Best Gas Mileage SUVs
With rising gas prices, coupled with the bleak state of the economy, fuel efficiency is now an key thing to consider in buying a new vehicle. An economical car will cost you less at the pump, saving you significant money in the long run, despite perhaps paying more initially for the more efficient model.
Gone are the days of $1.50 a gallon, higher fuel prices are here to stay, so it’s time for the cars we drive to change. SUV’s typically represented wastefulness and poor miles per gallon, but things are gradually changing. In the past five years, we’ve seen a trend of automakers coming out with more and more efficient models in their lineup of SUV’s. The greater development of hybrid technology has also aided the rise in efficiency, though there is still a long way to go.
Best Gas Mileage SUV
The top class leading efficient SUV’s on our list today are the Ford Escape Hybrid, Lexus RX 450h, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, and the Hyundai Tucson.
The class average for MPG is 17 city and 23 highway. All of these vehicles exceed these totals, and even match (and beat) many much smaller mid-size and even compact cars.
Lets start with the class leading (in mpg) Ford Escape Hybrid. The escape gets an amazing 31mpg city, and 34mpg highway. A 2.5 liter engine that provides 177 horsepower powers the vehicle, ensuring no lag when you really put your foot down. An interior with changeable ambient lilting is included, as well as seating for five, yet some aspects do seem dated. The same is true for the exterior, although not bad, it remains the same as the previous four years, lacking much update. The Escape Hybrid comes with a standard three-year/36,000-mile warranty, and prices start at around $32,000.
The most luxury option in efficient SUV’s is the Lexus RX450h (h standing for hybrid), combing with 28mpg city, and 32mpg highway. Costing over $5000 more than the non-hybrid version, the Lexus does not come cheap. A smooth and quiet ride, combined with comfortable, functional, and state of the art interior all make the Lexus a highly desirable car. The RX has 295 horsepower, adequate power for a vehicle of its size, and a great looking exterior that will surely age well. The car seats five, and comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. The Lexus starts at approximately $44,000, making it the priciest option on our list.
Next comes the Chevrolet Equinox, with an impressive 22mpg city, and 32mpg highway. The Equinox seats five comfortably, with a well-put together, albeit slightly cheap interior. The exterior is clean and well-engineered, though perhaps slightly plain. The fact that the Equinox is good amount cheaper than the Ford Escape, yet only slightly less efficient than it, is a main selling point of the car. The base 2.4 liter engine makes 184 horsepower. The Equinox comes with a basic three-year/36,000-mile warranty, and base price starts at just under $23,000.
Right after the Chevrolet is the GMC Terrain, another efficient creation to come out of Detroit, with 22mpg city, and 32mpg highway. The Terrain shares a platform with the Equinox, though is priced about $2,000 higher. However, the extra money you spend gives you significantly more high-tech features standard. The terrain does lack in maneuverability, particularly when your trying to fit into a tight parking space. A standard rear-view camera will help alleviate that problem though. The Terrain seats five, with ample comfort and legroom, which does mean less cargo space unfortunately. Like its Chevrolet counterparts, GMC offers a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. The Terrain will set you back around $24,000 MSRP.
The Hyundai Tuscon completes our list, with 23mpg city, and 31mpg highway. The Tuscon seats five, though lacks in storage space compared to other cars in class. The base 2.0 liter engine produces 165 horsepower, with four-wheel drive being an optional extra. The optional navigation system is functional and easy to use, though rear visibility could be better, making the optional backup camera a wise extra to add. Hyundai does provide a best in class ten-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, and is also the cheapest car on our list, at $19,000 base cost.
So what is the Best gas mileage SUV? If you have the money, the Lexus 450h by far. Though if your on a tighter budget, the Chevrolet Equinox or Hyundai Tuscon would both be a fine fuel friendly choice.
