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A hybrid vehicle has always been associated with a small, oddly shaped car with a horribly underpowered engine and a stratospherically high economy rating. As the technology begins to mature, however, manufacturers are becoming more prone to introducing it to different segments of the market. The upcoming Lexus GS 600h is a prime example of a sedan pushing the limits of conventional and hybrid technology; featuring over 430 horsepower, it will be the most powerful hybrid on the planet, dethroning the venerable Lexus GS 450h.

When it comes to SUVs, however, the hybrid market is just beginning to develop. Ford has released two strong entrants, the Escape and Mariner hybrids, and Saturn has introduced the phenomenal Vue Green Line. Already well established are the Lexus RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Economy

All of the major hybrid SUVs we mentioned earlier achieve similar mileage, with the rating hovering right around 29 miles per gallon. The Escape hybrid, in two wheel drive trim, achieves an average rating of 34 miles per gallon. The Mercury Mariner also leads the four wheel drive pack with an average consumption rating of 31 miles per gallon.

Top Pick: Ford Escape Hybrid. In two wheel drive trim, the Escape is capable of achieving a compact-car like 34 miles per gallon. It still achieves 31 miles per gallon in four wheel drive trim.

Versatility

Comparing storage capacity, overall range, towing rating, and power train options, it become difficult for us to determine a clear-cut winner. The vehicles that we felt confident taking off-road were actually subjected to some mild abuse on the trails, and of course, every SUV was loaded up with the wife, kids, and groceries.

After some serious city driving, as well as some dirt roads, we realized that a couple of these SUVs weren’t up to the task of off-roading. The Escape and Mariner fell short, as did the Vue Green Line. The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 400h both held up well, having enough power and weight to run with the best of them.

Top Pick: Toyota Highlander and the Lexus RX 400h. Great interior and storage space; lots of power for the trails; capable four wheel drive system.

Overall Value

This is always the hardest segment to judge, as each vehicle brought its own character and traits to the table. The Escape and Mariner hybrids both got great mileage, yet were comfortable to drive and were homey and attractive. The Vue Green Line was the most inexpensive hybrid SUV tested, though you’d never know from its confident road manners and excellent characteristics. The Highlander and RX 400h were both more powerful and luxurious, though at a premium over all of the other SUVs tested.

However, when it comes down to value, we considered much more than the price. We looked at the fit and finish of each vehicle, carefully trying to point out defects of mistakes. We examined the economy and power, as well as the usability of the vehicle on the street.

Top Pick: Saturn Vue Green Line. No matter how you slice it, this hybrid SUV is a shoe-in for this spot. Besides being the least expensive, the Vue Green Line features a surprisingly capable power train and a comfortable interior. The vehicle is well equipped, and even includes an auxiliary input on all trim levels, making connecting your iPod easy.

Overview: This SUV is proof that a hybrid doesn’t have to be from a brand known for fuel economy. Lexus, a premium brand by anyone’s standards, has taken a high performance SUV and made it just a little bit greener. Want to give yourself a treat? Take a ride in the 268 horsepower SUV that can sprint from 0-60 in just 7.3 seconds.

Detail: This SUV is a beauty, no doubt at it. Its looks, plus an impressive list of features and electronic gizmos, have made the RX 400h highly sought after. And guess what, it’s a hybrid.

Extremely Popular

Lexus had nearly 10,000 RX 400h SUV’s sold on a pre-order before they were released, and their popularity has only risen since its introduction. There are many reasons for this, and the Lexus moniker is probably one of them. I’m willing to bet that the main reason is a strong 268 horsepower combined output, coupled with over 30 mpg and an impressive list of standard features.

Driving the RX 400h

Mash the throttle and watch the RX 400h scream from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in under 7.5 seconds, putting into the same category of most sport compacts and 200+ horsepower sedans. Though the 400h is definitely not a sports car, the SUV looks and handles better than just about everything else we’ve come across.

Combining the power from a 3.3L V6 and a 161 horsepower electric motor, the total amount of power on tap comes to jut shy of 270. Mated this to an impressive all-wheel-drive system and you get performance that is leaps and bound ahead of most other SUV’s in its class. All of this while maintaining fuel economy that is nearly Honda Civic territory.

The interior cabin is definitely Lexus, and neither the driver nor the passengers will ever be left wanting for amenities and luxury. Leather adorns the cabin, and the plush seats may even make you wonder why your couch doesn’t feel like that. Typical of most SUV’s, there is a small blind spot near the rear of the car, so be extra careful when shoulder checking.

One area that we would like to see some improvement is in brake pedal feel, but that’s a relatively small gripe to make considering that it doesn’t affect the performance of the RX- the SUV still stops like it’s supposed to.

In Conclusion

With impressive mileage and tons of standard features, the RX 400h is a winner in our books. The SUV accelerates nicely, handles well, and looks pretty darn sharp while doing it.