Vue the best hybrid SUV deals

A plug-in version of the Saturn Vue hybrid

So, you're in the market for an SUV. And, despite higher than normal fuel prices, you're not sure whether a hybrid version is the right move. According to Intellichoice the answer to that question is clear.

Hybrid SUVs are more cost effective than their conventional cousins. After 5 years the Saturn Vue hybrid will save $3,797 over a conventional Vue. The Chevy Tahoe hybrid will save $3,733. The Ford Escape hybrid will save $2,489. The Toyota Highlander hybrid will save $1,360.

Now that doesn't mean the Saturn Vue hybrid is the best deal amongst hybrid SUVs. If you drive in heavy city traffic, for example, the Escape hybrid is a better deal. Still, if you're in the market for an SUV, and you've contemplated one of the four SUV models above, then the hybrid version is the way to go.

No dual mode hybrid cars for GM?

Never a dual mode Malibu, or other car?

I'm not a fan of big SUVs, but my test drives of the Chevy Tahoe hybrid have left me quite impressed. While I don't advocate big SUVs, the technology powering GM's dual mode hybrid vehicles is quite remarkable. I just wish it was in pickup trucks and cars, rather than large SUVs that most consumers really don't need.

Fortunately, GM will put this hybrid technology in trucks soon, a very smart hybrid application. Unfortunately, this technology will probably not ever find its way into GM's cars or sedans. Yesterday's AutomotiveNews claimed that, currently, GM has no plans to make such hybrid vehicles. And, even if they did, it would take at least two years to roll out.

The future of hybrid cars, as far as GM is concerned, is either E Flex, such as in the Chevy Volt, or a lithium-powered BAS, or mild hybrid system.

Maybe GM's large hybrids aren't so bad

21 mpg in the city

Earlier this morning I poked a little fun at the release of the Cadillac Escalade hybrid because at $72,000, I just can't take this new hybrid too seriously. But, maybe I should, as the fuel economy of these large hybrid vehicles is noteworthy. And, no, I'm not kidding.

As I was browsing the Internet today I came across an ad for the 2008 Accord LX AT Sedan. "Great fuel economy. That's helpful." That great fuel economy is 21 mpg in the city, the same fuel economy as the Escalade hybrid, or the Chevy Tahoe hybrid.

I marveled over this fact at the last LA Auto Show, when I found myself amidst some Mini Coopers and I noticed many only offered city fuel economy in the low to mid twenties, only a smidgen better than GM's large hybrids. Ultimately, GM's large hybrids are achieving fuel economy as good or better than most autos on the road today.

While I'm still not a fan of large vehicles, unless functionally necessary, maybe large SUVs are actually something GM can be quite proud. Even better, the soon to be released Saturn Vue hybrid might actually achieve double the city fuel economy of most vehicles on the road today.

Chevy dealers pull a Toyota: Hybrid markups

Not you too?

With demand for hybrid cars skyrocketing well above supply, many Toyota dealerships have added markups to both the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid ranging from $3,000 - $5,000, and often including many dealers add-ons beyond the markups (more).

Recently, a few potential Chevy Tahoe hybrid buyers have also complained of dealer markups ranging from $2,000 - $4,000.

As I've posted in the past, not every Toyota dealer is adding markups to their hybrids. Believe it or not, some dealerships actually value long term customer relationships over short term profits. Shop around if you are running into hybrid markups, you just might find such a dealer.

GM dealers not interested in hybrids

Half of GM's dealerships said no to large hybrids?

Trucks and SUVs, the bread and butter of the US auto industry. However, after years of escalating gasoline prices, the days of large SUVs and trucks dominating the total sales output of dealerships appears to be near an end. Thus, one would assume that dealers would be excited to get their hands on hybrid versions of some of their top selling vehicles. Surprisingly, that is not the case. According to the DetroitNews, half of all GM dealerships opted not to sell GM's new dual mode hybrid vehicles: the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid.

