Contrary to popular belief, the best gas mileage SUVs need not necessarily mean that you get lesser power or not so great looks in the bargain. In fact, here are some amazingly efficient vehicles that have everything going right for them.
The best SUV gas mileage that you’re looking for is relative, because it depends upon the practicality of what to sacrifice in a vehicle in order to bring you that mileage. Everyone are attracted to sporty, rugged and luxurious SUVs and who wouldn’t want a good looking powerful vehicle with good fuel efficiency. Hence, here are some car manufacturers who have understood that delicate balance and created such vehicles.
SUVs are built on a chassis of light trucks that are capable of performing excellently both, on and off the road. There are various types of SUVs that are used for various purposes. For instance, some SUVs are used for towing, while some are used as luxury cars. Irrespective of why you want to buy an SUV, your prime purpose should be to have the best SUV that gives a good gas mileage. Luckily the advanced hybrid technology used for making today’s top class SUVs don’t make us worry too much about saving fuel. As such, here is a comparison of SUVs that give you the best gas mileage.
SUVs with Best Gas Mileage
Apart from hybrid technology, there are many other factors that can affect the gas mileage of an SUV model. Here are some of the best SUV models that are popular for their fuel efficiency and stylish looks!
Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox does not have the best gas mileage so to speak, but it does have a decent one, and that coupled with its overall performance, it turns out to be a great deal for a family that requires a practical mid-size SUV. This SUV is expected to churn out roughly 32mpg on the highway which gives it a good driving range of 600 miles. It’s got a sleek and attractive design that’s got a little shine in all the right places. The company has also fitted an Eco mode in the 2.4L, 4-cylinder engine which helps you switch between a normal and a fuel-saving mode. Along with this it has a whole range of features that you’re bound to find interesting. Available under $30,000.
Toyota RAV4 2WD
The RAV4 has undergone a few changes from its earlier models. It’s basically a 2 wheel drive, which to many may seem like a disappointment, however, after you look at it closely, you’ll realize why it makes sense the way it is. Restricting the drive to the front wheels has reduced almost 60 kgs from its dry weight, which is a big deal when you’re looking at fuel efficiency. It has better sprint and good overall maneuverability which makes it a good SUV in the city. Not exactly among the best SUVs for gas mileage, it still churns out a healthy 24mpg. Although a little conservative in looks if compared to other models, on its own it has a pretty decent face-lift that belies its age. Available at an affordable $28,990.
Subaru Outback Wagon 4WD
The Outback has a range of versions that it is available in, where the prices start from $23,000 and go all the way to 31,000. Its 4-cylinder all-wheel drive engine cruises at a very comfortable 24mpg which is not at all bad given its excellent handling and versatility. Though it comes a little short in its height compared to other SUVs, it excels in performance. It has an 8.7 inch ground clearance and a very spacious interior.
Jeep Patriot
This rugged SUV gives a decent 25mpg on the whole and is almost identical to the Compass. The jeep is a cost-effective budget vehicle with a good gas mileage. Though not as sleek and luxurious to look at as its counterparts, it is built for off-roading with its rugged suspension and 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. It’s the most inexpensive of SUVs that comes within a range of $17,000-$24,000.
GMC Terrain
Built to look more like a truck, the Terrain is built for some rugged off-roading, it’s quite spacey though not as much as what it looks like. This vehicle is not recommended if you’re looking for a small SUV with good mileage. A base model has a 2.4L engine belting out 180-hp while higher versions sport 3.0L engines that churn out 264-hp. The engine can run at an overall mileage of 30mpg making it a tough competitor to the Escape and the Equinox and bringing it right up on the best mileage. All models come with a standard climate control and ambient lighting. Available under $26,000.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2WD
In contrast to its earlier models, the 2011 Outlander is available in both 2WD and 4WD. It has cruise control, keyless entry and a privacy glass. Its 4-cylinder engine gives out an overall performance of 27mpg. It’s a great compact and affordable SUV which is available at a price of $19,000. At 148-hp, this vehicle isn’t exactly your regular high-powered go-anywhere SUV, it’s a more toned down vehicle that’s perfect if you’re in need of a low-budget good mileage SUV which has all the standard features.
Ford Escape Hybrid SUV
The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV is believed to be the most economical vehicle in the US. It is the best rated SUV for gas mileage. Amongst four wheel and front wheel versions of this SUV, the four wheel version showed a great average of 28mpg in cities and 27mpg on highways, while the front wheel version gave an average 31mpg in cities and 29mpg on highways. The lightweight structure of this vehicle works great with its hybrid technology. This SUV comes with a permanent-magnet electric motor, 2.5 liter Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine, and 177 horsepower. However, a few reviews state that though it’s got the best SUV gas mileage, it lags behind on most other areas. The price of a Ford Escape Hybrid SUV starts at $30,000 and this is a cost-effective model.
2010 Lexus RX 450h AWD
The 2010 Lexus RX 450h AWD is a sleek crossover SUV that always gets the best gas mileage reviews. It is one of the most stylish and luxurious SUVs that one can have. Average mileage of this Lexus is about 30mpg in cities and about 28mpg on highways. This SUV comes with a 3.5 liter Atkinson Cycle 60 V6 engine with 295 horsepower. The Lexus RX 450h AWD has an Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system that provides user-friendly driving facilities and budget-friendly gas mileage. The average cost of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h AWD is $40,000.
Hyundai Tucson 2WD
The Tucson rolls at an average of 25mpg, which isn’t the best SUV with gas mileage out there but it does make up for it in a few other areas. The Tucson handles very well and at the same time has quite a low price tag too. Its features also include the international standard of safety that Hyundai maintains, so that is not an issue. It has a very cool front grill that adds to its awesome body aesthetics, besides this it comes with all the basic features that vehicles nowadays are fitted with. It has several models that range from $25,000-$31,000.
2009 Mazda Tribute
The 2009 Mazda Tribute is one of the best SUVs for your money with a gas mileage of 34mpg for cities and 30mpg on the highways. This Mazda Tribute comes with a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder gas engine and 153 horsepower, anti-skid ability, traction control, and Antilock Braking System (ABS). Many people opine that this vehicle’s looks are somewhat similar to that of the Mercury Mariner and the Ford Escape. Looking at the exteriors, it seems like an SUV inspired by the design of the Escape and the Mariner. The average cost of the Mazda Tribute is $30,000.
Some other SUV models that offer a good gas mileage include the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Lexus RX 350, Toyota 4Runner, Saturn Vue Hybrid, Chevrolet HHR, Jeep Compass, and the Nissan Rouge.
Realistically speaking, the SUVs available nowadays cater more to aesthetics and comfort. If you look at statistics, you’re probably not going to be taking your vehicle off-roading too often, so it’s alright to let go of a few features and go for something that you like. Opting for a good mileage SUV is a smart thing to do as it helps the environment too. The best SUVs for gas mileage are probably going to be those companies that have toned down their engines and focused more on efficiency. So the primary factors behind you getting one for yourself are your requirements. There’s no point going in for a low-budget vehicle if you can spend a little more and get something that’s value for money.
