Everyday, when I walk from the train to work, I pass a long line of taxis cuing up outside the Hilton on 6th ave. This morning I noticed something different. The long line of Crown Victorias was now almost half hybrid SUVs.

At first I was angered by what I saw. Hybrids have been cleared for use as cabs for awhile now, but seeing all those SUVs got me heated. It appeared to me that in the rush to look eco-friendly, the city had allowed the fleet to be overrun with big, clunky, gas guzzlers. Sure, they’re hybrids, but how full efficient can an SUV be?

What I found online surprised me.

As it turns out, the full efficiency of the Ford hybrid is considerably better than the standard crown vic (34 mpg vs. only 17). It also does better than those Toyota Sienna minivan taxis.

Of course, none of these cabs are as efficient as most other hybrids. Or the subway. Or (god forbid) a bike. But then, maybe that family of tourists from Indiana isn’t ready to pile in a Prius. Maybe, dare I say, an SUV can be a baby step towards a better world.

Personally, I’ll stick with the subway.

About The Author - My name is Stirling McLaughlin. I am married. I am an Art Director, Designer and Illustrator. I work at Atmosphere BBDO. I have lots of ideas. I have a baby girl named Nika Bean. I live in New York City. When I was in college, they put me on TV because I wore a mask and yelled at people. I have a reality show that I wil be starting… any day now. - See My Portfolio