Touareg Hybrid Update

About a year ago, we told you about the 2011 VW Touareg hybrid SUV. At that time, this green SUV had not hit showrooms but its brother, the Touareg TDI was already out on the streets. Now the hybrid is cruising around, getting fairly good fuel economy, and getting great reviews for power.

To ensure plenty of power, Volkswagen has paired a 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor that gets 46 horsepower and a nickel-metal hydride battery. Its total power, (with both motors) comes to 380 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. Who knew VW could make such a powerful hybrid? VW has stated that the Touareg hybrid can go from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest autos to come from Volkswagen.

The Touareg also happens to be the only hybrid out from VW currently. There are rumors that a Jetta hybrid is in their future so maybe this is their test hybrid. The EPA reports that the Touareg hybrid gets 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. These are great numbers considering that this SUV can still tow up to 7,700 lbs. The downside is that the Touareg TDI can also pull the same weight and gets around 28 mpg on the highway. Although, the TDI does not boast the same power as its hybrid brother.

Since you still get great fuel economy and tremendous power the hybrid version of the Touareg may be the right choice. After all, the hybrid has just as much luxury as any other model. It comes with a media system similar to Ford’s MyTouch, complete with navigation and stats about the SUVs fuel usage and emissions. The front and back seats are individually heated, recline, and provide manual sun shades. Cargo room with all the seats is at 32 cubic feet. This hybrid is as luxurious as they come but not as cheap as they come. The 2011 VW Touareg hybrid starts at $60,565.

Related articles

• Pump up your tires to save fuel (supergreencar.com)
• 2008 New York Auto Show introduces the new 2009 Green Cars (supergreencar.com)
• VW Jetta GLI is more sporting version of the venerable compact (cars-10.com)
• Fuel Efficiency Plays More Important Role in Consumer Choice (gogogreencars.com)

Fewer Incentives for Green SUVs

All 2010 tax returns should have been in by April 18, 2011 and for those of you who bought one of the few green SUVs that still got a tax credit; you should have some extra money coming to you. Tax credits for green vehicles are now a thing of the past, but many drivers are wondering if they will ever come back. This kind of incentive was helping to get more green autos on the road.

The legislation is now helping those who are interested in purchasing plug-in hybrids and electric cars. Some of these green vehicles will qualify for a federal credit up to $7,500 and possibly a $2,000 credit for the installation of the charging station. Some states are also jumping on these incentives and offering even more tax credits, such as California, that may offer up to $5,000. There are even proposals to allow the tax credit to become an instant rebate for green auto buyers.

This is great news for green car drivers but still doesn’t help those of us who love our hybrid and green SUVs. There are two ways for us to get some incentives back for buying a hybrid SUV. The first is to lobby our local representatives and state senators. An election is coming up so it may be a good time to voice the concerns about tax credits that have gone astray.

The second is to get some kind of incentive directly from the automakers. This may be a better deal since there are only so many write-offs we can have from the government. Getting a price cut immediately when buying a hybrid SUV may help us more in the long run.

A good example going on now (in some areas) is the Ford, Swap Your Ride Sales Event. Ford has a couple of their greener SUVs for a great monthly lease price if you qualify. Getting a direct deal may get you into a green SUV faster, as it doesn’t look good for SUV tax credits anytime soon.

Related articles

• What is a Green Car? (gogogreencars.com)
• What are “Green” Cars? (supergreencar.com)
• 10 Sexy Green Cars Either on or Set to Hit the Market (supergreencar.com)
• Q & A #9 With The Auto Specialist (partsandautos.com)

Best Crossovers for 2010

Now could be the best time to buy the crossover SUV of your dreams. With year-end deals going on at many dealerships, that eco-friendly crossover you’ve been eyeing may be right in your price range. If you’re not sure which crossovers make the green list, here are a few you may want to check out.

The 2010 Chevy Equinox is a top pick for a smaller SUV. Fuel economy is excellent, getting 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Equinox also prides itself on the fact that it can go over 600 miles between fill ups. It has a sleek design and holds up to five passengers. The Equinox can be very affordable starting around $22,000.

Getting the same gas mileage and seating is the 2010 GMC Terrain. This crossover is a bit more rugged looking, probably what you’d expect from GMC. The price is a bit higher than the Equinox but the Terrain comes with some standards that usually cost extra on other crossovers. Some of its features include a rearview camera, satellite radio, and a sliding rear seat.

The 2010 Toyota RAV-4 is another crossover that should get serious consideration. In addition to the fact that it’s a Toyota, the RAV-4 starts at just $21,000 and gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Drivers love that the interior is comfortable while the exterior remains sleek. The 2010 model year got a Kelley Blue Book award for being one of the best resale vehicles on the market.

If Toyota’s not your thing, you may want to take a look at the 2010 Honda CR-V. This crossover gets around the same fuel economy as the RAV-4 and comes close to the same price. In comparison the Honda CR-V has a tailgate that is easier to use and the interior is a bit better in quality than the RAV-4. Since these crossovers are so similar, it may just be a matter of opinion.

These top four crossovers are the most fuel efficient for the money. These prices may be beatable since most of the 2011 models are already on showroom floors. But if none of them strike your fancy there are tons of other crossovers to choose from.

The 2011 Highlander Hybrid Gets Greener

Toyota continues to advance their already green hybrid SUV by improving power and fuel economy. In the past, fuel economy was only a bit better than the gas-powered Highlander but now we are starting to see a real difference that may be worth the heavier price tag. This hybrid continues to be a good choice for families looking for a 3rd row seat and a trim exterior.