No word on when GM dealers had to make this decision, but I assume it had to have been made several months ago, before the big run-up in gas prices. Still, can you say, denial?

GM offers $4000 cash back on Tahoe, Yukon hybrids

Now worth $4000 cash back to owners

GM is now offering an owner loyalty incentive to the buyers of both the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid worth $4000. You must hurry, however, because this incentive will only be offered through the rest of June. (AutomotiveNews)

Can hybrid technology save large SUVs

So big it's scary?

Not only are the sales of largest SUVs declining, resale value is also racing downward. All of this as happened as GM's large hybrid SUVs have hit the road, but are these hybrid vehicles the solution to high gas costs for SUV drivers?

Probably not. In the last two months GM has sold a combined 1000 such hybrids combined.

It's not that hybrid SUVs, such as the Chevy Tahoe hybrid or the GMC Yukon hybrid, don't offer a huge increase in fuel economy, they do. With a 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy, these hybrid SUVs provide a great increase in fuel economy over their conventional counterparts. But they are still huge, and they cost $50,000+.

For those needing a large SUV, these hybrid SUVs are a good deal. For everyone else, however, smaller vehicles seem to be looking better by the minute, or at least every penny that gasoline prices increase.

Prius, Escape hybrid rule city fuel economy

Escape hybrid outperforms the Civic hybrid

When I tell people that a Toyota Prius can achieve as much as 60 mpg in LA driving, many don't believe me. Yet, a recent city driving test by Cars.com has proven my - in some minds - wild claims.

In several tests of real world Chicago traffic, the Toyota Prius achieved fuel economy ranging from 50.5 mpg to 60.8 mpg, averaging 55.7 mpg according to observed tests and 59.1 mpg according to the Prius computer.

Surprisingly, the Ford Escape hybrid outperformed the Honda Civic hybrid in the same traffic, achieving 38.3 mpg versus the 37.6 mpg of the Civic hybrid.

Cars.com only tested four hybrid cars. The other hybrid tested, the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, achieved 20.5 mpg.

John Kerry wants a Tahoe hybrid

A big hybrid for a big environmentalist?

Sen. John Kerry will trade in his Ford Escape hybrid for a Chevy Tahoe hybrid according to Automotive.com. Apparently, Kerry needed a bigger hybrid so that he can make a bigger environmental statement or something. Actually, I don't know why a self-proclaimed environmentalist would go for such a large hybrid in the first place - maybe his bling-bling wife put Kerry in check. Or, maybe he had a bunch of kids recently or something.

Does the Tahoe hybrid make sense? Congress?

What's the purpose of SUVs?

The hybrid technology that powers both the soon-to-be-released Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid is impressive. However, ever since GM announced plans for dual mode hybrid vehicles, I've asked one simple question: Will the technology be cost-effective and, therefore, relevant?

That question has been answered, kind of, and I have some questions for Congress. Read more....

Greenwashing: GM's dual mode hybrids?

Is the marketing budget bigger than the production budget?

A few years ago Dan Neil wrote an article that so offended GM that the automaker pulled all of their advertising from the LA Times. Well, he might have achieved the same result with his recent article, Just Right, Yet Wrong.

Dan says a lot of great things about vehicles like the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid. Still, he has questions, a lot of questions about GM's dual mode hybrid vehicles, and those questions lead Dan to the word 'greenwashing'. Read more....

Yukon hybrid picks up best engine award

Another award for GM's hybrids

GM's hybrid SUVs are on a role. First, the Chevy Tahoe hybrid picked up the Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, then it was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year. Now Ward's has named the GMC Yukon hybrid a 10 Best Engine for 2008.

Focusing on engines that improve fuel economy without compromising performance, the 6.0-liter OHV V8 hybrid that powers the Yukon hybrid was the only hybrid engine on the list. Both the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon hybrid will be coming to a dealer near you soon.

