Top Fuel Efficient SUVs
Back when I signed a lease deal on my Honda Pilot in 2007, I did not give gas mileage a whole lot of thought. I knew better than to buy a gigantic SUV that blatantly guzzled gas, but at the time, I thought that getting approximately 20 miles to the gallon, while also having all-wheel drive and seating space for seven, was a good deal all around. So, I went with the Pilot. A great car, I might add, I’ve enjoyed driving it, but unless big changes are in store for the Pilot in 2011, I think I can do a whole lot better on the green scale when I trade in my car this August (Honda, are you listening?). So, my search begins for a more fuel-efficient SUV with an all-wheel-drive option (I live in Maine) and room for two kids, a friend, and a dog. If car companies took orders like restaurants do, mine would look something like this:
- AWD
- Seven-seater
- Fuel efficient
- High safety rating
After doing a lot of research on fuel-efficient SUVs, it is clear that there are big differences between SUVs that have front-wheel-drive and those equipped with all-wheel drive. The good news is, if you don’t need the 4×4 option, there are some exciting new vehicles on the market for 2010. The bad news for people like me is, if all-wheel-drive is essential to maintaining your mental health during long winters, then it seems I may have to compromise considerably on fuel-efficiency. Based on my research so far and msn autos’ list of 2010’s Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs, the following cars are now on my short list:
1) Jeep Patriot/Compass
The Jeep Patriot/Compass is one of a few cross-over SUVs that offer mile-per-gallon numbers for 4×4 models that are comparable to FWD models. The Patriot/Compass gets 23 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. Not bad. I can also squeeze three booster seats side-by-side in the back seat, although it’s tight. Cargo space is also an issue and fitting our luggage, plus one dog in the back might be tough.
2) Chevy Equinox/GMC Terrain
The newly designed Equinox and its sister model, the Terrain, both available with AWD, get 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The fuel-efficiency of the FWD option is even better, so if you are not looking for an AWD vehicle, this cross-over would definitely be worth a second look. I also like the flexible rear seats, which make it possible to fit more cargo in the back when you need to. I am not sure if I can fit three booster seats in the back, but I will give it a try on the test-drive.
3) Lexus RX 450h Hybrid
Gorgeous looks? Check. Excellent safety record? Check. Fuel efficient? Check. The Lexus RX 450h Hybrid has it all. Getting an impressive 30 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, what’s not to like? To make it even more appealing, the Lexus has one of the largest cargo areas in its class. But unless I win the lottery in the next six months, this cross-over SUV will be too cost-prohibitive, with a sticker price between $41,000 and $43,000. But it still makes my list… because, well, I can dream, can’t I?
4) Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner Hybrids
Come to find out, this trio of small cross-overs offer 30 mpg city/27 mpg highway. Seating five, these models reportedly also have lots of cargo space. They also cost around $10,000 less than the Lexus, which is hard to argue with.
5) Subaru Outback Wagon
The Subaru Outback Wagon, which got a new look for 2010, is Motor Trend’s Sport/Utility of the year.
With an excellent safety record, the Subaru comes with AWD as a standard feature with all models. So far so good, so let’s look at fuel efficiency …with several models to choose from, the most popular 2.5i is able to achieve an average of 19 city/27 highway, which is, unfortunately, not that great. But with great cargo space, full-time AWD, and a sticker price around $23,000, the Outback is still a contender, although its fuel-efficiency rating is only marginally better than the Pilot I am driving right now.
6) Toyota Highlander AWD Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the only SUV I have found so far that seats seven, while still being able to compete with the smaller SUV cross-overs for overall fuel-efficiency. With 27 mpg city/25 highway, the Highlander is starting to look pretty good. Starting at just under $26,000, the Highlander Hybrid is less expensive than the Pilot and certainly would leave less of a carbon footprint. We may have a winner!
As I still have six months to make a decision, I am going to wait and see if any car companies will market a yet-unnamed SUV that is both roomy and has a fuel rating that can blow away the competition. If not, then I will have to weigh all of the options that are available at the time and decide which criteria are the most important….stay tuned!
msn.com autos’ entire top ten list of Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs can be found at:
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=1091150
Comments
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January 25th, 2010Trackback from : subaru outback
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January 25th, 2010
I didn’t expect some of these vehicles to be on there
like the Jeep patriot. That’s good to know.
I am still more of a truck person than an SUV person, as my truck not only makes my life easier, but I also use it to make money. I know it isn’t very friendly, but I plan on selling my current truck and buying a larger older truck, as I will put it too good use. Of course, for my daily driving, I use a four cylinder car.
I actually didn’t know about the Escape for awhile too and knew it was good on gas, but had no idea it was that good.
I know Ford(Fix or Repair Daily) gets a bad wrap sometimes, but they really seem to have been making strides to producing better cars, while it took Chevy going bankrupt to motivate them…
A bit like saying the top fuel efficient non-fuel efficient SUVs.
2010 Highlander Hybrids starting under $26,000? I’m moving to your planet!!
Really though, the Highlander starting at $26,000 is the base non-hybrid 4×2 4-cylinder model. Highlander Hybrids start around $35,000.
You are right. The price I quoted is for the standard (not hybrid) model. Thanks for picking up on that
i didn’t expect some of these vehicles to be on there
like the Jeep patriot.
Great information. Never thought Chevy Equinox would reach number 2 on your list. Great job
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