Hybrid SUV experiences?

Question

I need an suv-type vehicle that can deal with snow/ice and mountains. In its "daily" life, it will basically be a shuttle for kids and groceries in a temperate climate.

I'm considering the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid (basically the same vehicle?). I considered the Toyota Highlander but I don't really need a 3rd row. I also considered non-hybrids like the crv and rav4.

My concerns/priorities are:

1. Safety

2. Reliability

3. Ability to handle ice and mountains

4. Not horrible for the environment

5. Smooth/quiet ride/comfort

This is more about being somewhat environmentally responsible than about saving money on gas, if that helps focus your answers. I'm looking to buy in mid-Dec. or early Jan.

Please only answer if you have experience with hybrids or have done research. It doesn't help me to read "all Fords/Mercurys/Saturns suck"

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

The Escape and Mariner hybrids are both good choices.  They get the same mileage, have the same Yahoo green rating, and almost the same cost.  The Mariner is about $700 more.

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/compariso...

I'd suggest test driving both and seeing which you prefer, but both have 4 wheel drive models which are relatively environmentally friendly for SUVs.

Answer 2

Since you don't need the 3rd seat, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the sister Lexus RX450h are out, as are the upcoming GM Tahoe and Yukon hybrids.

For SUVs, that leaves you with the Ford Escape Hybrid, and its sisters the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the soon to be released Mazda Tribute Hybrid, along with the Saturn Vue Green Line.

You may do better to ask some owners:

http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/hybr...

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Hybr...

Answer 3

Well the safest, most reliable, most capable, and most luxurious hybrid suvs would be the new 900 Hybrids from GM (Yukon and Tahoe). The only thing is they are VERY large and will likely cost ~$40,000. But they do have a lot going for them and at the same time manage ~21 MPG real life. Very close to a Toyota Camry.

The Escape Hybrid is the only other SUV I can think of with 4WD available. The Saturn Vue is pretty inexpensive, and the upcoming 08 model seems very nice, but I think 4WD isn't available with the Hybrid version.

Answer 4

There are complex safety issues with SUVs.  Being more top-heavy, they are more prone to roll over than passenger sedans. And because they are massive, they will do more damage to the other car.  Also, they have more inertia and don't do as well in emergency maneuvers.  But their mass tends to protect the people inside.  More important than your choice of vehicle is to be an alert, sober driver, and to maintain your tires carefully.

Both of these vehicles are available in four-wheel drive models which can help in slippery conditions (ice).  But four-wheel drive only helps you go (and to some extent turn).  It does not help you stop - remember that and be very careful!

Hybrids do not help the environment, and passenger automobiles are not "horrible for the environment" -- unless you yearn for the mud tracks that our forebears were only delighted to give up!

Much of the extra cost of a hybrid is for the fuel required to make the electric motors, smelt the nickel and other metals for the batteries, and so on.  You may never recoup this fuel consumption in ordinary use.  Also after 8-10 years you'll have to replace the battery pack, a $3000 repair which may mean junking the car.

A gallon of gas burned in a hybrid produces precisely as much CO2 as a gallon of gas in a conventional vehicle, so if you're worried about CO2 emissions, think in terms of gallons of gasoline per month, not miles per gallon.  Typically people who buy hybrids drive them more, and so don't use any less fuel...  They may make environmental matters worse by contributing to congestion.

If you want to minimize your environmental impact, keep your old car and maintain it carefully.  If you must buy a new vehicle, consider something smaller, like a Yaris or Ford Edge - you'll haul around less steel.  Or a bicycle.

Anyway, both the Escape and the Highlander are great vehicles.  I've been in both - the Highlander is larger and roomier.  Both handle like cars, are beautifully appointed, and drive pretty much like the passenger cars they're based on.