2011 Ford Escape Hybrid – Unchanged

The 2011 Ford Escape hybrid continues to be one of the most popular hybrid SUVs on the market. It would have been nice to see some changes this model year but many owners love the Escape hybrid just the way it is. The only real changes are a few technology additions that make the driving life a little easier.

The FWD Escape hybrid comes with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine as well as a battery-powered motor. The all-wheel drive model has a 2nd electric motor to power the rear wheels. These engines combined give around 177 horsepower. Escape hybrid drivers report that it has a smooth transition from electric to gasoline power, something to value in any hybrid.

Along with the electric motor the Escape hybrid has an aerodynamic body shape to get its green reputation. It also has Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) that only turns on when needed. The more common hydraulic pump systems stay on the entire driving time. These green technologies allow Ford to get great fuel economy with this hybrid SUV. The FWD Escape hybrid gets 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The AWD model gets 30/27 mpg.

The 2011 model year did receive some technology changes that drivers are sure to like. This hybrid now has an HD radio with digital sound. Even better is the new Active Park Assist system. It uses front and rear sensors in combination with the EPAS to direct the Escape into a parking spot. Already in place were the rear view camera, the integrated blind spot mirrors, and the Ford’s SYNC multi-media system among other interior technology.

The 2011 Ford Escape hybrid is about as green as you can get, seats 5 passengers, and gets over 66 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats folded down. It may be the best compact hybrid SUV of our generation. The downside is that it’s not cheap. The 2011 model starts at $30,045.

GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid

Even though crossovers seem to be the latest and greatest in SUVs, some drivers still need or prefer the original, full-size SUV. For some, a full-size is needed for hauling purposes and for others, well they just want to be one of the big boys. Either way, these are the drivers that need the greenest vehicle they can get. The GMC Yukon Denali hybrid may be a more eco-friendly option but still maintains all the bragging rights.

What is the difference between a regular Yukon hybrid and the Yukon Denali hybrid? Well, the Denali version is a premium GMC vehicle. The GMC Envoy and the Sierra also have a Denali option. It basically means the best of the best. From the factory the Yukon Denali Hybrid comes standard with 22-inch chrome wheels, heated, leather front and 2nd row seating, OnStar, turn-by-turn navigation, rear camera system, a Bose stereo system, and XM NavTraffic service. The GMC Yukon Denali hybrid is also the first Yukon to be equipped with GM’s MagnaRide suspension. This technology uses magnetic pieces in the shock absorber fluid to adjust the dampening rate of the actual shock absorbers. It keeps the tires on the road and is reviewed well by most test drivers.

Since this flashy Yukon is a hybrid it has GM’s Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and Energy Storage System in conjunction with a 6.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine. This system allows the hybrid to run up to 27 mpg on the electric system alone. This beast also carries up to 8 passengers and hauls around 6,200 lbs. There are also some new metallic colors available for the 2010 model year.

But, before getting too excited, let’s just say that this is not the greenest vehicle out there. Even with the hybrid engine the fuel economy is 21mpg in the city and 22 mpg highway. Not that great but a vast improvement from the non-hybrid Yukon. The Denali version adds a lot to show off but also adds another $10,000. The GMC Yukon Denali hybrid starts at $58,235. For some drivers, it is a must-have.

Nothing New with VUE

The problem with getting excited and ordering a vehicle that has not been built yet is that auto-makers can pull the plug at anytime. Back in February we told you about the new Saturn VUE that was supposed to be released right about now (Spring/Summer 2009). The new VUE was going to sport the GM 2-mode hybrid system, the first compact SUV to try it out. Unfortunately, we are not going to see that happen due to all the revamping of General Motors.

GM is planning on “reinventing” the auto company by selling off certain brands and focusing on others. Saturn was one of the brands that was up in the air but it has been recently reported that the Saturn brand, established in 1990, was sold to the Penske Automotive Group earlier this month. The auto group is owned by Roger Penske who is highly respected in the auto world. GM and Penske will make Saturn vehicles together under a contract that runs through 2011.

Several soon–to-be VUE owners are spouting off in the blogosphere with disappointment. The 2-mode VUE hybrid could be previously ordered and now those orders have been killed. Guess it was not meant to be, or at least for the VUE. Since GM is keeping their 2-mode system there are many rumors in the SUV world about which GM vehicle will be getting the system. It is likely that they will find a SUV similar in size to the VUE. Check out future posts here at SUVLUV to find out which SUVs are likely to become a 2-mode hybrid.

Since General Motors is “starting over” there is no telling what will come out next. GM is promising cleaner and greener vehicles. Check out their latest commercial below.

Introducing the Mercedes Hybrid SUV

Mercedes, the German auto company that has been known for working on eco-friendly, diesel technology is now jumping into the hybrid world. Mercedes previously introduced a hybrid car, the S400, but is now working on their hybrid SUV for 2010 the ML450. The Mercedes Hybrids were released at this years’ New York Auto Show. Some reports say that the ML450 hybrid SUV will be appearing in December of this year, the hybrid S400 may appear a bit earlier.

