2010 Jeep Liberty

The 2010 Jeep Liberty is a masculine SUV that has outstanding off-road capabilities. Its exterior is stylish and the 2011 models are getting even more attention for their appeal. The interior has not always been approved by many auto critics but continues to improve with each new model year. Jeep has claimed that the all powerful Liberty is green but its less than great fuel economy doesn’t qualify it for any eco-friendly awards for this year.

The Jeep Liberty has a 3.7-liter, V6 engine under its hood that pulls in around 210 horsepower. Two of the Liberty models have four wheel drive. The 4WD models have the best off road capabilities. The Liberty also comes with heavy duty forged steel tow hooks for towing. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Liberty has a boxy exterior that keeps a rugged look and keeps with the Jeep style. The Liberty Renegade style has an upgraded exterior that include 16-inch Keystone wheels and black out headlights for an even more masculine design. The interior comes in leather accents and includes the upgraded trim and control panels.

Unfortunately, the Jeep Liberty does not get great fuel economy. Its numbers come in at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg highway for the two-wheel drive model. Subtract each number by one for the 4WD. Jeep tries to make its eco-friendly efforts by changing the amount of solvents they use at their auto plant. The 2010 Liberty does come with an Eco lamp that alerts drivers when they are driving in a fuel efficient manner.

When it comes to eco-friendly Jeeps, the Patriot or the Compass is a better choice if you’re going for the green. Although, the Liberty does have a style of its own, great power, and towing capability. Hopefully, Jeep will continue to work on its fuel economy for all their SUVs. The 2010 Jeep Liberty starts at $23,255.

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.

The Chevy Equinox

Chevy introduced the Equinox back in 2005. It is a small crossover vehicle that is comparable to the RAV-4 or the Honda CR-V. Even though it is small it is still classified as a mid-size SUV. With 5-passenger seating and plenty of storage the Equinox is a good choice for SUV owners looking for power and room. The new 2010 Equinox is supposed to bring fuel economy to the top, beating out most of its competitors, including the Ford Escape hybrid.

The Equinox is full of power. The standard engine is a 3.4-liter, V6 which creates around 185 horsepower. The exception to this rule is the Sport model which houses a 3.6liter, V6 generating a roaring 264 horsepower. The power typically goes to the front wheels but the Equinox is available in all wheel drive for more off road capability. This Chevy is not meant for serious off road play but can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

The amenities are a plenty in the Equinox. Even though it does compete with smaller SUVs this mid-size holds plenty of room. It has a 60/40 rear split seat and a cargo shelf that’s adjustable and can double as a picnic bench. The seats can fold down allowing for even more storage and hauling. There are many other options available such as OnStar, navigation, satellite radio, and heated seats. Safety is also a priority; there are optional side curtain airbags and fog lights. There are many optional packages to choose from.

The second generation Equinox will arrive this summer for the 2010 model year. It does have an upgraded interior but the bigger news is that it will be a leader in its class for fuel economy. It comes with an “ECO” button that when in use, the 2010 Equinox will get 32 mpg on the highway, and 22 in the city. Of course, choosing an upgraded more powerful engine will lessen its mpg. The base model starts at $23,185 making it one of the more affordable green SUVs.

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!