Once you start loading up racks and gear and heading out on a road trip you have lost much of the hybrid advantage, which is maximized in an urban environment. Not to say you can't outfit a Toyota Highlander or Ford Escape to do it, but on a road tip your mpg won't be much better than in an efficient non-hybrid, especially with the greater wind resistance of those chunky SUV's. A TCH might be an efficient and roomy solution, however.

Among the non-hybrids, I especially like the VW TDI wagon, and my 2001 SAAB 9-5 is not bad either - with the 2.3 light-pressure turbo/5 spd I can pull down 27mpg with two bikes on the roof and four would not be much worse. Late 90's Volvo wagons are similar also, before they gained weight and AWD. I think wagons are more efficient than SUV's on the freeway due to the better aerodynamics, and they often have as much room inside.

Just my 2 cents for the wish list: The Acrua TSX is sold as the Accord in Europe, and they have a wagon version. So mine would be an American version of the European Accord wagon in hybrid form. That would be an awesome ride.

Stumbled across this too: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/06...to-hit-52-mpg/

*** Retired after 65,000 outstanding miles ***