Hybrid vehicles offer quite a few advantages when compared to conventional cars. The two most notable ones are that they provide better mileage and as a result greater fuel economy and that they produce fewer emissions.
Over the last couple of years American Car Manufacturers started focusing more in the production of hybrid cars and since they specialize in large vehicles the result of that sift is that today we have a still small but decent selection of hybrid vehicles that can carry 7 or more passengers. Let’s take a quick look at them.
2012 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
© GM Corp.
The Cadilla Escalade hybrid is a full-size luxury SUV with a starting MSRP of $73,850. It boasts a 6L V8 engine and two 60-kilowatt electric motors that produces a total of 379hp and 367 pound feet of torque. Besides the power, the Escalade prides itself for luxury with a lot of standard features such as a rear seat entertainment system, a navigation system, heated and cooled front seats and much more. Its EPA estimate MPG is 20 city/23 highway/21 combined.
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a Crossover SUV that offers solid power from it 3.5liter V6 engine that is combined with three electric motors. This configuration produces a total of 280 hp and has an MPG of 28 City/28 Highway. It also comes equipped with AWD.
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid © GM Corp.
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was first released in 2008. Today the 2012 model offers great power with its 8 cylinder 6L engine that produces 332 horsepower and combined with two electric motors the end result is 379hp. Its fuel efficiency rating is estimated at 20city/23highway MPG. The MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) starts at $51,970. The full-sized SUV can comfortably carry up to 8 passengers, a feature that makes it ideal for large families.
2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid
GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV © GM Corp.
The 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid is powered by the powerful Hybrid Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that produces 332 hp @ 5100 rpm and 367 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm. Like its twin brother, the Tahoe hybrid, it is also equipped with two electric motors and the combined output is 379hp. It is available in both FWD and AWD models and its estimated fuel efficiency is 20city/23highway. This full-size hybrid SUV comes with a ton of standard features including an audio system with navigation and 9 speakers premium Bose sound system, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote vehicle starter system that includes keyless entry, leather upholstery and leather wrapped steering wheel and 18″ aluminum polished wheels. The starting MSRP of the 2012 Yukon Hybrid is $52,470.