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Searching Far and Wide for a Family-Size Hybrid
Sep 04 2008 by Sherrice Gilsbach
9/4/08
Bigger Hybrid Cars Are Out There, But in High Demand
I’m thrilled to see a variety of hybrid cars on the market, but as a mother of two, most of them leave me wondering, “Great, but where do you put the kids?” Can someone please show me to the family-size-hybrids-for-less-than-$30,000 section?
I set out on my search certain that these hybrid cars must be out there somewhere, I’d just missed them somehow, right? Well, kind of. It turns out that non-sedan hybrids for families are indeed rare, and therefore valuable (proof of which I have learned from years of watching “Antiques Road Show”).
Despite the unexpected challenge, I did manage to find a few cars that met all my stringent requirements (base price of less than $30K). Cue the drum roll…
• 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid - $26,955
• 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - $29,305
• 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid - $29,750
• 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid - $25,310
Each of these compact SUVs delivers great gas mileage for their size (25-34/31-32 mpg city/ highway) plus an abundance of safety features that we mommy-types crave/demand.
These hybrids include airbags galore (front, side and rear), electronic stability systems, tire pressure monitoring systems and antilock brakes. The Vue even gets a year of GM’s OnStar service for free. Do I hear a collective sigh of relief? Yes, my mommy friends, you can have top-notch safety features, great gas mileage and space for your purse (and the kids), all in one vehicle!
Is this too good to be true … well, as it turns out, it pretty much is. There’s a catch with these puppies: You have to be able to find one. Because these hybrid SUVs offer so much for so little cash, these gems are in high demand. When I searched dealer inventories for each of the SUVs listed above, I was only able to locate a few Escapes — in New Jersey.
These hybrids are available, you just need to order one and wait patiently till it’s your turn to get it. We can only hope that manufacturers planned ahead for 2009 and will bring more hybrids to the table. An old friend by the name of Kermit the Frog always warned of the complexities of being green.
For more information on hybrid vehicles of all shapes, sizes and price ranges, check out Cars.com’s Green/Hybrid Buying Guide. Happy hunting!
User Comments
Great post. I just wrote about hybrid SUVs this morning for tomorrow’s edition.
One thing you can mention on your post is that the Ford Escape gets 35 mpg in city hybrid and beats its competition.
I like the point made on your comment. So when will we see hybrid minivans?
Great job.
Nick
Catherine and Nick, that question about hybrid minivans is probably the second-most asked question we get. And unfortunately we have no answer. As soon as we get one, you can bet your bippy we’ll let you know.
These vehicles were on my list when I was shopping for my “green vehicle” to replace my Pilot.
While I never got the opportunity to drive a new example, I did go to a CarMax store (used cars) to drive the Vue and Mariner. They’re decent vehicles, and I’m sure their utility will come in hand for many families.
I ended up with the Accord because it…
1. Emits less emissions. - Check your car out http://www.fueleconomy.gov
2. Gets similar gas mileage, if not better.
3. Has better on road performance and more maneuverability (safety points!)
4. The Accord felt larger when I hopped into the backseat. I never checked the numbers, but feel goes further than a number, for me.
Overall, I can somewhat see that SUV’s of this size have their plus’s, but I really think most people considering an SUV of this size would get by fine (if not better), with a mid-sized/large sedan like an Accord, Camry, Altima etc.
Both small SUV’s, and Sedans can comfortably carry 4-5 people and their things. I realize a lot of people are into the whole, high off the ground thing with the SUV’s.
I enjoy zipping around in my sedan. I no longer have fears of rolling over when I’m rushing to get that starbucks before those Piano lessons are over, so that I won’t have to bring mini-me’s with me to ask “can I have… please please please!”.
It’s all about MPG’s and savin’ Money for this mama! 
Kitty, thank you for the fabulous input! I have to say, I do fall into the category of wanting to be seated at a higher vantage point. I have been driving a very small sedan for 8 years now. Getting clobbered by all the other monsters on the road in bad weather has gotten old and often scary (I live in Michigan and deal with nasty weather a lot). Also, our family consists of two boys, hubby and an 80 lb lab who needs his own space. While I agree the sedan market is great for reducing gas mileage, I do think there are many families who really do need a little bit more height and space.
This is good news, at least we’re going in the right direction? But where is my hybrid mini-van? I want a 3rd row but not a full size SUV. I love the idea of the Mazda5 (good mileage even without being hybrid) but have read here and other places about the road noise. And it can’t tow. What would I like to tow? Who knows. But I’m a girl who likes options. I need a mini-van that gets better than 16/23.