What is the best all-round small suv hybrid vehicle-mileage, reliability, comfort, power?

Question

I want good gas mileage, power and reasonably good looks. Reliability is a big factor, as well as future maintenance cost.

Answer 1

check out the Highlander hybrid

Answer 2

If you want a small hybrid SUV that has proven to be very tough and reliable, look no further than the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Where I am here in New York City, the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission has been using the Escape Hybrid as taxi cabs since 2005.  The original batch has racked up over 200,000 miles with no major problems.  http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?ne...

NOBODY abuses their cars worse than NYC cab drivers.  If the Escape Hybrid can weather that kind of punishment on a daily basis, it can survive normal use just fine.  :-)

And better yet, Uncle Sam will actually help you out with a $3000 Federal Tax Credit rebate if you buy a 2008 Escape Hybrid 2WD:  http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=176...

Answering your other criteria:

- Escape Hybrid 2WD gets 32mpg combined city/highway according to the EPA's new downwardly-revised estimates.  It's the most fuel-efficient SUV out there.

- The combined power when both the electric motor and the 2.5L engine is running is 200 horsepower.  That's comparable to the regular V6 3.0L Duratec-powered 2008 Escape 2WD.

- The Escape Hybrid is lower-maintenance than regular cars.  It uses regenerative braking to save wear on the brake pads, so you don't need a brake job until 100,000 miles.  Its transmission has just one teethed gearset, no gear-shifting wear-and-tear of a normal car transmission.  That's why it's so tough and can withstand the abuse of NYC cabbies.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I just love my ford escape.  We are a family of tall people and this works for us.  Great handling.  4 years old and no problems

Answer 4

What about the Camry hybrid? Realworld gas mileage for mixed highway and city driving in the mid to upper 30s. Midsize car. CVT (continuously variable transmission) so no feeling when the gears shift. Smooth ride nicely optioned (touch start, bluetooth, XM, etc) Good reviews and reliability ratings.

Answer 5

There are only a few small hybrid suvs: Ford Escape, Saturn Vue, Lexus RX350, Toyota Highlander

For non-hybrids, the Honda CR-V is great. Should satisfy all your other criteria

Answer 6

GMC Yukon Hybrid, 20 MPG in the city and can tow 6,000 pounds.  Comes with navigation, leather and 5 year - 100,000 mile warranty.  This vehicle has a lot of power and best of all you are buying American!

I am the general sales manager for a GMC dealership in Southern California and have driven this vehicle plenty.  It is amazing.