The Hybrid SUV has been a long time coming considering the first commercial hybrid was the Toyota Prius in 1997. Cars would be the only hybrid vehicles available until Ford introduced the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV in 2005 and the Mariner Hybrid SUV in 2006. 2006 would prove a busy year for hybrid SUV's as Toyota realeased the Highlander Hybrid SUV and Lexus offered the RX 400h Hybrid SUV. 2007
Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) use both a gasoline engine and one or more electric motors to help drive the wheels of the vehicle to achieve better fuel economy. Hybrid vehicles can also be designed for increased horespower and torque, or add auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools.