The Consumer Guide to 2009 Hybrid Vehicles
by Tom Appel
2009 Hybrid Vehicle Lineup
 Class: Premium Large SUV Base Price: $73,135 EPA MPG: 20/21 Escalade is basically an upscale version of the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, both of which are also available in Hybrid trim. Escalade Hybrid comes only as a 4-door wagon. Conventionally powered Escalades can also be had in extended-length and pickup truck forms. Escalade Hybrid seats seven in a 2-2-3 layout, or eight with an optional three-person 2nd-row bench seat. Hybrids come standard with General Motors' Magnetic Ride Control suspension. Rear- or all-wheel drive is offered. Escalade Hybrid uses a 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor for 332 horsepower total. Hybrids can tow up to 5,800 pounds. The hybrid system allows Escalade to run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is necessary. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features for all Escalades include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Leather upholstery and power-adjustable pedals are standard. | |
Class: Midsize Car Base Price: $25,555 EPA MPG: 26/34 Malibu is the smaller of Chevy's two midsize sedans, though the larger Impala is not available in hybrid form. Malibu shares its basic architecture with the Saturn Aura, which is also available as a hybrid. Malibu Hybrid combines a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for 164 horsepower total. The sole transmission is a 4-speed automatic. The hybrid system can turn off the gasoline engine while at a stop, but unlike most hybrids cannot accelerate solely on electric power. No plug-in charging is required. Malibu Hybrid comes in a single trim level that approximates the midlevel LT model in content. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. | |
| |
Class: Large SUV Base Price: $50,455 EPA MPG: 21/22 This large SUV shares its basic design with the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, both of which are also available as hybrids. Tahoe Hybrid comes in a single Hybrid trim level; conventional Tahoes can be had in LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels. All are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Tahoe Hybrid pairs a 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with an electric motor for 332 horsepower total. Tahoe Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The engine pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Hybrid's maximum towing capacity is 6,200 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. New-for-2009 features include a wireless cell-phone link and a backup camera that displays on both the optional navigation system screen and in the rearview mirror. | |
| |
| |
Class: Compact SUV Base Price: $29,305 EPA MPG: 34/31 The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid receives a larger engine. It shares its basic design with the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute, both of which are also available in hybrid form. Escape Hybrid teams a 153-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging. The 2.5-liter engine replaces a 2.3-liter unit. All Escape Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is offered. Escape Hybrid is offered in Base and Limited trim levels, the latter of which includes leather seating, heated seats, and a sunroof. A navigation system is available for both models. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. | |
 Class: Midsize Car Base Price: $27,270 EPA MPG: 41/36 Ford Fusion makes its debut as a gas/electric hybrid in 2009 as an early 2010 arrival. This midsize sedan lends its basic design to the Mercury Milan and premium-midsize Lincoln MKZ, the latter of which is not available in hybrid form. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid comes in a single Hybrid trim level. Fusion Hybrid borrows its new powertrain from Ford's Escape compact SUV. It pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for 177 horsepower total. It can run on one or both power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy, and requires no plug-in charging. The sole hybrid transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT). Unlike V6 versions of Fusion, the Hybrid is not available with all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Available features include a navigation system and Ford's Sync voice-activated interface for cell phones and MP3 players. | |
 Class: Large Pickup Base Price: $38,390 EPA MPG: 21/22 GMC's large pickup gets its first hybrid variant for 2009. This large pickup truck is available in regular-, extended-, and crew-cab body styles, though Hybrids come only as crew cabs. Sierra shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Silverado, which is also available in hybrid guise. Sierra Hybrid comes only in a single trim level that approximates the midlevel SLE model in content. The Sierra Hybrid has a 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine that pairs with an electric motor for 332 horsepower total. It can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive are available. The 4WD system is a full-time setup that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-road use. The Hybrid's maximum towing capacity is 6,100 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Available features include a navigation system, remote engine start, and a wireless cell-phone link. | |
Class: Large SUV Base Price: $50,920 EPA MPG: 21/22 This large SUV shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade, both of which are also available as hybrids. Yukon Hybrid comes in a single Hybrid trim level; conventional Yukons can be had in SLE, SLT, and Denali trim levels. All are available with rear-wheel drive or GM's Autotrac 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Yukon Hybrid pairs a 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with an electric motor for a combined 332 horsepower total. Yukon Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The engine pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Hybrid's maximum towing capacity is 6,200 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. New-for-2009 features include a wireless cell phone link and a backup camera that displays on both the optional navigation system screen and in the rearview mirror. | |
Class: Compact Car Base Price: $23,650 EPA MPG: 40/45 Leather seating is newly available for Honda's compact hybrid. Civic Hybrid comes only as a sedan, though conventional Civics can also be had as 2-door coupes. Likewise, Civic Hybrid comes only as a single Hybrid trim level, and only with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Civic Hybrid combines a gasoline engine and an electric motor for 110 horsepower total. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources, and requires no plug-in charging. Most of the time, however, the gasoline engine shuts off at a stop and restarts again when the driver releases his or her foot from the brake pedal. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is also available. | |
Class: Premium Midsize Car Base Price: $56,400 EPA MPG: 22/25 Lexus GS is the sportier of Lexus' two premium midsize cars. In addition to the hybrid 450h, the V6-powered GS 350 and V8-powered GS 460 are also offered. The GS 450h teams a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce 339 horsepower. Like other Lexus and Toyota hybrids, it can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The GS 450h uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and front knee airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery and keyless entry/starting. Other available features include steering-linked headlamps and Lexus' Pre-Collision System, designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected. | |
Lexus LS 600h L | |
Class: Premium Midsize SUV Base Price: $41,580 EPA MPG: 27/24 The 2009 Lexus RX lineup is unchanged, pending an early 2010 redesign that will include an updated hybrid variant (see separate 2010 RX 450h report). This midsize hybrid crossover SUV teams a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with electric motors for 268 horsepower total. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Like other Lexus and Toyota hybrids, the RX 400h can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands. It requires no plug-in charging. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Options include leather upholstery, power tilt and telescopic steering column, adaptive cruise control, navigation system with rearview camera, heated front seats, and DVD entertainment. | |
 Class: Premium Midsize SUV Base Price: N/A EPA MPG: 28/27 The 2010 Lexus RX is redesigned, gaining freshened styling, new features, and an updated gas/electric hybrid model. Replacing the 400h in the RX lineup, the RX 450h is more powerful and promises improved fuel economy. Like all RX models, the 450h seats five and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. The RX 450h pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor for 295 horsepower total, an increase of 27 horsepower over the 2009 RX 400h. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Like other Toyota and Lexus hybrids, the RX 450h can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. It requires no plug-in charging. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and front knee airbags. Also offered is Lexus' Pre-Collision System, which is designed to tighten the seatbelts and ready full braking power when sensors detect an imminent collision. Hill-start assist is a new standard feature. The available navigation system is controlled by a console-mounted "Remote Touch" module and includes real-time traffic and weather alerts. An available side-view monitoring system uses TV cameras to show a wide-angle passenger-side view of the vehicle on the navigation screen. Other available features on the 2010 Lexus RX include a hard drive for storing digital music files, dual-screen DVD entertainment, adaptive cruise control, and a sport suspension. | |
 Class: Compact SUV Base Price: $28,175 EPA MPG: 34/31 The 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid receives a larger engine. It shares its basic design with the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, both of which are also available in hybrid form. Tribute Hybrid teams a 153-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging. The 2.5-liter engine replaces a 2.3-liter unit. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is offered. Tribute Hybrid is offered in Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, the latter of which includes leather seating and heated front seats. A navigation system is available for both models. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. | |
Class: Compact SUV Base Price: $29,750 EPA MPG: 34/31 The 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid receives a larger engine. This compact SUV is a five-passenger, 4-door wagon that includes a liftgate with opening glass. It shares its basic design with the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute, both of which are also available in hybrid form. Mariner Hybrid teams a 153-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging. The 2.5-liter engine replaces a 2.3-liter unit. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is offered. Mariner Hybrid is offered in a single trim level that includes roughly the same level of equipment as the conventional Mariner Premier. A navigation system and leather seating are available. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. | |
