Fuel-efficient and SUV are not two words that normally go together, but in recent years car manufacturers have been working to bring fuel-efficiency to the SUV market in hopes of taking back control of the auto industry. In the last 3 years rising gas prices have forced individuals to ditch their Sport Utility Vehicles in favor of smaller more efficient cars, but there are at least 10 SUVs on the market that are worth a look still.
1. Mazda Tribute Hybrid
The Tribute is a great SUV that offers up size, reasonable pricing and nice styling all wrapped up in a fuel efficient package. It drives well, looks good and is easy on the wallet at the pump, what could be better? The Tribute has an estimate MPG of 34/31, which rivals some small “fuel-efficient” cars on the market.
2. The Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs out there, only the tribute hybrid rivals it. The Escape Hybrid offers a MPG of 34/31, which is amazing for an SUV. The car looks good too and has a nice rugged feel to it both in looks and in drive, which will make SUV enthusiasts happy.
3. The Saturn Vue Hybrid
Saturn has got it right this time around. The Vue hybrid packs fuel economy with styling and ruggedness, basically everything you need in an SUV. The car is nice and rounded out, which is stylish right now, and there are a slew of options that can be added. The car has an mpg of 25/32, which is pretty good for a car of it’s size. The hybrid is pricey, as most hybrids are, coming in at around 28,000.
4. The Nissan Rouge
The Nissan Rouge is one of my topic picks for several reasons. In terms of fuel efficiency it is not the top dog, but in terms of price and style it can not be beat. It has a gorgeous futuristic look of it, and the interior is top notch. The car starts at 20,000 and is packed with fun features and extras. The mpg is 22/26. Not the best, but good for what the car is and the price tag attached to it.
5. Mercury Mariner Hybrid
The Mariner Hybrid offers great fuel economy and classic styling. It’s probably a car the female population will love because of the features and styling offered up by it. With an estimated MPG of 29/27 for the 4wd version. The MPG is great, the car is pricey but for what it has it’s a decent value.
6. Toyota Hylander Hybrid
The Hylander has similar MPG readings as the Mariner Hybrid and is fairly comparable in price. The Hylander offers an MPG of 27/25. The car is big enough for a decent size family and has some great cargo space, but the styling is just generic, as Toyota tends to do.
7. Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass is a traditional SUV, which is what some people like about it. While SUVs have turned a bit in terms of style the Compass stays true to form with rugged styling. The two-wheel-drive version gets an estimated mpg of 23/28. It’s good for what it is and the size of the SUV will certainly make SUV-purists happy.
8. Scion XB
Scion is a Toyota company geared towards the younger crowd and the styling and price tags prove it. The XB is priced around $17,000 and has a fuel economy of 22/28. The Scion is a nice car, but probably not for anyone over 30, it’s a bit wonky in regards to styling for an older crowd.
9. Honda Element
The element falls into the 9th spot, only because it’s MPG is pretty low as far as fuel efficiency goes, I love everything else about it. The car starts out at about $20,000 and has features that no other car has brought together. The suicide back doors offer an easy way to throw things in the car and the folding rear seats is a great feature for cargo carrying. The car looks unlike anything else and is truly a head turner. Honda hit it home with this one with cool styling and Honda’s trademark reliability. The fuel efficiency is about 22/25, so not the greatest out there but the car still deserves accolades.
10. Ford Flex
Ford is offering up a new, kind of hip looking SUV/Crossover for the 2009 season. The car is interesting looking and takes a hint from the Scion XB and the Honda Element. It averages around 24mpg, but is a bit pricey at about $29,000.