Does the Tahoe hybrid deserve a vehicle of the year award?

Worthy of a North American Truck of the Year Award?

For some fans of hybrid vehicles, a hybrid like the Chevy Tahoe hybrid is hard to support. Many hybrid fans just cannot help but question whether such a large SUV is necessary, even if it is a hybrid.

In the past, I would have criticized the Tahoe hybrid, but I have had a profound shift in my thinking. If you read the Hybrid Car Blog often, then you know that I think the Tahoe hybrid is a great vehicle based on my Tahoe hybrid test drive - a great vehicle that I would never buy. However, you also know that when I realized that the Tahoe hybrid can achieve Mini Cooper like city fuel economy at the LA Auto Show, I had to get behind this vehicle.

While I would still prefer that SUV drivers downsize their vehicles, if SUV consumers - which make up a sizable percent of auto buyers - need or demand such vehicles, then let them at least be hybrid vehicles like the Tahoe hybrid or the Yukon hybrid. Thus, I gladly support the Tahoe hybrid as the North American Truck of the Year.

Can GM turn SUV drivers green?

The face of the devil according to environmentalists?

Following the Detroit Auto Show last January, my hosts, GM, gave me a ride to the airport in a Cadillac Escalade. As an SUV-hater, this simple trip to the airport was a profound moment. I realized that I had probably never been more comfortable in a vehicle as I was in that Escalade.

I had a similar moment, again provided by GM, when I was asked to test drive the Chevy Tahoe hybrid back in August, after which I penned my thoughts in the post, The Devil Drives a Tahoe hybrid.

Now I didn't come up with such a title because I think such full-sized SUVs are evil, which I kind of do, rather I compared the Tahoe hybrid to the devil because the Tahoe hybrid had caused me temptation. Like the Escalade, the Tahoe hybrid was a joy to drive, unlike the Escalade, however, the Tahoe was a hybrid SUV. Read more......

Hip hop hybrid: Tahoe dub edition?

A bling-bling hybrid vehicle

When I was at the LA Auto Show I was given an issue of Dub Magazine. I thumbed through the issue expecting to find little of interest when I came across the Dub Edition of the Chevy Tahoe.

Wouldn't it be hilarious to see a Kid Rock video, or some hip hop artist in a video featuring a Dub Edition of the Chevy Tahoe hybrid? That's when you would know that hybrid vehicles have truly gone mainstream.

Is $50,000 too much for a full sized hybrid SUV?

A Yukon hybrid at the LA Auto Show

Back in August, when I was able to test drive the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, I was very impressed. In fact, I was so tempted I titled the article of my test drive as The Devil Drives a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. I'm not a fan of big SUVs, but the Tahoe hybrid tempted me.

However, after learning that the price of this hybrid SUV, as well as the very similar GMC Yukon hybrid, is going to start around $50,000, I'm no longer tempted. I simply cannot afford such a vehicle.

I love hybrid vehicles, particularly full hybrid vehicles, but can GM really sell many of its full hybrids at such a price? I'm just not sure. The Tahoe and Yukon hybrids are excellent vehicles for hybrid SUV fans, but $50,000? Dammnnn!

The Tahoe hybrid: Cause for a Mini environmental attack?

Deserving of the Green Car of the Year Award?

Yesterday, as I was walking through the Auto Show, I found myself near the Mini Cooper stand, and I thought I would check out some Minis for people whom might want to focus on fuel economy, without buying a hybrid vehicle.

I was SHOCKED.

As I was checking out these very small cars, which are gorgeous by the way, I noticed that many of them offer city fuel economy in the low 20's - the same city fuel economy of the HUGE Chevy Tahoe hybrid. (Finish)

Finally, a real Revolution from Chevy?

A classic American vehicle goes green?

There is no vehicle segment more important than trucks to GM's Chevy brand. Certainly, SUVs are a profitable product for GM, but trucks are Chevy's marquee vehicle.