 Class: Midsize Car Base Price: $27,500 EPA MPG: 41/36 Mercury Milan makes its debut as a gas/electric hybrid in 2009 as an early 2010 arrival. This midsize sedan shares its basic design with the Ford Fusion and premium-midsize Lincoln MKZ, the latter of which is not available in hybrid form. The 2010 Mercury Milan comes in a single Hybrid trim level. Milan Hybrid borrows its new powertrain from Ford's Escape compact SUV. It pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for 177 horsepower total. It can run on one or both power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy, and requires no plug-in charging. The sole hybrid transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT). Unlike V6 versions of Milan, the Hybrid is not available with all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Options include a navigation system and Ford's Sync voice-activated interface for cell phones and MP3 players. | |
Class: Midsize Car Base Price: $26,650 EPA MPG: 35/33 Nissan expanded availability of its only gas/electric Hybrid model for 2009. This midsize car comes in sedan and coupe body styles, though the Hybrid comes only as a sedan. Altima Hybrid pairs a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for 198 horsepower total. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions, and does not require plug-in charging. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is available and includes a rearview camera. Also available are leather upholstery and a wireless cell-phone link. For 2009, Nissan adds Oregon to the list of states in which Altima Hybrid is sold. Altima Hybrid is also available in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. | |
Class: Midsize Car Base Price: $26,240 EPA MPG: 26/34 Aura Green Line becomes Aura Hybrid for 2009, though little else about the midsize hybrid sedan is different. Aura shares its basic architecture with the Chevrolet Malibu, which is also available as a hybrid. Aura Hybrid combines a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for 164 horsepower total. The sole transmission is a 4-speed automatic. The hybrid system can turn off the gasoline engine while at a stop, but unlike most hybrids cannot accelerate solely on electric power. No plug-in charging is required. Aura Hybrid comes as a single trim level that approximates the top-line XR model in content. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. | |
Class: Compact SUV Base Price: $28,160 (Hybrid, 2 Mode Hybrid N/A) EPA MPG: 25/32 (Hybrid, 2 Mode Hybrid N/A) The 2009 Saturn Vue lineup was scheduled to receive a second hybrid model for 2009, but those plans are on hold. Returning for 2009 is Saturn's 4-cylinder hybrid model, now dubbed simply Vue Hybrid; the Green Line moniker has been dropped. Vue Hybrid combines a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for 172 horsepower total. Scheduled for a 2009 model-year debut, but then delayed indefinitely, the "2 Mode" uses a 3.6-liter V6 with 255 horsepower. Both hybrid systems can shut off the gasoline engine at a stop, but only the 2 Mode allows the vehicle to accelerate at low speeds solely on electric power. No plug-in charging is required for either hybrid. The 4-cylinder Hybrid has a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 2 Mode uses a continuously variable automatic (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is available, as are heated seats, remote engine start, and a rear cargo management system that is adjustable for different cargo-carrying needs. A wireless cell-phone link is a new option. | |
Class: Midsize Car Base Price: $26,150 EPA MPG: 33/34 The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid is unchanged. Camry Hybrid comes as a single trim level that approximates the top-line XLE model in equipment. Camry Hybrid teams a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for 187 horsepower total. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions and requires no plug-in charging. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and a driver knee airbag. A navigation system with wireless cell-phone link is optional. | |
Class: Midsize SUV Base Price: $34,700 EPA MPG: 27/25 This midsize crossover SUV seats up to seven with an available folding 3rd-row seat and 2nd-row bucket seats. The 2nd-row offers three-passenger capacity via a detachable padded center section that folds and stows in a 1st-row console when not in use. The AWD-only Hybrid comes in Base and Limited trims and uses a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine teamed with an electric motor for 270 horsepower total. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Hybrid's EV mode allows the driver to put Highlander in electric-only drive mode for a limited distance. A driver-selectable Econ mode that regulates throttle inputs for optimum fuel economy is available. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds for the Hybrid and 5,000 pounds for conventional V6 models. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, front side airbags, and a driver knee airbag. Options include a sunroof, DVD entertainment, three-zone climate control, and a navigation system. | |
Class: Midsize Car Base Price: $22,000 EPA MPG: 48/45 The second-generation of Toyota's iconic hybrid returns for 2009 unchanged. A redesigned Prius should arrive midyear as a 2010 model. Prius is a five-passenger, 4-door hatchback that teams a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 110 horsepower total. Toyota's hybrid system allows Prius to run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required. Prius uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Standard, Base, and sport-themed Touring trim levels return. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Tourings have a sport suspension, fog lights, and alloy wheels. Standards cost less than the Base and are unavailable with features such as cruise control and heated power mirrors. A proposed set of roof-mounted solar panels that would help power the air conditioning unit was originally planned for the 2009 Prius model, but they instead are slated for launch on the redesigned 2010 version. |
Inside This Article
