2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards: Hybrid Truck

by Michelle Naranjo

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February 1, 2011

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3 min. Reading Time

AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) are based on 73,000 surveys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first half of 2011.

For vehicles equipped with two powertrains, one gas and one battery-powered, and are derived from a truck or XSUV sibling, they fall into the Hybrid Truck segment. This segment includes vehicles from the Ford Escape Hybrid to the Lexus RX450h. Customers are primarily focused on fuel economy but also have a desire for utility or all-wheel drive.

This year's AutoPacific IVA Hybrid Truck winner is the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Read on to see the entire list of category candidates and how they scored.

*NOTE: Results for 2010 Model Year Vehicles are Included in the 2011 Model Year Research Because of Availability. Scores Are Shown Where Sample Sizes Allow

#1 Hybrid Truck: 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Rank: #1

Score: 1229

Long a favorite amongst eco-conscious adventurers, the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has claimed top honors this year thanks to its rugged yet responsible capability. Though well-equipped to handle the rigors of an actively “green” family, the true catalyst for victory may well have been all in the numbers. Regardless of the trim package, the Highlander Hybrid boasts an unwavering 28 mpg city/28 mpg highway which has proven increasingly more important to value-driven buyers.

#2 Hybrid Truck: 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid

Rank#2

Score: 1225

Last year’s Hybrid Truck Ideal Vehicle Award victor, the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid has taken a slight fall this year punching in at number two on our list. Inarguably a strong competitor on paper, the Escape Hybrid’s budget-friendly pricing and 34-mpg city/ 31-mpg highway rating were not enough to compensate for what some consumers have cited as a lack of creature comforts.

#3 Hybrid Truck: 2011 Lexus RX 450h

Rank: #3

Score: 1188

The 2011 Lexus RX 450h offers the same advanced technology and superb ride quality that’s become synonymous with the brand, and it’s clear Lexus has paid close attention to consumer demand. Fuel-efficiency is again highlighted as one of the Rx 450h’s strongest draws, though the relatively marginal increase it boasts over its gas-only brethren remains a significant source of contention.