Are hybrid SUVs a good or bad thing?

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by thingstodo

. I'm a bit paranoid so more information about how they come up with the ratings is better

In the US attorneys make the rating, in Europe the engineer makes the rating.

Get trailer brakes and a load xfer hitch and your probably safe enough

[roosterk0031]

I've gone to Mitsubishi Austria web site to look at towing capacities for the Outlanders 2.4 gas and compared those to US ratings. I think part of it is us (Americans) don't want to slow down even when towing and expect to make most hills without slowing down.

My Rogues are rated only for 1,000 lbs, here, just checked Austria 1653 lbs without brakes, 3300 lbs with brakes. All other specs look the same, lower speed limits down there? Doubt I'd ever go to 3300 lbs, but 1500 without a thought.

[freebeard]

The older Highlander had a trailer towing/Korean option for oil cooling the rear axle.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post451419

[roosterk0031]

Check out the guy on utube towing 1300kg camper with Outlander PHEV. Didn't watch whole thing yet bit pieces I've seen are positive. 60 mph and still electric.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQwI0IDVMwg

Not a lot of details, very end states 195 mile trip, 6.25 gallons 52 mpg imperial I think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBvU1NOgLOc

another review

Makes me wish I could have waited instead of getting the wife the Rogue in December.

[freebeard]

When you go back to finish it, post the link.


http://jalopnik.com/the-luxurious-genesis-gv80-suv-concept-runs-on-magic-or-1794277631

[Fingie]

well, we have crappy roads here, so a hybrid suv would be awesome.

But id like a CH-R, with the prius 1.8 (i know, its more of a crossover, and the 1.8 HSD is 2wd)

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Fingie

well, we have crappy roads here

So, why not giving the newer generations of subcompact and compact cars some off-roading ability comparable to older ones such as the VW Beetle and the Fiat Uno? Oh, automakers need an excuse to push the customers toward those so-called crossover SUVs which have a higher profit margin...

[AlexanderB]

For me its a very clear Position 2, with a very clear example:
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes with a massive gov't tax benefit, and is taking people who would otherwise drive a c-segment diesel car and putting them into a 2 ton SUV that gets 20 MPG in the real world if they don't plug it in all the time.
(A lot of people do not, as they get these cars as a company lease car, with a company-paid 'unlimited' fuel card, so they don't care about fuel economy in the slightest, as long as they get the cheapest, most luxury car their company will buy for them.)

Also, one of them killed my freshly restored early-90's econobox and I'm still pissed about that.

[oil pan 4]

Give tax breaks to buy a plug in SUV that only gets 20mpg when not plugged in?
Sounds like the government giving breaks to auto makers for selling and people for buying vehicles that can burn 85% ethanol fuel in the US.
Problem is the vast majority of people don't live any where near a gas station that sells 85% ethanol fuel, in the US.

[AlexanderB]

When *not* plugged in.

I mean, if you drive it right, you can drive it all-electric, and by that point, you'd be cheaper off with a fully electric car.