Power has improved so much that the hybrid is now beating out the non-hybrid models. The 2011 Highlander hybrid is AWD and has a 3.5-liter V6 under the hood that runs with two electric engines. The three combined engines allow for 280 horsepower, quite a difference from the 2010 model year. The gas-powered Highlander comes in behind at 270 horsepower.

Fuel economy is the best change for the 2011 hybrid model. It has jumped from 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg in the highway to getting 28 mpg for both. The non-hybrid model gets 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. If you’re looking for a family vehicle the hybrids fuel economy surpasses minivans by far, even Toyotas own Sienna.

The exterior received a few changes for the 2011 year, such as a re-shaped hood. It also received a new grille and bumper to distinguish it as the hybrid model. The 17-inch alloy wheels are standard along with chrome accents. The interior has foldable 3rd row seating that allows for seven passengers. The hybrid model will also have an optional leather package and moon roof.

The 2011 Toyota Highlander hybrid starts at $37,290. The Limited model raises the price up to $43,000. With more miles per gallon and electric all-wheel drive, the extra money may be worth the hybrid version. The Highlander’s non-hybrid brother starts at $27,390.

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

The most fuel efficient hybrid SUV on the market may be topped by itself. Well, a plug-in hybrid version of itself. The Ford Escape hybrid continues to get eco-friendly status and Ford is currently working and testing on a plug-in counterpart that may take the term “eco-friendly SUV” to a whole new level.

The Ford Escape plug-in hybrid uses high voltage lithium-ion batteries that can be charged using a common household 120-volt outlet. Ford claims that the plug-in SUV can be driven around town using little to no gas, up to 30-35 miles if charged for 6-8 hours. After that, the plug-in drives like the typical Escape hybrid which gets an outstanding 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. With the combination of the lithium-ion battery and the hybrid motor the Escape plug-in hybrid can get over 120 mpg total. If testing goes well and Ford puts these SUVs on the American auto market, the fuel efficiency will blow all the competition off the roads.

Ford is currently putting the Escape plug-ins to the test thanks to a $30 million grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. Ford is testing the SUVs for durability, performance, and if the Escape will hold up in harsh weather conditions. The very few that have been able to drive the plug-ins have reported smooth test drives, similar to the Ford Escape hybrid that is already on our streets.

Ford continues on with the testing of their Escape plug-ins and plans to roll out these fuel efficient SUVs to the public in 2012. Since Ford Motor Co. was the first auto company to put a hybrid SUV in American showrooms we have no doubt that they will achieve the same with the Escape plug-in hybrid SUV.

Ford Escape vs. Escape Hybrid

So you’ve seen the Ford Escape all over the roads and you’re thinking about buying one. It’s hard enough to choose color and package but now you have to think about whether you want to go for the green (hybrid) or stick with the original. You’re thinking, is the green worth the extra green?

Even though we want to say that having a green footprint is most important we know that price is at the top of all our lists. The original 2010 Ford Escape starting MSRP is $21,020 for the base model. But, if you want the top of the line Limited Escape the price is going to be closer to $26,000. The 2010 Ford Escape hybrid starting MSRP is $29,860 but to get the 4WD option is $31,395. Upgrading the hybrid model to the Limited Edition will tack on another $2,300. There’s no doubt that depending on the model, the hybrid averages around $6000 higher than the original Escape. Although, if you buy the hybrid before April 1, 2010 you still can qualify for a tax credit but you better hurry before it’s phased out in just a few more days!

So why cough up the extra cash for a hybrid? Well, fuel economy is much better so the more you drive the more likely you are to save money each year. The original Escape gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg highway. The Escape hybrid averages 34 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. You will save money but depending on how much driving you do it may take a few years to get the extra money you spent on the hybrid. But money is not the only motivation. The hybrid allows you to do your part for the environment and reduce harmful emissions. And you never know, if gas prices hit over $5 again you will definitely feel good about picking the greener option.

Audi Q5 Hybrid Coming Soon!

The German auto-maker Audi has been debating on the rumored Audi Q5 hybrid for quite some time now but it looks like the rumors will become a reality. Audi has been indecisive because German companies view diesel as the greenest technology but now reports are saying that the Q5 hybrid will come out with a 2011 model. Some claim as early as late 2010 in the U.S.

The current non-hybrid Audi Q5 is a sleek crossover SUV with a 3.2 liter V6 engine with direct injection under the hood. The current engine brings around 270 horsepower. Reviewers praise the Q5 saying that it drives better than some sport sedans with its standard all-wheel drive. The non-hybrid 2010 Audi Q5 gets good gas mileage for its class with 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The downside to this Audi is the price which starts at $37,000 and increases with every available option.

Audi is no stranger to green technology as its Q7 TDI clean diesel larger SUV gets 225 horsepower, has a V6 engine, and still maintains a green shine with fuel economy at a combine 20 mpg. This SUV seats 7 passengers and also gets good reviews except for its hefty price tag. Get more info on the Q7 TDI here.

As for the smaller Audi Q5 hybrid were still waiting on its release, hopefully sometime at the end of this year. There is still much speculation on which kind of battery Audi will use, nickel-metal hydride or lithium ion. It is also rumored that a diesel version of the Q5 will be released shortly after the hybrid model. Diesel still seems to be Audi’s first green pick but it looks like they are willing to prove that they can create a hybrid. No word on price 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.