Super Hot Hybrid SUVs

As gas prices continue to reach their peak, more of us are finding economical vehicles to drive. The changing economy is influencing people to really take notice, and trade up their old gas guzzling SUVs for the latest and the greatest hybrid cars. For those of you that don't already know, a hybrid is defined as the offspring of two very different species. Since hybrid vehicles are a combination of both electric and gasoline powered engines, they easily fit into this classification. Hybrid vehicles work by alternating between using an electric motor and an internal combustion gasoline engine. By combining both gasoline and electric this helps the vehicle to utilize fuel in the most efficient way possible. As the car runs it continually charges the battery.

Most people want to save on gas while also having the space that an SUV can provide. The new Hybrid SUV's can help stretch your dollar even further, while giving you all the room you need.

2008 Hybrid Toyota Highlander

The new 2008 Hybrid Toyota Highlander is already very popular. Previous models have demonstrated record sales in the hybrid car market, with over 31,000 sold in 2006. Currently sales for the Toyota hybrids make up over 60% of total hybrid sales in the U.S. According to most critics, Toyota is an industry leader when it comes to reliability and performance. The new 2008 model is also more roomy and powerful than the previous 2006 and 2007models. It seats up to 7 passengers and has 270 horsepower. The new design is available in 2 options, base and limited. This vehicle offers all wheel drive (AWD), and has a 3.3 liter V6 engine. This vehicle gets between 25/27 miles per gallon. Toyota has improved the new 2008 model with more power so drives more like an SUV.

Prices start at $33,700, which is actually less expensive than most new SUVs. This awesome ride has everything you want, and more packed into one vehicle.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

The 2008 Ford Escape is a very economical option. The Ford Escape Hybrid has an MSRP of $26,640, making it the most affordable hybrid SUV. The Ford Escape also has the highest mileage rating for a hybrid in its class, getting 34/36 miles per gallon. This hybrid seats up to 5 passengers. This little SUV also has some very unique features. For instance, the interior seating is made with cloth fabric that was derived from polyester fibers, and post-industrial waste plastics. This vehicle also has a tremendous amount of power with 4WD and sure footed traction. Some consumers who purchase the Ford Escape Hybrid may qualify for additional tax credits of up to $3,000.

Hybrids-What the future holds

There is more to come! Toyota and Honda may be among the first to jump into the hybrid market. Yet, as the demand continues to increase more options will be available. Saturn, Mercury, and Lexus are all breaking into this market. You will also be seeing more hybrid trucks and hybrid mini vans. Companies such as AFS Trinity Power Corp are taking things one step further. They have been working on the patent pending technology to power the hybrids of the future. AFS has been developing a plug in hybrid that can get 100-150 miles per gallon!

The technology involves a specially designed compaction which works to store the lithium-ion battery without putting it under stress. The new model will not burn any gas until the batteries have been run down. The car can run in all electric mode or a combination of both gas and electric. It starts out running in electric mode for up to 40 miles before the gasoline engines kicks in. For some people their daily commute is only 40 miles. To recharge the battery it would just need to be plugged in at night. Unlike other plug in hybrids this car only uses less than $1.00 per day of electricity, depending on where you live and what type of power your electric grid is using. The company hopes to sell this technology to automakers that have the ability to make it available to everyone.