Ford Explorer America Concept

What is the real truth behind Ford’s Explorer America Concept? There are no straight answers for this question but there are some new technologies that Ford Motor Co. is working on right now and may be unveiled in the 2011 or 2012 Ford Explorer.

The current Ford Explorer’s sales have been down recently due to the fact that consumers are more interested in smaller, gas-friendly, crossover SUVs. The Ford Explorer America Concept that was showcased at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show gave the Explorer a crossover body style yet still has the “Ford Tough” look. The America concept displayed at the auto show was 150 lbs lighter than the V6 Explorer due to its unibody structure.

The primary reason for showcasing the America Concept was to launch Ford’s newest technologies in fuel economy. Ford’s main focus is the EcoBoost motor. The concept holds a 4-cylinder, 2-liter engine, with EcoBoost that allows for 275 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ford claims that the EcoBoost technology will deliver better performance, have 20% better fuel economy, and 15% less CO2 emissions. The America concept revealed at the auto show held 6 passengers although if put into production it would most likely hold 7-8 passengers.

Even though Ford has not announced any direct production plans for the Ford Explorer America it is rumored that the 2011 Explorer will be based off this America concept. If this is true it will be the greenest Explorer yet. The 2011 model would get much better fuel economy, (about 15-30% better), but would get 50% less towing capacity than the current Explorer. Much smaller, the Explorer would be in the same category as SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander.

The 2011 Ford Explorer is not expected to make its debut until 1st or 2nd quarter of 2010, so keep an eye out at your local Kansas Ford dealership then.

2009 Ford Escape – A Powerful Green Machine

The Ford Escape was the first SUV available as a hybrid and it is still going strong. The 2009 model year is more powerful than ever and still gets great fuel economy. In addition, the Ford Motor Company has taken giant leaps towards auto technology and introduced Sync, a voice interface system.

Ford decided to make a few changes to the Escape 2009 model. One consumer complaint has been that the Escape was not powerful enough so Ford added a bit more horsepower this year. The 2009 Escape is now available with a 6-speed automatic transmission that allows for 240-horsepower. Ford claims that this is 20% more power than previous models. This also creates better towing capacity, some models can tow up to 3,500 lbs. Some test drivers have also said that the ’09 model has better handling. Ford agrees and gives credit to its rear suspension system, which allows each wheel to operate independently for better control, especially on difficult road conditions.

Ford also jumped on the technology bandwagon and made SYNC available. Ford’s SYNC is a communication and entertainment system. It uses Bluetooth technology to use your voice to activate not only your cell phone but your music choices as well. This technology is powered by Microsoft and can give the driver traffic information, directions, and other information as well as a feeling of security. The system will automatically call 911 as soon as the airbags are deployed.

The EPA gives the Ford Escape hybrid great reviews. It gets an estimated 32 combined mpg, only uses 10.7 barrels per year of petroleum, has a low carbon footprint score of 5.7, and the EPA gives it an 8 for air pollution and considers it a SmartWay vehicle. The 2009 model still has the “green” seats, good fuel economy, and reduced emissions. Some reviewers were hoping for even more green features for this model year instead of the increase in power but Ford is trying to appeal to all drivers. The 2009 Ford Escape hybrid starts just under $30,000.  Find a Hybrid Escape at your local Kansas Ford dealership or check online for availability.

Top 5 Reasons to Buy an SUV in 2009

The year 2009 is upon us and many of us are going to be purchasing new vehicles this year. Hopefully, we will be keeping the environment in mind but of course, we also have to keep our practical needs in mind as well. There is quite a bit of slander out there about SUV owners but there are several legitimate reasons why people drive SUVs. I often wonder if these people making negative comments about SUVs own a boat, have a large family, or own a mobile business that requires more cargo room. My guess is that they do not. Regardless of the ridicule, this may be your year to invest in an SUV that fits your needs.

Here are the top 5 reasons to buy an SUV in 2009:

1. SUVs handle better in rough terrain and bad weather. Depending upon where in the country you live, you may be struggling through mountainous terrain or snow for several months out of the year and an SUV will create a safer and easier drive for your family as you fight the elements.

2. SUVs have better towing capacity. Whether you’re trying to tow a boat or a camper, an SUV has the power to haul a lot of weight while maintaining a smooth drive.

3. SUVs have more room for cargo. This is a feature that can be very important for someone who travels for their job or owns a mobile business.

4. SUVs have more passenger room. Some SUVs have 3rd row seating for large families. Others may still only hold 5 passengers but have more head room and leg room than the average car.

5. SUVs are becoming more fuel efficient. As we have seen in the last year, there are more hybrid, clean-diesel, and fuel efficient SUVs being offered on the market and this trend seems to be rising.

There you have it…. the top 5 reasons to buy an SUV this year.

Before heading out to your local Kansas Toyota or Kansas Ford dealership, do your research. Keep in mind that we are living in a world that needs to be environmentally minded. Here at SUV LUV we will continue to keep up to date on the most fuel efficient, eco-friendly, and green SUVs on the market.
Happy New Year!

