AWD Hybrids

You can shop online for one of many AWD hybrids and compare the features and specs that such vehicles offer.

What 2011 AWD Hybrids Have To Offer

AWD hybrids are making serious headway in the automotive industry; these vehicles are in high demand as consumers move toward buying greener, safer, more fuel efficient vehicles.  Interestingly, the inclusion of an all wheel drive feature sometimes affected the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, particularly in older vehicles, but today’s AWD hybrids are illustrating that they can maintain an AWD feature and a fantastic fuel economy.  The term hybrid has become synonymous with “fuel efficiency,” and there are actually AWD hybrids that have more than doubled the fuel efficiency of standard vehicles.  This means a consumer saves considerable cash on fuel spending over the lifetime of vehicle ownership.

AWD hybrids are particularly appealing to the consumer that lives in a region where occasional bad weather is experienced.  With the AWD option, the driver of the vehicle can feel far more confident on the road, and they will find that AWD hybrids can handle a variety of different terrain with considerable ease.  These vehicles deliver superior handling and superior safety features too; car manufacturers are including top of the line safety innovations in many of the newest AWD hybrids on offer.  What’s more, these vehicles are loaded to the brim with amenities, ensuring total comfort with every ride.

Features To Look For In 2011 AWD Hybrids

The best 2011 AWD hybrids share feature similarities.  In terms of appearance, you will want to look for an AWD hybrid with a fantastic looking exterior and a comfortable interior.  You will also want to consider the spaciousness of the cabin of the vehicle you buy, and how many passengers you want to transport in it.  As you reflect on size needs, make sure you check out the amount of cargo space you will require too: there are some AWD hybrids that offer large cargo areas and enough seating for as many as five passengers.

Since AWD hybrids are vehicles that couple a traditional motor with one that is electric powered, you will want to make sure that you have a powerful battery in the hybrid you choose.  You will also need to decide if you want a series AWD hybrid or a parallel AWD option; the latter vehicle allows the gas engine to power up the included electric motor and/or it is responsible for charging up the vehicle’s battery.  With a parallel AWD option both the electric and gas engine work in unison to power the vehicle.

You will find AWD hybrids that deliver superior fuel efficiency if the vehicle has a relatively small engine, a regenerative braking system, a periodic engine turn off feature, and low rolling resistance tires.   The vehicle you choose will also offer good gas mileage if it possesses excellent aerodynamics for less on the road resistance, and if the vehicle is made of super light, but durable materials.

Top AWD Hybrids For 2011

2011 Lexus RX 450h

The 2011 Lexus RX 450h is an exceptional AWD hybrid option.  When compared to the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, one will find that both of these vehicles deliver 32 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway.  When comparing the 2010 and 2011 model, one will find that very little has changed with the Lexus RX 450h.  The 2010 and the 2011 also both have the 3.5 Liter V6 engine with a double overhead cam.  The 2011 model comes with a 2 speed CVT with an overdrive feature, while the 2010 model was offered with a six speed CVT with overdrive.  The 2010 and 2011 model are sold with frontal, side impact, curtain, and knee airbags, an occupancy sensor, traction control, height adjustable seats, seatbelt pre-tensioners, exterior light control, a panic alarm, and a keyless entry system.  Both models have an MSRP right around $44000.00.  For a full comparison of the 2010 and 2011 Lexus RX 450h visit http://autos.aol.com/cars-compare.

2011 Toyota Highlander

When searching for great AWD hybrids, many consumers choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.  The 2011 Toyota offers better gas mileage than the 2010 model; the 2011 Highlander gets 28 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the 2010 model offered 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.  This is due to the base motor change from a 209 horsepower 3.3 Liter V6 in the 2010 offering to a 231 horsepower 2.3 Liter V-6 double overhead cam motor in the 2011 offering.  Both models sport the two speed CVT with overdrive transmission.  They have front, side, side curtain, and knee airbags, occupancy sensors, traction control, halogen headlights, panic alarms, remote keyless entry, parking assist, and illuminated entry.  There is roughly a $3000.00 difference in the MSRP of the 2010 and 2011 Highlander, the latter of which has an MSRP of roughly $37000.00.  For full details visit http://autos.aol.com/cars-compare.

2011 Ford Escape

Another popular hybrid is the 2011 Ford Escape.  The base four wheel drive option of this vehicle for the 2011 year has an MSRP that is roughly $200.00 more than the 2010 model.  The 2011 offering has an MSRP of roughly $30050.00.  Both models offer 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.  The 2010 model however, was fitted with a 2.5 Liter Inline 4 double overhead cam, Atkinson cycle base engine that offers 155 horsepower, while the 2011 model offers a bit less horsepower.  The 2011 offering comes with a 2.5 Liter Inline 4 double overhead cam, Atkinson cycle base engine delivering 153 horsepower.  Both models come with a two speed, CVT with overdrive tranny.  The 2.5 Liter Inline engines are vastly different from the motors found in earlier Escape hybrid offerings too; the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid for instance was outfitted with a 2.3 Liter Inline 4 that actually delivered better fuel efficiency; it offered 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.  Nevertheless, the Ford Escape stands as an exceptional option with frontal, side, and side curtain airbags, occupancy sensors, halogen headlights, exterior light controls, delay off headlamps, illuminated entry, remote keyless entry, panic alarm, power door locks, rear child safety door locks, and tire pressure monitoring.  For full details visit http://autos.aol.com/cars-compare.