[bwilson4web]

Recently there was a blog posting that claimed making trucks and SUVs more efficient is the wrong message: High-MPG SUVs: The Wrong Answer

So I decided to compare specs:
Ford F150 pickup, 3.7L : 1,710 payload, 8,300 towing, 17/23 MPG
Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 3.5L: 1,509 payload, 3,500 towing, 28/28 MPG

If the payload would fit in the hybrid, both vehicles are roughly equal. The pickup has an advantage for oversized loads, say two cows. Hard braking would be amusing with two cows (if they would fit) in the SUV hybrid. But in towing, the Ford has twice the capacity.

If a 7,500 lb trailer load could be divided into smaller loads, the hybrid would still take twice as many trips. The extra trips means the driver/own*er loses time that could be making product. This towing difference is taking 5 or 10 head of cattle to market or the picking up 2 or 4 rolls of hay.

As for single drivers commuting in an F150 pickup, well they are using the wrong tool and pay for their foolishnes*s at the pump. Now there are folks who are unlikely to buy an F150 pickup even if a hybrid were available. Schadenfreude as they burn-up their money.

Bob Wilson