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Just like on Mean Green Machines, the battle is on to find the best overall hybrid SUV and just about every manufacturer has got their hand in the cookie jar. With so many choices available, we asked the experts what they like. We cornered Alan Dean and Vince Bucciachio of BrandIntel.com, and James Bell, editor of Intellichoice.com, and asked them what would be their favorite choice for a 2008 hybrid SUV.
2008 Mercury Mariner (BrandIntel Favorite)
Before we jump into the BrandIntel.com Consumer Voice Award of the Mercury Mariner, we'll give you some background on the technology used to collect their statistics. Each review is collected through extensive consumer research on the Web, so in other words, it is based on the consumer discussions on various Web based forums. The below opinions are based on the calculation of each vehicles popularity, sentiment, likes and dislikes, and overall opinion from the consumers who own and drive these vehicles everyday.
The American class of crossovers and SUV's have been gaining the attention of consumers as worthy contenders of the imports for this year. Last year the Mariner ranked number nine in the Consumer Voice Awards and this year it has jumped to the number one position. Much of this refreshed attitude can be attributed to its redesign for 2008. Words like "refined interior and exterior" are being used by consumers to describe the Mariners raised hood, large "waterfall" grill and emblem badge, over sized headlights, newly designed fascia, and improved interior materials.
The hybrid Mariner offers a two-wheel-drive SUV that can attain 34 mpg (32 mpg four-wheel-drive) on city turf using its 2.3 liter I-4 Atkinson Cycle Engine/Electric Motor. The Mariner Hybrid has a responsive 133 horsepower and 124 lbs-ft of torque, and while it is designed more for city driving than intense off road excursions, it is an all around capable vehicle. The hybrid Mariner maintains between 10 and 16 mpg over its 3.0 liter, 24-valve Duratec V-6 (non-hybrid), which is only moderately more performance oriented at 200 horsepower and 193 lbs-ft torque. The Mariner hybrid is $5,000 more than the Duratec V-6 ($22,000), which makes this SUV hybrid very affordable.
Lexus RX 400h (Intellichoice Favorite)
"The car that everybody seems to love," says James. "Is the Lexus RX." The RX is no Spring chicken as they say. It has been on the road for about five years, yet its popularity with consumers continues to climb each year. It shouldn't be too surprising that Lexus sport crossover is so popular, as it shares the same platform as the ever-popular Toyota Camry. Offering the exception road handling characteristics of the Camry, the Lexus also has an extended ride height that makes it reasonably capable in off-road situations.
Much of the RX 400h remains unchanged for 2008, including its 3.3L Hybrid V6 engine and CVT automatic transmission. The 400h which is rated at 32 mpg/city, the same as the Mercury Mariner. At a dead stop, the five-speed automatic is capable of 0-60 in just over 8 seconds using its 286 horsepower, which is just over a second slower than its 3.5-liter V6 (non-hybrid) Lexus which only maintains 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Lexus marketing has been trying to create a buzz this year about its enhanced front grill and chrome door handles, although visually the Lexus has left this one alone for the most part, and James couldn't be happier about it.
James compliments the Lexus as "quiet and refined." As should be expected the Lexus comes fully loaded with all the standard amenities and power conveniences a luxury tourer should, such as privacy glass, stability control, side impact air bags, climate control, powered front seats with driver memory, heated mirrors, wood trim (the Black Birds-Eye Maple option is new this year), and a six-disc CD/MP3 player. Tacking on to the $40,000 base price, you can choose from any of these ultra conveniences, such as heated seats, DVD voice activated navigation, power tilt/telescopic steering with driver memory, multi-panel moon roof, scuff plates, and illuminated door handles.
This post was inspired by Planet Green's show, Mean Green Machines.
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