SUVs and Crossovers

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)  and Crossovers have taken over the market as North America’s favorite vehicle type, and we’re starting to see more companies turn out hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions of their utility vehicles. While taller, heavier SUVs do not reach the level of fuel efficiency of smaller vehicles in terms of miles-per-gallon, more efficient combustion technologies and battery assistance can greatly improve their efficiency, especially the boost of torque from the electric motor helping to get a larger car moving.

While companies like Audi and Jaguar are racing to deliver luxury electric SUVs to compete with the Tesla Model X, Toyota has delivered an affordable option in the RAV4 hybrid and Kia’s Niro Hybrid has the looks and practicality of a crossover without the added weight of all-wheel drive for car-like efficiency. The luxury market is getting crowded with plug-in hybrids from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo and Audi soon to follow, while Lexus has long had success with the hybrid RX450h crossover.