All the reviews on the 2010 ML450 hybrid are good. It’s getting praise for its high power and great fuel economy. This hybrid SUV has a 3.5-liter, V-6 combined with two electric motors. The same two-mode system we have seen with BMW, Chrysler, and GM. Having double the electric motors and a gasoline engine makes for extreme power, the ML450 puts out a total of 335 horsepower and 381 lb-ft of torque. All this power and it still gets 21 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. Even better than Mercedes ML320 BlueTec, the two will be competing in the showroom.

Mercedes put a lot of thought into making this powerful yet efficient SUV. It will run on electric alone and even has a special feature for heavy stop-n-go traffic. The “traffic jam” feature allows the SUV to go into full electric mode while creeping through the city. No talk of what technology will be on the inside of the car just yet, but if it’s a Mercedes it will have all the latest and greatest gadgets assured. Mercedes has also not released exact pricing at this time but it can almost be guaranteed to expect cost to be between $50,000 & $60,000.

What’s New with Vue?

The 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid is on the market. It starts around $29,000 and most owners seem to enjoy its great fuel economy and compact size. But, Saturn’s newest edition may blow the old Vue right out the water. Coming, Spring 2009, is the Vue 2-Mode Hybrid. It will have upgraded power, upgraded technology, and upgraded towing capabilities.

The 2-mode system may be old hash to most people since it’s used in many of GM’s full size vehicles but the Vue Hybrid will be the first compact, front-wheel drive SUV to use the 2-mode system. The original Green Line Vue has had some negative critics due to its lack of power and ability to drive on electric only. The Vue 2-Mode Hybrid has solved these issues. Because of the 2-mode system it can run on battery, engine, or the two pair together for top performance. This Vue also houses a V6 engine for even more power.

The technology of the 2-mode system allows the Vue Hybrid to get the best fuel efficiency. The first mode is created for lighter loads and less speed. The second mode is for highway driving. It uses electric assist combined with 6-cylinder power. Saturn is also up to date on the interior technology. The standard Green Line Vue Hybrid is equipped with On-Star. The new 2-Mode Hybrid will have Bluetooth wireless technology and optional navigation.

The added power of the Vue 2-Mode Hybrid will allow for extra towing capabilities. Saturn claims that it will tow up to 3,500 lbs. The extra power also allows this hybrid to go from 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds. All this power does have a down side. The Vue 2-Mode is not estimated to get better fuel economy than the standard Vue Hybrid, although all that power will add about 5K to the price. Estimated base price will be around $33,000. Look for the Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid at your local dealership this Spring, and keep in mind its limited availability.

2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

Most of us are completely aware that Chrysler has been having some pretty big problems in the last year. With the economy down, they have been closing plants and looking for hand outs. The bad news is that some of their hybrid SUVs are being discontinued. But, the good news is that you can still get your hands on a ’09 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid.

Just like the Dodge Durango, the Aspen hybrid is equipped with a 5.7 Hemi V-8 engine in connection with a two-mode hybrid system. In layman’s terms, lots of power, not a lot of gas. It also has cylinder-deactivation technology to help make the most of fuel economy. The Aspen is a full hybrid and can accelerate up to 25 mph without using any gas. The gas mileage is significantly better than its non-hybrid brother, which usually gets a weak 13 mpg. The EPA reports that the Aspen hybrid gets 18 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Not the best in hybrid SUVs but for a Hemi-powered SUV, it’s not too shabby!

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid is definitely built for drivers who crave power but have a little bit of tree-hugger in them. The extra power the 300-watt battery adds takes the Aspen up to 385 horsepower from the old 340 horsepower. It is also capable of towing around 6,000 lbs.

Driver reviews are excellent, but critics are complaining that the gas mileage is still terrible compared to other hybrid SUVs. But, for those of you who tow a boat or trailer on the weekends, the fuel economy is probably pretty good compared to what you are currently driving. The MSRP for a ’09 Aspen hybrid is around $45,000 but right now you may have some negotiating power at your local Chrysler dealership.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid – 20??

There is much speculation floating around about Porsche’s Cayenne Hybrid model and when it will be available in the United States. Some Porsche purists are not thrilled about the company having a hand in the SUV market, but because it is a Porsche the Cayenne is sporty, chic, and well-designed.

Back in 2007 the rumors of the Cayenne hybrid were spread all over the auto news world. The reports were that Porsche would be ready to showcase this hybrid SUV by 2008-2009. Because of engineering setbacks the Cayenne hybrid is still not on the market. The most recent report is that the 2010 model will be displayed in late 2009 but Porsche is being tight lipped about the whole project.

What we do know about the Cayenne Hybrid is that it will have a full hybrid system that is designed with the help of Audi and Volkswagen. It will still be as tough as the non-hybrid Cayenne V-6. This hybrid will be able to tow 7,000 lbs, drive through high water, and accelerate even faster than its non-hybrid counterpart. Gas mileage is also going to be a huge improvement. The standard Cayenne currently achieves about 17 mpg but the hybrid prototype got an average of 24 mpg. It is rumored that the hybrid model will be getting more like 27 mpg by the release date.

No one really knows for sure, but it is possible that the 2010 Cayenne will be available in a hybrid model and have the same design as the 2008 non-hybrid. This very well may be Porsche’s first attempt at an electric motor vehicle but not their last. There are also rumors that Porsche is working on a sedan hybrid as well.

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.