Thus, while it's great that GM has gotten into the full hybrid game with the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid, the hybrid that I think GM can be most proud of at this point in time is the Chevy Silverado hybrid.

If all goes well, this new hybrid truck will hit dealerships in late 2008 and it will be the definition of GM's American Revolution branding, finally - at least until the Chevy Volt.

LA Auto Show: Green Car of Year

2008 Chevy Tahoe hybrid takes the award

Against the backdrop of FreedomFromOil calling for 100 mpg plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a planned Prius to plug-in Prius conversion happening across the street from the Show, the Chevy Tahoe hybrid was named Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Ultimately, the Tahoe hybrid offers up to a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy, and such an improvement in fuel economy in such an important American segment just couldn't be ignored.

While, I've tested the Tahoe hybrid, and found it to be a great car, the fact that it will cost more than $50,000 does cause me to question this award a bit. In reality, while GM has proven that the Tahoe hybrid is an impressive breakthrough in SUV technology, how many people can really afford to pay $50,000 for a new vehicle.

Nonetheless, can GM really be blamed for this award? No. I blame Honda, Toyota and every other automaker instead. Where is green Toyota's new hybrid cars? Or Honda? At this point in time, automakers are playing a green PR game, but none of them are actually green.

Role Reversal at the LA Auto Show: GM and Toyota

No new hybrids from Toyota?

Today, at GM's press release, fuel economy ruled. The Tahoe hybrid, the Malibu hybrid, the Silverado hybrid, and the Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicle dominated the show.

At, Toyota's press release, the Sequoia ruled. Sure, Toyota also showed their fuel cell vehicle, which is a hybrid, but a fuel cell hybrid. Where was a new Prius, a next-generation hybrid?

Not at the LA Auto Show. Last year it was trucks that Toyota focused on. This year it was a large SUV.

Escalade hybrid to make debut

Starring at the South Florida International Auto Show

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade hybrid makes its debut today at the Auto Show in Miami. Expected to achieve around 20 mpg in the city, the 6-liter V-8 Escalade hybrid, much like the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, provides significant improvements in fuel economy.

Despite finally bringing some hybrid cars to American consumers many environmentalists, according to the DetroitNews, are still not happy.

Scott Nathanson with the Union for Concerned Scientists said "the Escalade hybrid does not go far enough."

"It's really a missed opportunity for GM," said Nathanson, administrator for hybridcenter.org. "They could have attached the hybrid system to a smaller engine and seen some huge improvements.

"That's what folks want. It's what they expect."

No small GM hybrids until the Volt?

A good way to hedge the Volt, change image?

In December, the first full hybrid vehicles from GM will hit the market. While the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid will fit GM's current product portfolio well, they are not vehicles that are going to increase marketshare, or change perception about GM.

Without a Toyota Prius-contender, GM's hybrid efforts - its green efforts - will not be taken seriously outside of GM's core customers. Is that fair? Who cares, it's reality. Of course, GM believes it has not just a Prius-contender, but a Prius-killer, the Chevy Volt. Unfortunately, the Volt won't be available for a few more years, at least.

On the other hand, a dual mode Chevy Cobalt hybrid could have been the perfect interim product. Actually, instead of a Cobalt, a Cobalt - hybrid-only - derivative. (Finish)

Everything in place for launch of Tahoe, Yukon hybrids

Hybrid transmission plant now in production

All the pieces are now in place for GM to start mass-producing the company's first full hybrid vehicles. In December, GM will start selling both the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, and the GMC Yukon hybrid.

For more information on these hybrids, click on the links for each vehicle above. Also, check my Chevy Tahoe hybrid test drive.

Top Safest Fuel Saving Cars

Tahoe and 5 other hybrids lead the pack

So, you want to save money on gas, but you also want to feel safe - it is your family, right? What could be more important?

