30,000.
All four of these hybrids get great customer reviews and continue their popularity.

Luxury
If you want to be eco-friendly but still demand the finest, there are a few hybrid choices for you. The Cadillac Escalade or the Lexus RX 450h. Both SUVs hold the typical luxury interiors and exteriors. They both also come at a hefty price although Lexus coming in around $45,000 is nothing compared to the Escalade’s $73,000 price tag.

Towing Capability
If you have to have an SUV for towing purposes but want to be a little greener, a Chevy Tahoe hybrid or a GMC Yukon hybrid may be the right choice. Both have amazing towing capacity around 6,000lbs. The Dodge Durango hybrid and the Chrysler Aspen hybrid also carry the same towing ability and you may still be able to get one before they are gone. These full size hybrid SUVs all carry a V8 under the hood.

Seven-Eight Passenger Seating
The Toyota Highlander hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid both hold up to seven passengers while the Tahoe, Escalade, Durango, and Aspen hybrids all hold eight. If seating is what you need each of these hybrids will work. The Toyota Highlander hybrid is probably the most family friendly.

Whatever you need, there are enough hybrid SUVs out there to fit everyone’s needs. We have more choices now than ever before and many more are still to come.
Happy New Year!

Hydrogen Fuel Cell SUVs

There were a few different groups that teamed up recently to do a test drive of a hydrogen fuel cell SUV. The Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Savannah River National Lab (SRNL), and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. all came into an official agreement to determine whether fuel cell vehicles could stand real world driving.

The main objective of this agreement was to monitor the driving range of a fuel cell SUV. The test drive to determine the driving range was 331 miles between Torrance and San Diego, CA. The drivers used Toyota Highlander Fuel Cell Hybrid SUVs. Not only did these groups complete the outlined course but they had enough fuel leftover in the tanks to go over 400 miles easily. The researchers wanted the trip to mimic what a real world driver would experience and they did. The trip started early in the morning where the drivers had to fight through California rush hour traffic. The drivers in each of two SUVs (scientists from NREL & SRNL) also included highway driving getting up to top speed at 75 mph. Data was taken from both vehicles to get to their results.

After calculating both SUV’s results the researchers concluded that the fuel cell Highlanders averaged around 431 mile range on one tank. The research shows that fuel cell vehicles may be an alternative to gas. Some people are concerned about the safety of using hydrogen but researchers are saying that hydrogen tanks are very safe now. The hydrogen tanks are constructed well and the pumps that people would use for hydrogen are similar to what we are already using for gas. Hydrogen is also lighter than gas and in the case of a leak, hydrogen would evaporate quickly instead of leaving a pool under the car, the way gas typically does.

This kind of research gives us all hope that we will have alternative fuel methods sooner than later and that there are people working to find solutions.

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

BMW’s newest hybrid is the X6 ActiveHybrid which the company calls a “sport activity coupe”. This BMW is deemed a mix between a crossover SUV and a sports car. It is one of the only vehicles of its kind, a sleek shape and plenty of power. It may be a new concept but auto critics have been mixed in their recent reviews.

The goal of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is to be a “non-hybrid, hybrid”, meaning that it is a hybrid but does not drive like one. The X6 hybrid is the most powerful hybrid. It has a 400 horsepower; TwinPower turbocharged V8 alongside two electric motors under the hood. Total horsepower combined is a whopping 480. It contains very similar workings as General Motors two-mode system. The X6 also has regenerative brakes that create power with each use. Test drivers have stated that the power that this hybrid is boasting is true. The X6 goes from 0-60 in a little over 5 seconds. It has been getting good reviews for power and for a smooth ride that is more like a gasoline powered car than a hybrid.

The X6 ActiveHybrid is not getting the best reviews in some areas. For starters, even though the fuel economy is a great increase compared to other non-hybrid X6 models, it still comes in at a low 17 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Not fantastic stats for a hybrid. The other large complaint is this hybrid’s cost. BMW is asking around $89,900. That’s right, almost $90,000 for just the base and this “sport activity coupe” only holds 4 passengers and has 60 cubic feet. Not the space an SUV driver is usually looking for.

Even with some negative reviews, this hybrid is still deemed as one of the most powerful hybrids to drive and the most fun. Check out your local BMW dealer, test drive the X6 ActiveHybrid and tell us what you think!

