AWD Hybrid Cars 2012
Why Hybrid
In this age of global warming, electric and hybrid cars are fast gaining in popularity as an easy-to-use way of reducing your carbon footprint. While an all-electric car draws all of its power from an electric motor, a hybrid car uses two power sources. A conventional gasoline engine, when paired with an electric motor, emits less pollutants and also increases the mileage. The battery uses a rechargeable energy storage system. The technological advancement has allowed hybrid cars to be used as 'fun' cars, while maintaining the harmful emissions associated with conventional gasoline-only engines to a low level. Hybrid cars have now become a common sight in many parts of the world.
2012's Hybrid AWD Cars
Lexus RX 450H
We begin with the car that usnews.com has ranked 1 in the 'luxury midsize SUV' category. The 2012 Lexus RX 450H is an obviously luxury-oriented design. It gives a respectable mileage of 30 mpg on city roads and 28 mpg on highways. The new RX has a 3.5-liter V6 engine which, coupled with two electric-drive motors, produces 295 horsepower. Thanks to the automatic gearbox, it has a smooth and silent powertrain which, along with its soft suspension, gives this car a very comfortable ride. Some reviewers have vetoed this model, reporting that it's not fun to drive, but if you are looking for an SUV which puts comfort first, the Lexus stands in its own class.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2012 model of the Highlander Hybrid comes with the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that the 2011 model had, producing 231 horsepowers. Coupled with an automatic gearbox, it gives a mileage of 28 mpg on both, city streets and highways. Like the Lexus, the Highlander's detached steering has been criticized, with Edmunds reporting, "Bring your own pulse because you won't find one here."
However, being a Toyota, the Highlander has a generous mileage, seven comfortable seats, ergonomic features and a well-built interior, which makes it one of the best family SUVs.
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Escape was the first AWD American-built hybrid car, as well as the first hybrid car made by an American automobile manufacturer. The 2012 model has a 2.5-liter I4 engine, which produces 177 horsepowers and gives a handsome fuel efficiency of 30 to 33 mpg on city roads and 27 to 30 mpg on highway. Escape engines have generally been criticized for trailing rival 4- and 6-cylinder engines, and the I4 hybrid has only been praised with the subtext that its I4 lacks the refinement of newer rival models. The Ford has, however, been praised for its excellent 6-speed auto transmission, comfortable interior and the best-in-class mileage.
Audi Q5 Hybrid
The eagerly awaited Audi crossover Q5 hybrid has a 2.0-liter TFSI 4-cylinder engine which, along with a 44-hp electric motor, produces 241 horsepowers. Audi has done extremely well to make the hybrid Q5 look and drive like its gasoline-only siblings. Apart from a 'power percentage dial' instead of the usual tachometer and a few such modifications, it really is difficult to differentiate between the two models without opening the bonnet. Typically Audi, it has an excellent interior and sound-build quality. It is, within this list, definitely the best to look at and the best to drive as well.
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid
This Swedish machine features a different hybrid system than the others in this list. While the others have both the engine and the electric motor providing power to all four wheels, the Volvo's 2.4-liter turbodiesel I5 engine supplies 215 horsepowers to the front wheels only. The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor producing 70 horsepowers. In the Hybrid mode, both power sources are optimized, so as to give the best possible mileage, while in the Power mode, the engine and the battery are synced to maximize the power output. Due to this option, the Volvo is an excellent 'driver's car' as well.
As you can see, these automobiles provide you with better grip on roads, and also help you protect the environment to some extent. You can look for more details on each of these cars by speaking to automobile dealers, or visiting the respective manufacturer's website. This will help you decide upon a car that suits your needs as well as your budget.
