| SUV Hybrid technology
The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is the first hybrid SUV, with a hybrid version of the Lexus RX 400h also available. Shortly after the Escape Hybrid's introduction, Mercury introduced a hybrid version of its Mariner, which is a lightly restyled Ford Escape.
A hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander will be available in 2006, and a hybrid Mazda Tribute is in the pipeline. While some manufacturers (most notably Toyota in the Lexus RX400h) are using added power generated from the hybrid systems primarily to give vehicles added performance, these hybrid SUVs still offer equal or better fuel efficiency than their conventionally-powered counterparts. Moreover, the "hybrid" moniker gives the SUVs it's applied to an environmentally friendly image to counter the gas-guzzling reputation of SUVs in general. |