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In this age of growing environmental concern, a sport utility vehicle could potentially be overkill when you consider the pollutants from automobiles. Fortunately automotive manufacturers have been working towards cleaning up some of the emissions from their SUV's.

-For the 2008 market, Ford has redesigned the Escape Hybrid. This year the Escape will boast a tougher look, and pack a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder gasoline engine achieving an average of 35mpg. The 2008 Escape Hybrid matches the performance of the V6 200hp conversion. The Escape is priced $1000 less than last years model, and sports recycled material seats, not to mention Ford has about 100 new patents based on this vehicle alone.

-GM has put forth a new member of the Saturn family with it's 2008 Vue Green Line. Gas mileage is rated at 32mpg and 585 highway miles on a single tank. Under the hood you'll find an electric motor/generator and a 2.4 liter 172HP four-cylinder engine. The dash includes an Eco light that turns on when the vehicle meets or exceeds federal fuel economy ratings.

-The Lexus RX 400h hybrid promised 30mpg and 0-60 in under 8 seconds, which isn't too much of a shock when you consider it has 3 electric motors and All-Wheel-Drive. Replacing the tachometer the RX 400h will have an 18cm illuminated touch screen to show you how much power the vehicle has generated.

-The Mercury Mariner hybrid is available in All-Wheel-Drive, and has a 2.3 liter gasoline engine. In combination of the engine and motor, it delivers 155hp and matches the speed of the v6 model.

-The Mazda CX-9 packs a 3.5 liter dual over-head cam V6 engine rated at 263HP, a six speed automatic transmission, and All-Wheel-Drive. The optional tow package is rated at 3,500lbs.
Acceleration is no problem for the CX-9 at 0-60 in 7.8 seconds. Fuel economy is 18-24mpg in FWD and 16-22 in AWD.

Consumer Guide's Sport Utility Vehicle best buys of 2008 are as follows:

Compact SUV
-Honda CR-V
-Suzuki Grand Vitara

Midsize SUV
-GMC Acadia
-Honda Pilot
-Mazda CX-9
-Saturn Outlook

Premium Midsize SUV
-Acura MDX
-Buick Enclave
-Lexus RX

Large SUV
-Chevy Tahoe
-Chevy Suburban
-GMC Yukon
-Ford Expedition

Premium Large SUV
-Cadillac Escalade

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