Some hybrid cars are about more than just gas mileage. This one is about power, with a big electric motor helping the engine with the front wheels, and another big electric motor just for the back wheels, this four wheel drive SUV can do zero to 60 in under 6 seconds, and still gets better gas mileage than most ordinary cars on the road.

Hybrid Car

Lexus RX 400h Hybrid SUV.

This is my baby. I love this car.

It's a hybrid. But that doesn't just mean gas savings anymore.

This car has two huge electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear wheels (four wheel drive turns on quietly and automatically whenever the sensors see it would be helpful).

Electric motors have full torque at zero RPM, meaning that this car takes off at a light like a sports car.

It has satellite nagigation, leather seats, four doors, seats five, and it has a continuously variable transmission. No lag while it shifts. No drop in power transmission to the wheels when the engine is not at optimum RPM, because it is always at optimum RPM. Smooth acceleration. And when you drive under 30 miles per hour, it is dead quiet, since the engine is off, and you are fully electric.

The headlights track with the steering, so you see ahead on curves.

The rear hatch opens and even closes using the remote control in the ignition key. There is a camera built into the rear hatch just above the bumper, so you can see little kids when you are backing up.

Bluetooth phone controls in the steering wheel. Moon roof. Heated seats. Even the headlights have little washers in case they get mud on them when you're four wheeling.

You can get it with laser radar built into the cruise control, so the car slows down and speeds up to keep the right following distance.

Great fun. About $50,000, but check the web.

No so luxurious, but with an extra seat in the back for two more passengers, is the Toyota Highlander, built with the same engine and frame.