Although a closely guarded secret, those in the know inform eager hybrid aficionados that the Hyundai Accent Hybrid will feature a 90 horse power, 1.4 liter engine as well as a 16 horse power electric motor. This is said to increase the overall fuel economy by an estimated 44%.

This contradicts rumors that would have had the Hyundai Accent Hybrid use the Lambda 3.3 liter V6 engine of the 2006 Sonata. Other rumors insist that this hybrid car would make the pain at the gas pump go away since it is supposed to offer 45 miles per gallon, making it comparable to a Civic II 2 wheel drive CVT.

At this point, this is all conjecture and although potential Hyundai Accent Hybrid buyers are eagerly waiting to get more information, they have to be content with the fact that the earliest scheduled release date is 2009. Price has not yet even been discussed for the North American market, and it is anyone’s guess how competitive the sticker cost of the Hyundai Accent Hybrid will be. Our guess is that it will be very competitive with other like models in it’s class.

The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is a brand new offering for the 2009 model year, and so most review companies are only getting their first look at it. It’s known that the truck uses GM’s 6.0L V-8 combined with a hybrid electric motor that helps with extremely low speed and coasting. Combined, the truck gets 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway in two-wheel drive.

The 4WD version gets just about an even 20/20. As is pretty standard for most trucks and SUV’s that are converted to hybrid models, the gas mileage offered is superior to the non-hybrid models by only a small margin, and very ’so-so’ for the hybrid car market overall. Chevrolet hopes the new Silverado hybrid offering keeps buyers interested in their full sized line up for years to come.

The trucks boast increase in towing capacity, sound levels while driving and an increase in miles per gallon (MPG). The decrease in sound levels is a direct result from having less engine noise from the hybrid system while in use and the truck’s active fuel management system that is already in use in many General Motors vehicles.

The active fuel management system shuts off fuel to the vehicle’s cylinders once a certain speed is reached and turns the fuel back on if more horsepower or speed is needed. This eliminates some of the noise inside the cabin of the truck and also improves MPG by using the cylinders that are not needed.

The overall improvement in MPG has been estimated at anywhere from 20 to 40 % from a regular GMC Sierra. This improvement can and will vary if the driver uses the truck mainly for city driving, heavy duty hauling, and overall driving conditions.

The Dodge Durango Hybrid comes with many safety features including side air bags in all three rows, antilock brakes, rear backup camera system, stability control and trailer sway control. The owners will enjoy leather seats, a navigation system and heated front seats. This vehicle starts at $45,340.

This large SUV gets 19 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. In order to get such great gas mileage, the engine combines an automatic transmission with an electric hybrid drive system. No special gas is needed and there is not a battery to charge. It is as simple as driving a non-hybrid SUV.

The 300 volt battery this SUV uses fits into the vehicle without taking any room from seating. The dashboard has gauges so you can monitor your fuel efficiency. This vehicle saves you money on gas, hauls all your tough equipment, still has the HEMI that you trust, has a roomy, comfortable environment and is great for the earth. What an amazing combination Dodge has introduced with the Dodge Durango Hybrid.

While shooting for 20+ MPG doesn’t seem very impressive at first, it represents an increased economy of over 50% according to Cadillac. That’s fairly impressive considering that the Escalade Hybrid hasn’t sacrificed an iota of the luxury and size that make it popular amongst 6+ foot tall sports stars and their entourages. Nor has the Escalade Hybrid eschewed much of its legendary utility; 2WD models can still tow 6000 pounds while 4WD models can tow an impressive 5700 pounds.

That’s not quite the abundant 8000/7900 pound towing capacities offered by the 2WD/AWD models powered by the 6.2L Vortec engine, but both of those models eek out a mere 12 MPG in the city.

The Escalade Hybrid pairs an advanced electric-drive system with a modern ‘high feature’ V8 capable of running on either eight or four cylinders as the situation demands. This gives the Escalade Hybrid excellent power when called for, and reasonable economy for city driving. The net result is that Escalade Hybrid owners won’t cringe every time they see a gas station.

Plenty of power, good looks, and reasonable economy in an iconic American luxury SUV? The Escalade Hybrid pulls it all off while only sacrificing some of its ample towing capacity.

