2008 SUV Comparison: Gas or Hybrid?

I find it a bit strange that the Jeep Patriot is considered an actual SUV (at least on this list) given that it's little more than a slight variation of the Dodge Caliber and (Horrific) Jeep Compass...

Mini Wagon - Yes

True SUV - No

Define True SUV.

And the Nissan Rogue, Saturn Vue, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, Suzuki XL7, Suburu Forester, and Honda CR-V are True SUVs?

You'll be surprise how capable the little Patriot is with the available Freedom-Drive II Off-Road Group. I would go as far as saying better than all of the ones I mention above.

For some reason, I really like the Jeep Compass Rallye Edition in all black.

this is turning mountain men into mall moms!

Gas or Hybrid?

How about DIESEL?

Right on Bill, diesel beats gas hands down in an off-road environment. I got this straight from some AM General engineers I met in a parking lot years ago when they were visiting the Canadian government with a real Hummer (not the ridiculous H2 or H3 GM half-ass clones). Diesels deliver high torque at low RPM which is what you need in a difficult off-road situation.

I'm sure diesel has improved 10 fold over the last several decades but here in California, its not an option.

a hybrid SUV will just add more weight. why not diesel>

For the diesel proponents, the Volkswagen Tiguan TDI will be here in all fifty states in late 2008 or early 2009 with the same, 2.0-liter, four cylinder clean diesel that will already have been out on the market in the Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI. This vehicle will compete with the Escape Hybrid and the Saturn Vue Hybrid, but with better low-end grunt; better hwy. fuel economy; and the ability to accept 100% renewable fuel in the tank with no extra measures needed or extra expense to do so if you have retailers that sell it in your area.

Also, early 2009 will see the 2009 Touareg TDI with a more fuel-friendly, fifty-state compliant 3.0-liter V-6 diesel, and this engine will spread to the Audi Q7. There may also be a smaller Audi SUV, a Q3, with the VW four banger as well.

We will also see Mercedes-Benz bring three diesel SUVs to all fifty states with the current 3.0 V-6 BlueTec engine with improved exhaust-treatment systems, but for those who are looking for an affordable diesel, the Volkswagen Tiguan TDI may be just the ticket. But don't expect the diesels to carry a much lighter premium as hybrids as the advanced exhaust-treatment systems will probably push, even the Volkswagen, up an extra $3K-$4K.

Hyundai also plans to bring a fifty-state compliant diesel to the Veracruz SUV but this will probably be around 2010.