Do We Have To Say Goodbye To The SUV?
It’s no secret that the size of a vehicle has something to do with its fuel economy. When you’re looking ways to increase gas mileage more than what your current vehicle offers, it’s easy to think about trading in your SUV for a 2-door Speck. But does it really have to come to that?
The answer - which is a very definite “Maybe Not” - may surprise you. Using current EPA mileage estimates on some of the more popular hybrid SUVs, a quick check of the numbers show that fuel efficiency is high on the priority list of the auto manufacturers.
The overall winner among SUVs in terms of fuel economy, average fuel costs and CO2 emissions is the Ford Escape Hybrid. Also marketed as the Mazda Tribute Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, these vehicles achieve 34 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway, assuming 15,000 miles per year, 8,250 of which are city miles. The operational costs of these vehicles per 100 miles is $12.84, assuming a gasoline cost of $4.11/gallon.
How do these vehicles perform if you shift the ratio of city to highway miles to 75% city driving? The combined mileage rating increases to 32 mpg, the cost to operate actually drops by about $60, and the CO2 emissions also drop by .1 tons/year. If you recalculate using a 75% highway driving ratio, your combined average fuel economy drops to 31 mpg, your CO2 emissions increase by .2 tons per year and your cost to operate rises by $70 per year.
It’s a bit difficult to compare the mileage rating of the Ford Escape Hybrid (et al) to other vehicles because the typical city/hwy mileage ratings are inverted for this vehicle. The more city driving you do, the better your mileage gets - a condition you won’t encounter on conventional vehicles. In fact, it’s a condition you won’t encounter with many hybrid SUVs either.
Roughly, the Escape Hybrid compares favorably to the VW Jetta. Again, the comparison is very rough because the Jetta has a diesel engine. While the Jetta’s city miles are lower, it’s highway mileage is rated at 40 mpg, giving it a combined MPG of 32 - the same as the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Escape Hybrid wins the comparison on city mileage, annual fuel costs and carbon emissions.
Comparing gasoline engines, the closest competitors - based on combined average fuel economy - would be the Toyota Corolla and the Chevy Aveo. The Escape Hybrid offers better combined average fuel economy, lower operating costs and better carbon emissions. It also offers more interior room than either of these models.
Now, about the price…
July 30, 2008 - by Hybrid Car Chat · Filed Under Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Technology |