The new drivetrain continues to use the revived HEMI which is only turned on when needed. With light throttle the Aspen Hybrid can run on electric power alone up to approximately 30 mph under ideal conditions, which most likely represents the majority of driving most city dwellers are likely to do on a daily basis. In addition, the HEMI can operate on either four or eight cylinders which allows for greater fuel efficiency when there isn’t demand for all of the HEMI’s 385 horsepower.

The Aspen Hybrid utilizes a 300-volt battery pack which is located under the second row seats. That’s enough juice to handle cruising city streets under electric power alone. Fuel economy should climb to 18 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway over the standard 13/18. Considering that the Aspen Hybrid is only being offered with Chrysler’s AWD system, that’s extremely impressive.

The Aspen Hybrid still has plenty of hustle and muscle for such a large vehicle, and handling is responsive for a LSUV. Chrysler’s regenerative braking is more than up to the task of slowing the Aspen to a stop as well as providing a little extra recharge. For approximately $45,000 the Aspen Hybrid is an exceptionally attractive hybrid LSUV.

A comprehensive list of standard amenities comes with the ’09 GMC Yukon Hybrid, including 8 passenger seating, leather 6-way adjustable front power seats and a sound-system-integrated GPS with back-up camera. In addition, the Yukon Hybrid features 6000- to 6200-pounds of towing capacity, anti-lock brakes and stability control.

With its 2-mode EVT system, a bit of aerodynamic tweaking and a 350lb-plus weight reduction in the wheels, body and cabin, yet still weighing in at nearly 5300-pounds, the 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid is both big and “green”.

Starting at $50,945 for the 2WD ‘09 Yukon Hybrid, and some $2,810 more for the 4WD, big and “green” is also pricy.

The Lexus flagships of luxury sedans are always spacious, incredibly comfortable, and stylish. And the LS 600h is no exception. The long list of features and comfort items that the LS 600h comes with seems like it will never end, offering everything from radar-guided cruise control, self-parking, and a highly detailed but very intuitive to control console. Where the 600h falls flat isn’t in luxury, but in performance. Its competition tends to put powerful V12 engines in their sedans, and Lexus placed the most powerful V8 engine available on the market, and combined it with a Hybrid synergy drive, hoping to give the same performance as the V12, but at much better gas mileage.

Unfortunately, the addition of hybrid components adds a fairly considerable weight to the Lexus’s already hefty build. The increased weight of the engine and corresponding energy it takes to get the car moving, means that despite the increase in horsepower, the acceleration and performance is only about on par with the LS 460. And even though the fuel economy is 4 miles per gallon better in city driving, its gas mileage on the highway where you try to get the bulk up to high speed is actually /worse/. A lovely idea, and a beautiful car, but ultimately a disappointment in the hybrid market.

The Tahoe is available in two wheel drive or four wheel drive and uses a ‘hybrid propulsion system.’ This system operates in three different ways. First, there is electric power which serves to maximize fuel economy. Second, there is engine power which can be utilized when more power is needed. Third, a combination of the two types of power can be used. This is courtesy of the Vortec V8 which kicks in when needed or shuts off to conserve at other times.

Combat gas prices with Tahoe which uses around 21 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city or 22 MPG on the highway on the two wheel drive models. There is a less than a significant drop for the four wheel drive models: 20 MPG in the city and 20 MPG for highway driving.

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy helping you to save money with the high gas prices. This hybrid car (SUV) offers up to 50% better fuel economy when in the city over the Tahoe that is a non-hybrid. This hybrid SUV truly combines efficiency with the top notch performance that you would expect from any SUV. Go green today with the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Who knew that an SUV could be this environmentally friendly AND easy on your wallet?

What can you expect out of the GS 450h? It has a smooth and powerful acceleration both from a stop and when moving up to highway speeds. The Hybrid Energy drive puts out an eye-popping 340 horsepower and yet remains smooth and as quiet as a pin drop in almost any highway conditions. The handling is smooth and excellent with crisp balance in the turns. Overall between this blend of performance and a roomy and luxurious interior, the Lexus GS 450h is an amazing pleasure to drive.

You do pay for that pleasure though, the MSRP on the Lexus GS 450 is 55,000 dollars in the United States. And because of its size and power, the fuel economy is only so-so for the typical hybrid car. The large luxury nature of the Lexus means that even with the Hybrid synergy drive it gets only 25 mpg on the highway and 23 on the city. Overall it is an excellent luxury car for those who want the touch of class and elegance in their vehicle, at a slight compromise on fuel economy over other hybrids.