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Carmakers have a fantastic deal for all the environmentalists out there, for 2007 you can drive an SUV and still help save the planet. Who would have thought that the two concepts could co-exist? Well they do, and what makes it even better is that you have a few options on what to drive.

Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid SUV:

For all the Saturn lovers out there, Saturn has created a hybrid SUV whose exterior is identical to the regular Saturn SUV. So how can you tell the two apart, easy (sort of) look for the unique Saturn hybrid logo on the doors. Underneath the hood of this hybrid is a 2.4 liter, 170 hp engine that connects to a 4speed automatic transmission. This hybrid comes with a nickel metal hydride battery pack, which is similar to a nickel-cadmium battery but without the nasty detrimental effects of cadmium, which of course is a poison. You get 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with this hybrid, all for the nifty sticker price (MSRP) of $22,995.

Ford Escape Hybrid SUV:

Ford weighs into the hybrid market with the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV, which they are touting as "the most advanced hybrids on the road." This SUV's full hybrid system, consists of a 2.3 liter engine linked to a 65 kW electric motor and a 28kW generator, combine to give you 35-40 mpg of city driving. Like the Saturn SUV, the battery pack on this is a nickel metal hydride which charges while cruising so you do not have to plug in and recharge. I have heard someone say that this SUV rides like a bigger and heavier version of a Prius. To help save the planet in this pretty little vehicle, will set you back about $26,000.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV:

If you want to take things up a notch in power and luxury, take a look at the Toyota Highlander SUV. This SUV is offered as both a 4 and 6 cylinder model. The Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive, though as an option you may get it with electronic four wheel drive. This step up in both luxury and power will cost you (MSRP) about $32,490.

On the Horizon for 2008: GM Yukon Hybrid SUV

GM will be offering a Hybrid SUV of their own in 2008, the Yukon Hybrid SUV. This SUV will improve fuel efficiency by 25% over the standard Yukon SUV. It also comes with a Vortec V8 engine that will place it at the head of the class for power in a hybrid SUV.

Having informed you of what is out there, and as a mechanical design engineer who has seen first generation designs rushed to market without proper support, I would caution you to be careful when looking at hybrids. Make sure that the manufacturer intends to support the model you pick in the coming years. You do not want a hybrid that was just a passing fancy from a carmaker who just wanted to test the waters of a new market.

Learn more about this author, Rolando Cruz.
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