2010 Mercedes ML450 Hybrid Update

The 2010 Mercedes ML450 hybrid luxury SUV was first seen in April of this year at the New York Auto Show. At that point, if rumors were true, it was expected to be available to the public in December 2009, and it is! Actually, the ML450 hybrid became available mid-November. Unfortunately, at this point, it is only obtainable for leasing and not for buying.

As reviewed here on SUVLUV back in the spring, this luxury hybrid has the same two-mode system as Chrysler and BMW. With two electric motors and a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine, this Mercedes gets around 335 horsepower and 381 lb-ft of torque. Great power accompanied by great efficiency. The current gas mileage is a green 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The electric motors if used with moderate acceleration can run up to 34 mph on their own, making this SUV a full hybrid.

The ML450 hybrid does have some stiff competition. Its biggest competitor is the Lexus RX 450h, another luxury SUV which gets an outstanding 30 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The ML450 is also up against one of its own kind, the ML 350 BlueTec turbo diesel. Its ratings come in at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, so it’s a close race for that highway mileage and some drivers love a diesel option.

The SUV lots have the 2010 Mercedes ML450 hybrid but for a leasing option only, no purchase at this time. The current lease price is $659 for 36 months or $549 for 60 months. It’s difficult to speculate when the ML450 will be available to purchase but if it did some reviewers are expecting a price around $45,000.

2010 Dodge Journey

Dodge has finally come through with a crossover SUV geared for hauling people and/or cargo. The Dodge Journey is in the auto marketplace. The Journey was created in 2009 and continues on in 2010. It is another alternative to the dreaded minivan with optional seating for seven and plenty of room for extra hauling. The Journey gets praised for being versatile and its gas mileage is not too shabby either.

The Dodge Journey’s journey continues as being a great crossover for families. There are 3 models; the base SE, the mid-level SXT, and the top-trim R/T. The base level holds a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine, getting 173 horsepower. The two other models hold a 3.5 liter, V6 that gets around 235 horsepower. Of course the V6 engine seems to be the easiest choice but actually if you’re trying to go green the base model gets the best fuel economy. With its 4-speed automatic transmission the base 2010 Journey gets 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This is not hybrid quality but a better alternative than most of the minivans out there today.

Most auto reviews are not giving the Journey much credit in comparison to other SUVs in its class but it is getting praise as a stylish alternative to the minivan and extra points for family use. The base has a 2nd row that allows the seats to be moved closer or further from the driver and passenger seats. There is also an optional 3rd row to allow for 7 passengers. Both rows fold down for storage. There is also extra cargo room hidden among this SUV. Many storage spots can also double as coolers and there is hidden storage under the front passenger seat cushion.

Extra options can include a rear entertainment system for the kiddies, navigation, sunroof, and a hard-drive based multimedia system for the adults. Base price is $21,165 for the year 2010 model.

2009 Hybrid SUV Comparison (Full-Size)

Smaller SUVs, hybrid or not, are of course going to be greener and get better fuel economy but in some cases there is a need for a larger SUV.  Many SUV drivers need a large SUV for hauling purposes, whether that is people or a boat!  But just because you have to have a big SUV doesn’t mean you can’t still be eco-friendly and save a little on your fuel bills.  Here is a comparison chart for the top 5 larger hybrid SUVs of 2009 that presents the most useful information:  gas mileage, power, and price, and towing capacity.

2009 HybridSUV	Fuel EconomyCity/Highway	Gas/Electric Power	Price (MSRP)	Towing Capacity
Chevy Tahoe hybrid	21/22	Full hybrid ( 2-mode system) Electric up to 25mph	$52,000	Up to 6,000 lbs
GMC Yukon Denali hybrid	21/22	Electric mode only up to 27 mph	$58,235	Up to 6,200 lbs
Dodge Durango hybrid*	18/22	2-mode system & HEMI V8	$45,000	Around 6,000 lbs
Chrysler Aspen hybrid*	18/19	2-mode system & HEMI V8	$45,000	Around 6,000 lbs
Cadillac Escalade hybrid	20/21	Full hybrid up to 25 mph/ V8	$75,000 limited availability	Up to 5,800

* The Dodge Durango hybrid and the Chrysler Aspen hybrid are now discontinued but still available while supplies last.

Each of these larger hybrid SUVs do not seem so green when looking at the stats but in comparison to the same SUVs in a non-hybrid model, they are actually much better on fuel economy and often times way better for the environment.  A mid-size SUV is going to get better gas mileage by far if there is not a need for a full-size SUV.  Check out the 2009 Hybrid Comparison chart for mid-size SUVs below.