Fortunately, for those environmentally conscious consumers who aren't quite willing to give up the utility and commanding driving position that multi-activity vehicles (MAVs, also known as SUVs) offer, a handful of midsize crossover models make the 2008 AEI Top 30 list"including one luxury model, the Lexus RX 400h.
2008 Ford Escape HybridThe 2008 model year marks the eighth year of production for the Ford Escape compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), which shares its platform with the Mercury Mariner as well as the Mazda Tribute. For 2008, the Escape has received an exterior freshening while a new interior adds innovative storage, improved overall quietness, and an industry first: seating fabrics made from 100-percent recycled materials. The Hybrid uses a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder gas engine that features Atkinson-cycle combustion to produce 133 hp. A 70-kilowatt electric motor adds boost to the drive wheels under maximum power. Combined output is 155 hp, but acceleration is equivalent to the Escape V-6. The only transmission offered on the Hybrid is the continuously variable transmission (CVT). The front-wheel-drive (FWD) Ford Escape Hybrid achieves fuel economy of 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway, while the four-wheel-drive (4WD) model gets 29 mpg city/27 mpg highway, according to the EPA.
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