SUV Hybrids versus Compact and Sedan Hybrids

When you were driving a conventional, gas-only vehicle, it was easy to tell which types of cars were the most fuel-efficient—better for the environment and better for your wallet: the compact cars and sedans. But now that SUVs, compacts and sedans come with a hybrid option, it’s not as easy to tell which is better. Because they’re both better for the environment, right? Let’s take a look at some of the differences between SUV hybrids and Compact/Sedan hybrids that you’ll want to know before you make your purchase:

Size- It’s obvious that SUVs are still bigger than compacts and sedans, even though they’re know hybrids. But we’re not talking the size of the car. We’re talking the size of the inside of the car. Both SUVs and compacts/sedans are smaller in hybrid form than they are in conventional form. This has to do with the fact that a smaller car is more fuel efficient and can run easier on a smaller engine, which is prevalent in the makings of hybrids. But, if you’re carting around a family of four, or a group of five guys, you may want to reconsider your options and take a second look at the hybrid SUVs on the market. Not only do hybrids have less room for people, they also have less room for your belongings and hybrid SUVs have far more room than compacts/sedans. Definitely think about how you intend to use your vehicle, just as you would when purchasing a conventional car.

Fuel efficiency- It’s true that SUV hybrids are getting better and better gas mileage, but does that mean they really stack up against the hybrid cars in terms of efficiency for your wallet and the environment? You bet it does. Two of the top hybrids on the market are the Mercury Mariner SUV Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid, both of which achieve a fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. That’s almost as good as the Nissan Altima Hybrid at 33 miles in the city and 35 on the highway and actually beats the Chevy Malibu Hybrid with only 24 miles per gallon in the city. The SUV hybrids still have a long way to go to achieve the same fuel economy as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic, but both of these vehicles have an industry-leading fuel economy several years in the making, more than a decade for the Prius.

Cost-SUVs are still a few thousand dollars more than most compacts and sedans, even in the age of the hybrid. This is due to the fact that SUVs still take longer to produce and are still heavier, which means they cost more to ship to your local dealer. SUVs are also still capable of more towing capacity and going places where compacts and sedans don’t dare.

Remember, when you’re choosing your next hybrid vehicle, it’s okay to give SUVs a chance.