When it comes to hybrid vehicles, GM is way behind in the technology and publicity. Toyota and Honda came out with the Prius and Insight, became 'overnight' sensations and GM has been trying to play catch-up ever since. But, they keep trying to do it in an economical manner, and keep getting slammed by hybrid 'purists' for it.
I say the Vue is a good step in the right direction. It may not be a huge step, but it is a step forward.
Vue pales in comparison
The Vue hybrid pales in comparison to the other hybrids on the marketplace. At about the same price, you could get a Prius, which claims an EPA rating of 60 city/ 51 highway. Other hybrid SUVs get much better fuel economy, and are capable of being full hybrids. In other words, they can move on electric power alone at low speeds.
Why buy a Saturn Vue Hybrid?
So, why should you buy a hybrid VUE? What it comes down to is price comparison. There are five SUV hybrids available today. The Saturn Vue Hybrid comes to the forefront if you have to have a SUV and you want to make a 'green' choice, but you don't have the extra money. With a price tag under $25K, you can't get a better deal on a hybrid SUV.
But there is a downside to that. You won't be getting any of the frills or fancy computer readouts that come with the more expensive hybrid SUVs. You also won't get as good a return on your fuel economy, which means you won't make up the extra money for over six years in gas savings. Your neighbors won't think you're saving the world (not when other hybrids can claim much higher rates), but you will impress other SUV owners.
Simple Questions
So at the end of the day, you need to ask some simple questions.
- Do you want SUV space and towing?
- Do you want to spend under $25K?
- Do you want a hybrids fuel economy?
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3 comments:
The key thing to remember about fuel economy is the difference between claims (or label) and what you actually experience. Saturn Vue Green Line has the highest EPA highway fuel economy rating of ANY SUV, and I've heard of real results of 30-34 in combined city/highway driving. You'd be hard pressed to find another SUV that beats that, and the Prius can't carry near the cargo that a Vue can.
The Vue will have the best EPA rating for highway, but not for city driving. What it won't have is better power. Ahd it certainly has more space than the Prius.
Unfortunately, without the nice readout (as in what Toyota gives you), maximizing your fuel economy will be more difficult.
To follow-up on fuel economy city/highway:
Ford Escape: 36/31
Lexus RX 400h: 33/28
Toyota Highlander: 33/28
Saturn Vue: 27/32
So, the Vue has the highest highway fuel economy rating, but the lowest city rating. But, if you are going to be doing a lot of highway driving (i.e. commuting to work), the Vue may be your best choice.
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