No problem. CNNMoney has come up with 6 vehicles that save gas by providing great fuel economy while providing best in class safety, and 5 of those vehicles are hybrid vehicles.

The Saturn Aura hybrid, Honda Civic hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Toyota Camry hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the Ford Taurus all provide great fuel economy for their class, while also providing excellent safety.

Will large hybrid SUVs give GM a boost?

Will hybrid technology re-popularize large SUVs

When GM begins to sell both the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid in December, will it boost GM sales? Will it give GM a 'halo effect', such as the Prius did for Toyota? Will it bring some buyers back to large SUVs.

Those are some of the questions Roland Jones ponders in Hefty GM hybrids could boost automaker.

Tom Appel, editor of Consumer Guide Automotive, told Jones, "[These new hybrid SUVs] might not be the one product that contributes to GM’s financial success, but I think they will contribute to GM’s overall renaissance,” he said. “The ability to take a very heavy vehicle and give it really good fuel economy speaks volumes about GM’s reinvestment in its products and future products."

"Really good fuel economy"? Please! For large SUVs, GM's dual mode hybrids made a real good improvement in fuel economy, but 21 mpg is not "really good fuel economy".

Still, such an improvement in fuel economy might pique the interest of potential SUV buyers, however, the price of such hybrid vehicles is going to be very important. While GM's dual mode hybrid SUVs will be the best SUVs available in this segment, will a significant price premium deter most buyers?

As for the 'halo effect', however, even if GM's hybrids are better than Toyota's, GM is several years late to market. Moreover, GM will offer neither a unique hybrid, nor a hybrid to a challenge the Prius in overall fuel economy. Therefore, outside of SUV buyers, I anticipate little 'halo effect'.

GM's dual mode hybrids: DOA?

Is it now all about the Volt?

GM's dual mode hybrids, such as the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid, are not even yet for sale. Even so, are they already being phased out?

According to information released from the UAW, GM's future product plans do not seem very centered around dual mode hybrids. Rather, when it comes to hybrid vehicles, it's all about the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid.

Perhaps GM is taking a wait and see attitude regarding its dual mode hybrids, but one has to ask: If GM can achieve a cost-effective Volt by 2010 or so, would it really need dual mode technology any longer?

Escape hybrid: Hybrid of Presidents?

Top hybrid for Presidential candidates

The DetroitNews reported this weekend that Ford began running ads in New Hampshire and Washington "touting the fact that the Ford Escape Hybrid was the top choice of vehicles among presidential candidates."

GM, however, was quick to respond, 'Wait until the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and GMC Yukon hybrid become available for sale.'

Tahoe, Yukon hybrids to equal Camry fuel economy?

As efficient as a Camry?

Ed Peper, a General Manager for GM's Chevrolet, told CNBC's Behind the Wheel that the Chevy Tahoe hybrid would achieve 21 mpg in the city - the city fuel economy of a conventional Toyota Camry.

That's a good start. Of course, the Toyota Camry hybrid, on the other hand, achieves mid to high 30s fuel economy in the city.

Still, I get Chevy's point.

My Chevy Tahoe hybrid test drive left me very impressed. Still, it's hard for me to endorse any large SUV, but I absolutely believe that the buyers of large SUVS need to take some responsibility for their gas-guzzling. The Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid provide such an opportunity for large SUV buyers to both reduce foreign oil consumption and to invest in GM's hybrid technology.

Hopefully, one day, that investment will lead to hybrid cars in addition to smaller hybrid SUVs from GM. Until then, the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids are a step forward.

Only 10,000 GM dual mode hybrids?

Just a PR effort?

I'm not a big fan of SUVs, but when I test drove the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, I was quite impressed. If you have to have an SUV of this size, I believe it should be the hybrid Tahoe.

Nonetheless, GM doesn't seem to have very high expectations for either the Tahoe hybrid or the GMC Yukon hybrid. While I can't remember the source, I read something the other day quoting Bob Lutz in which he said GM planned to sell about 10,000 of these hybrids in the first year - in total.

