Hybrid SUVs

Pros and Cons

The hybrid sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are high performance vehicles that are compatible to using two distinct sources of power- the gasoline engine and the electric motor. This provides a fuel efficient source of power.

The ‘milder’ hybrids are dependent primarily on the gas engine. They use a small electric motor/ generator to supplement this. But beside the pros of this kind of hybrid, I must say what the cons are. In this chance I would be your guide for this hybrid.

The price of gas has skyrocketed and SUVs are notorious for poor gas mileage. Depending on what make and model of SUV you choose, some get as good or better gas mileage than some large cars. At highway speeds, the Element gets 8 miles per gallon less than the Accord, a larger, but not huge, difference Also, more and more auto manufacturers are designing hybrid gas-electric SUVs that provide better gas mileage along with the traditional extra space and power of SUVs.

Most people assume that, because of their larger size, that SUVs are safer than cars. However, crash tests conducted in 2003 proved that large SUVs were only slightly safer than mid-sized cars and were actually slightly more dangerous than large cars.

Many people think that SUVs, due to their larger size are more comfortable and have more cargo capacity than cars. Some SUVs actually have limited cargo space, though almost all have the power to haul a trailer. . Additionally, buckling a child into a car seat installed in the recommended back seat center position may be difficult for shorter moms and dads.

And finally, if you do a lot of city driving and, more importantly, parking, SUVs are less maneuverable and harder to parallel park than traditional cars.

Features and Functionalities of Hybrid SUVs

There is a third electric motor or generator in case of the RX400h and Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i - two models of Hybrid SUVs. It is worth noting that the front-wheel-drive Highlanders do not have this motor. These Hybrid SUV models have none of the typical elements present in an all-wheel-drive system, namely, individual drive shafts connecting the front and rear axles and a center differential varying the power split. The independent third electric motor or generator rated for 68 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque is instead built into a rear transaxle. While moving under force of gravity (coasting) and braking, this rear electric motor acts as a generator.

The Types Of Hybrid Suvs Available

The Ford Escape - It is available as a FWD or 4WD unit. The 2WD gets 31 mpg in town and 36 mpg on the highway; while the 4WD gets 29 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the highway with a cruising range of 400 to 600 miles. Base price is $26,900 US. A stock 2.3 liter, four cylinder engine is combined with a 65 kilowatt electric motor for a total of 155 HP. Fuel capacity is 15 gallons/60 liters and it comes with 16″ aluminum wheels.

The Lexus RX 400H comes with a stock 3.3 liter four cylinder engine, which is combined with permanent magnet electric drive motors for a total of 268 HP. It has electronically controlled automatic variable transmission; rack and pinion steering with electric power assist; and power assisted ABS 4 wheel disk brakes.

The Toyota Highlander - It is available as a FWD or 4WD unit. The 2WD gets 28 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the highway, while the 4WD gets 27 mpg in town and 31 mpg on the highway. It has electronically controlled automatic variable transmission; electronic power steering; and ABS 4 wheel disk brakes.

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