The “Environmentally-Minded” Honda CR-V

The compact Honda CR-V has received some great reviews over the last 10 years and can be a smart choice for the person looking for a smaller, more practical SUV. Honda has six different models to choose from. The two wheel drive models and the four wheel drive models have different EPA and government scores assigned to them. For this review, we’ll be looking at the CR-V 2WD. SUVs that are 2WD usually get better fuel economy and environmental ratings but sometimes a 4WD is necessary so don’t harbor too much guilt if that’s the case. To be honest, the stats usually aren’t that far off anyway.

Honda states on their website that the 2009 CR-V is “environmentally-minded”. I suppose this is a good phrase to show that the CR-V does have some features that are better for the environment without claiming that it is completely eco-friendly. I’ve grown to like this phrase because it fits this Honda SUV pretty well. The CR-V is not a hybrid and does not have any kind of electric power. But it does have some decent ratings. The CR-V gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 highway. It uses 14.9 barrels of petroleum per year, has a CO2 score of 8.0, and has an EPA air pollution score of 6. All these scores are good for a non-hybrid SUV. Honda also prides itself on the CR-V because it got the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rating by the California Air Resources Board.

The Honda CR-V seats 5 passengers and claims to have plenty of power. It comes standard with a 166 horsepower, DOHC i-VTEC engine. It’s also got a 5 star safety rating and is a “top safety pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Different packages can include all the accessories a driver will ever need. The Honda CR-V is definitely one to take on a guilt-free test drive and your local Kansas Honda dealership!

Toyota Has the Green

Ok, so we all know that Toyota makes the Highlander hybrid which contains three electric motors and is very fuel efficient but Toyota has another SUV that is a lighter shade of green. The 2009 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV in comparison to Toyota’s other sport utility vehicles but it continues to be environmentally friendly.

Unfortunately, the Rav4 is not a hybrid but it may be a good choice for a modest family who is trying to do their part to help our environment. The 2009 RAV4 estimates 22 miles per gallon in the city, and 28 highway. The U.S. government estimates that the RAV4-2WD uses 15.6 barrels of petroleum per year, gives it a carbon footprint score of 8.3, and gives it an air pollution score of 6, with 10 being the best. The EPA also gives a special designation to vehicles that are safer for the environment. The RAV4-2WD is considered a SmartWay vehicle by EPA standards due to its low emissions of air pollution and greenhouse gases.

Not only is the Toyota RAV4 a “green” choice it is also a versatile and affordable SUV. The RAV4-2WD has a V6 engine with 269 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 lbs. The base model comes standard with power accessories, cruise control, and stability control. The options are endless and there are several option packages to choose from. Some of the accessory choices are remote engine start, XM satellite radio, sport pedals, cargo tray or tote, auto-dimming mirror, DVD/navigation system, and Bluetooth capability, plus a kid’s only third row seat that folds down into the floor.

The base price for the Toyota RAV4 starts at $21,500. Of course, adding optional packages hikes up the price but it is still modestly priced even with all the additional features. Overall, the RAV4 can be found on most SUV top ten lists.  Check out your local Kansas Toyota dealership to see what they have in stock.

Yukon Hybrid

If you’re looking for a full sized, loaded SUV the GMC Yukon hybrid may be the way to go. This monster of a vehicle gets much better fuel economy than most large SUVs, can tow a ton, and includes some great options. The Yukon hybrid is modeled after its 2007 non-hybrid brother. It weighs in around 5,600 pounds so it may not be the most eco-friendly vehicle on the market but it is the most eco-friendly Yukon on the market!

The GMC Yukon gets around 14 mpg city and 19 highway. The fuel economy for the hybrid version comes in at 21 city and 22 highway. It is another hybrid SUV that runs on the two-mode technology. The Yukon hybrid comes with the standard V8 under the hood but the two-mode technology allows cylinders to deactivate when they aren’t needed so that it becomes a V4. The electric motor gives the added power the SUV needs to accelerate quickly and smoothly. The Yukon hybrid is a full hybrid and can run on electric power alone up to 25 miles per hour.

The Yukon hybrid is very tempting with its strength and amenities. It can tow around 6,000 lbs, which should cover all you boat owners out there. It can also haul eight people so it is perfect for a family vacation to the lake. The 3^rd row seating is optional and the only drawback to it is that it does not fold down but actually has to be removed if not needed. It also comes standard with touch screen navigation, DVD entertainment system, XM radio, remote keyless entry, rear parking assist, remote vehicle start system, and optional On Star and sunroof.

All in all, if you’re looking to haul a boat, ride around with 7 other people, show off to your friends, and be eco-friendly, then the Yukon hybrid is for you! Of course, you will be paying for it…. the Yukon hybrid starts at $50,945.

Hybrid Hemi?

That’s right! The Hemi-powered Dodge Durango is available in a hybrid version. Ok, so it seems like an oxymoron to call any Durango an eco-friendly vehicle but if you’re going to go for it anyway, why not get the hybrid version and save the environment a little bit.