Considering the sales of other hybrid SUVs, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Toyota Highlander hybrid, these numbers are not that surprising. Nonetheless, the Highlander hybrid will outsell both of GM's hybrid SUVs, even though it barely qualifies for any tax credit.

I'm glad GM is finally launching some dual mode hybrids, I just wish they were being a little more aggressive.

Could BMW partner with Toyota on hybrids?

BMW's Hydrogen 7 at NAIAS

Yesterday, I read on article on Car&Driver that has really been bugging me. BMW May Partner With Other Automakers on Tech Development claims that BMW is seeking technology partners to save costs.

Already, BMW has a partnership with GM on hybrid vehicles, and a 4-cylinder engine partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroen SA. On its own, BMW has developed clean diesel and is working on hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.

So, for what other technology is BMW seeking partners? Or, is BMW not happy with some of its current partnerships?

Now, I am purely speculating, but could it be that Toyota's hybrid powertrain would be a better fit for BMW's vehicles?

I have a lingering feeling that GM optimized it's dual mode hybrid powertrain for larger vehicles, such as the Yukon hybrid or the Tahoe hybrid. Now, GM could easily prove me wrong with a hybrid car, but why didn't GM plan a dual mode Malibu hybrid launch with its hybrid SUVs? Thus far, hybrid cars are selling far better than hybrid SUVs.

Is GM just SUV crazy, or are there issues with the dual mode hybrid powertrain when it comes to small cars, such as cost-effectiveness versus efficiency?

GM's hybrids: The wrong start?

Large SUVs will become GM's first hybrids

When the first full hybrid vehicles from GM hit the streets this Fall, they will come in the form of full size SUVs. And, why should anyone be surprised that GM would start with large SUVs, such as the Yukon hybrid or the Tahoe hybrid?

If large trucks are GM's bread, then large SUVs are GM's butter.

Of course, GM's bread and butter isn't as tasty to consumers as it was a decade ago. Sure, more fuel efficient hybrid versions of these gas-guzzlers might help stem the public's growing disinterest in such vehicles, but will they provide any new marketshare?

--> Finish: GM's hybrids: The wrong start?

Volt, hybrids, are GM's future?

Chevy Tahoe hybrid: The future of things to come from GM?

"We know that our success in the future is contingent on delivering technology that is meaningful to society," said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM's hybrid technology, who was among the team of engineers at GM's Milford Proving Grounds Friday to showcase the automaker's new powertrain technologies. "The whole spirit of the company is driven to do this."

I have had the pleasure of hanging out with many GM employees, including top executives, and I have to agree that I do believe the "spirit" of GM is changing - has changed.

Already GM is finalizing the launch of its first full hybrid vehicles, such as the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon hybrid, and many more hybrids are due to hit the road in the next few years, including a dual mode plug-in hybrid, the Saturn Vue.

Still, what really gets many GM employees excited is the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. Despite the claims of naysayers, this vehicle is not just a hype machine, although it has played that role well since its debut. For GM employees, I believe, the Volt is the nail in the coffin of GM-haters - a role I have taken in the past. The Volt is final proof that GM has not only changed, but that GM can bring the best automotive technology to the world - even in terms of fuel economy or emissions.

While success isn't guaranteed, where there is a will, there is a way, and I absolutely believe that GM has the will. May the force be with them.

Cayenne Hybrid: A step in the right direction for Porsche

Hybrids+ might be Porsche's only way forward, such as this Porsche Cayenne hybrid

So, Greenpeace doesn't like Porsche, even if they do convert some of their vehicles into hybrid vehicles, such as the Cayenne hybrid. Who cares? Greenpeace doesn't believe that hybrids are a solution to global warming either. Apparently, the world's transportation economy is just supposed to stop.

I prefer to deal with realism. Finish: Cayenne Hybrid: A step in the right direction for Porsche