Do you cringe at the thought of having to skulk around with your head down in the driver's seat of a new full-size sport utility vehicle, guilt-ridden as all get-out? Banish that mental image. Although three-row SUVs gobble more gas than smaller, lighter models, 2009 hybrid and other versions offer improved mileage and eco-friendly features.

In addition to their huge cargo and seating capacities and safety, their towing power may be perfect for your business needs. The car-like design provides long-distance comfort and ease of driving. Most carry eight people with more than a dozen seating configurations, and incentives abound. Here are a handful of current choices.

Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid all-wheel drive. Larger, heftier and more expensive at $45,340 than its non-hybrid counterparts, the Durango is Dodge's first foray into the hybrid market. A unique two-mode hybrid system combines gas and electric or one of each depending on speed and loads. It has plenty of horsepower and towing capability rated at 6,000 pounds. It seats eight or, with seats removed, boasts 102 cubic feet of cargo space. This SUV draws its power from a 5.7-liter V8 gas/electric engine that shuts down four cylinders when not needed. Mileage is 19 city/20 highway mpg. Standard features include GPS, automatic transmission, floor console and heated front seats.

Honda Pilot two-wheel drive LX. A solid favorite for several years based on comparatively low pricing and high reliability, the Pilot is Honda's toolbox on wheels, ready to haul up to 4,500 pounds. The new hill-start assist system is activated by sensors to help prevent forward and backward roll. Second- and third-row seats split and fold to free up 87 cubic feet of cargo space. Four outlets--two of them in the back--provide power for devices. The low-emissions engine is a brawny 3.5-liter V6 with a system that automatically shuts down four cylinders when they aren't needed. Mileage tops out at 17 city/23 highway mpg. With a five-speed automatic transmission, the base price is $27,695.

Acura MDX all-wheel drive. Seating seven, this handsome but pricey SUV has plenty of panache inside and out. Features include a power-operated lift gate, heated lumbar-support front seats, humidity control, 10 airbags and front knee bolsters. The ultra-low emissions 3.7-liter V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission has a 15 city/20 highway mpg EPA rating. With the rear seats down, you can fit in 83 cubic feet of cargo. It also has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The MDX is pre-wired for trailers. It boasts a stability/traction control system and a rollover sensor. Price: $40,990.

Ford Explorer four-wheel drive XLT. A husky, practical, seven-passenger SUV, its 4.0-liter V6 engine tows 3,500 pounds while the V8 tows 7,000 pounds. The $26,995 Explorer is a budget-priced, three-row SUV with a power-operated folding third row. Handy features include a cargo cover to conceal contents, second row split/folding reclining bench seat and optional third-row bench, and trailer-sway control to automatically apply braking and roll stability. It gets 14 city/20 highway mpg.

Toyota Sequoia two-wheel drive. It takes a lion of an engine to power this behemoth, whose chassis is based on Toyota's full-size Tundra pickup, and the 4.7-liter eight-cylinder engine fits the bill. Named for the massive tree, the eight-passenger Sequoia and its 16 cup holders earn a "recommended" rating from Consumer Guide despite its 14 city/17 highway mpg. Total cargo space is 120 cubic feet, and towing capacity is 7,800 pounds. The safety system is exceptional: stability/traction control, antilock brake system, brake-assist and an anti-theft engine immobilizer system. Options on the upgraded Platinum model include cruise control that helps keep you a certain distance from the vehicle ahead, an adjustable suspension and a front fold-flat table to hold your laptop. Priced at $34,150.