Hybrid SUV Brands and Links

Hybrid SUV or all-gas SUV?

Hybrid SUV shoppers may want to consider these alternatives, each with a separate ConsumerSearch report:

Diesel-powered SUVs are more fuel-efficient than comparable gas SUVs. In some cases, they are more fuel efficient than hybrid SUVs too. Downsizing to a smaller gas-powered SUV can also help fuel economy. See our reports on small SUVs, midsize SUVs and large SUVs.

If you're considering a hybrid crossover or SUV as a fuel-friendly family hauler, you may also want to consider a minivan. Experts point out that minivans are cheaper, more comfortable and often less prone to rollover than SUVs, with seating for seven or eight, and that they can tow moderate loads. One minivan, the 2011 Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570), also offers all-wheel drive. The 2011 Honda Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,075 to $43,525) is also a best-reviewed minivan.

If you don't need all-wheel drive or an SUV-sized cargo bay, some station wagons may fit the bill.

Finally, hybrid cars cost thousands less and use far less gas than hybrid SUVs.

Hybrid vehicle links and future model news

If you're curious to know whether a hybrid will save you money in the long run, check out this study from ConsumerReports.org, "Hybrids & Diesels: Do They Save Money?", along with two reports from Edmunds.com. ConsumerReports.org and the first Edmunds.com article -- "The Real Costs of Owning a Hybrid Car" -- conclude that at least some hybrids will quickly pay back their price premium by saving you money at the pump, on insurance, in depreciation and more. The second Edmunds.com article -- "Do Hybrids Make Financial Sense Yet?" -- comes to the opposite conclusion, but it considers only fuel savings, rebates and tax credits. Edmunds Auto Observer offers updated payback data for the 2010 Lexus RX 450h based on the second Edmunds.com article's criteria.

Several auto magazines and websites have launched spinoffs focused on green autos. Look for the hybrid vehicle reviews and the latest hybrid news at Automobile Magazine's Green Car Guide, CanadianDriver.com's Green Scene, Autoblog Green (a spinoff site of Autoblog.com), Cars.com's Kicking Tires blog and Edmunds.com's Green Car Advisor blog.

ConsumerReports.org's Cars blog posts reliable hybrid news and analysis, and -- unlike most ConsumerReport.org content -- it's available to everyone, not just subscribers.

The best sources for specifications and details on models, trim levels and pricing are manufacturers' websites. The following links are for manufacturers that produce the hybrid SUVs covered in this report.

BMW

Cadillac

Chevrolet

Ford

GMC

Lexus

Mercedes-Benz

Porsche

Toyota

Volkswagen

FuelEconomy.gov posts all Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy estimates. A special section covers hybrids exclusively.

The EPA also posts information on tax incentives for hybrid and diesel cars, but note that vehicles purchased after Dec. 31, 2010 aren't eligible for a federal tax credit.  

The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide helps consumers choose the most environmentally friendly vehicle that meets their needs. Users can look up a specific vehicle or search by type or efficiency.