The 2009 Dodge Durango hybrid can run on electric power alone so it is considered a full hybrid. It uses the two-mode system like the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and claims to reduce fuel consumption by 40 percent while driving around town. The first mode uses the electric motor without using any fuel while the second mode uses the electric motor while teaming up with the HEMI V8 engine to get maximum power. Dodge also claims that the Durango hybrid has better fuel economy due to its Multi-Displacement System (MDS). The MDS deactivates half of the V8 cylinders during cruising and acceleration, creating a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.

Dodge did not make many changes to the exterior and interior of the Durango hybrid. In fact, if the hybrid Durango and its non-hybrid counterpart were right next to each other, most people would not be able to tell the difference. The Durango hybrid can still seat up to eight people. Dodge hid the battery pack well, so that it would not lose any passenger room. It also continues to carry the same safety features such as a tire pressure monitoring system, Park Sense rear park assist system, and an electronic stability program. The hybrid version also has a high voltage disconnect designed to disable the energy flow in an accident.

If your reason for getting a Durango is towing, the hybrid version does fall a little short. The standard Durango can tow up to 8,900 pounds while the hybrid is reviewed to carry around 6,000 pounds. Still, not too bad considering it should get around 18 mpg city and 22 highway. The 2009 Dodge Durango comes in around $45,000 for the base model.

Luxury Can Go Green!

Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales has three elegant and luxurious SUVs on the market but they also have an environment friendly edition to that line. The RX 400 hybrid is considered a “crossover” vehicle that can be purchased as an all wheel drive or front wheel drive.

The Lexus RX 400h is very eco-friendly. It has actually been certified as a super ultra-low emission vehicle. This means that it does not give off as much toxic fumes as the average new vehicle. Lexus claims that it reduces smog-forming emissions by 70%. This SUV estimates 27 mpg in the city and 24 highway for the front wheel drive models. The all wheel drive is just a bit behind with 26 city and 24 highway.

What makes the RX 400h such a big deal is its power. The 2008 model can go zero to 60 in 5.2 seconds. Even though it has a V6 engine, it has the power of a V8 due to the electric-drive motor. With the engine and electric motor combined it has 268 horsepower and can tow up to 3500 lbs.

This powerful, luxurious, environment friendly SUV does not come cheap. The 2008 RX 400h starts around 43,000. Buyers can add a voice activated navigation system and blue tooth technology. With the extra package this brings the grand total to $50,000. It is possible to buy it previously owned. The Rx 400h made its U.S. debut in 2006.

Eco-Friendly SUVs

If you’ve done the research, you will quickly realize that eco-friendly SUVs cost more initially than a conventional SUV of the same model. This is generally true but there may be some benefits to buying a hybrid SUV that you’re not aware of.

First and foremost it is great for the environment. Hybrid vehicles use less gas, which in turn creates less pollution. Carbon monoxides and carbon dioxides are the two key pollutants in the air produced by traditional vehicles. Since hybrid vehicles use their batteries to accelerate they do not release these air pollutants. It is estimated that hybrids cut down on air pollution by 90%.

Hybrid SUVs use less gas therefore their owners spend less money, a lot less money! Many of the hybrid SUVs on the market run on their electric battery until they reach speeds over 40 miles per hour. So, taking a quick trip to drop a kid off at school or running to the grocery store often times does not require any fuel at all. The electric battery also aids in turning the vehicle on and accelerating. Again, less gas used, less money spent.

Another factor that may offset the initial extra cost of an eco-friendly SUV is a federal tax credit. In the U.S. the IRS is giving a tax credit to some hybrid SUV owners. The credit is subtracted directly from the federal tax owed, leaving some hybrid SUV owners owing little or no taxes at all. The amount of the tax credit depends upon the year of the vehicle, when it was purchased, and which model was purchased. One example is the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD. If this vehicle were purchased in 2008, the tax credit owed would be $3000. The IRS website gives detailed information about this tax credit at www.irs.gov.

If you’re in the market for a new SUV, check out some eco-friendly options. It not only benefits the world around you but you might be surprised at some of the other benefits you receive directly.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

A unique, “crossover” eco-friendly SUV is the Toyota Highlander hybrid.The Highlander hybrid was introduced in 2005.It is considered a “crossover” vehicle because it has a sleek design like a car but has the passenger and storage room of a sport utility vehicle.The newest edition, the 2009 Highlander, has recently been introduced.

In 2008, Toyota redesigned the Highlander hybrid.It now has third row seating and fits seven passengers.The third row can also be folded down easily for extra storage.The Highlander hybrid has a V-6 engine along with three electric motors, one that functions as a starter-generator, one that charges the battery pack, and one that aids propulsion.Its fuel tank holds around 17 gallons. The Highland gets about 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Toyota also received an excellent safety rating for this hybrid SUV.It contains anti-lock brakes, stability control, and front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag. Seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten seatbelts during a collision.There is also a back-up camera standard in the vehicle.When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted its crash-tests on the Highlander they gave it five stars for driver front safety, and four stars for passenger front safety.

It is possible to buy previously owned Toyota Highlander hybrid SUVs at your local Virginia or Kansas Toyota dealership, although many of the new features were added to the 2008 models so check your local dealerships and auto sites for specific details about each year’s model.The 2008 Highlander hybrid starts at $27,500 for a basic model.

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