Many SUVs, despite common presuppositions, do actually obtain relatively good gas mileage, and though a compact car would be the obvious choice if gas mileage is the only deciding factor for the purchase, an efficient SUV offers versatility, durability, protection in an accident, and style, all while continuing to maintain decent gas mileage.

Before purchasing an SUV though, it is absolutely necessary to do some research on potential options, because many SUVs, like the common stereotype, do consume inordinate amounts of gas. Below is a list of the top five SUVs on the market right now. This list, for the sake of convenience, is based on the fuel efficiency of the vehicles, but takes into account other advantages in the description.

1. 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid, City/Highway MPG, 34/31

Though pricey, starting around $30,000 dollars, this hybrid SUV is the only SUV on the market that rates over thirty miles to the gallon in both city driving and highway driving. The efficiency is bred from not only the hybrid motor, but the efficient transmission setup that keeps the motor from burning too much fuel. If, however, the price is to excessive, the non-hybrid version is available for $10,000 dollars less, but functioning at 22 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

2. 2010 Chevy Equinox, City/Highway MPG, 22/32

Starting $8,000 dollars less than the Ford Escape Hybrid, this all gas powered vehicle uses innovative technology to make a fuel-efficient car without the high costs of a hybrid. For a non-hybrid choice, this vehicle is the way to go; an all-around winner, it has size, aesthetics, and durability, it is cheaper than a hybrid, but refuses to lose too much fuel efficiency.

3. Jeep Patriot, City/Highway MPG, 23/29

Though slightly less fuel efficient than the Equinox, this car provides a far cheaper alternative to any of the SUVs of its class. Starting at $18,00 dollars, the car cuts back on superfluous amenities on the interior, and focuses on a cheap and efficient SUV.

4. Toyota RAV4, City/Highway MPG, 21/27

An excellent choice for those with large families or who are in a carpool, the advantage to this SUV is the seven seat interior. Though it adds a little in price and loses a bit of fuel efficiency compared to other similar vehicles, it still stands head and shoulders above many other SUVs in fuel-efficiency, and any extra cost is made up for in the
utilitarian interior and classy exterior.

5. Subaru Forester, City/Highway MPG, 20/27

An all around excellent SUV, where this vehicle loses the straight out fuel-efficiency battle, it makes up for it in the smooth drive and large cargo hold. With 68.3 cubic feet with the seats up, the Forester contains the most usable cargo room out of any of the vehicles in its class.

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At the top of the list are the Hybrids. Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, both of whom come in at 34 miles per gallon in the city, make excellent fuel efficient SUVs. While these vehicles will not pull a large load, they will pack in both people and cargo and get it where it needs to go. The Mazda Tribute Hybrid also comes in 34 miles per gallon model, and the Saturn Vue Hybrid gets 32 miles per gallon rounding out the group of hybrids which get the best gas mileage of any small SUV or crossover type vehicle. A more luxurious hybrid is the Lexus 400h, which gets 27 miles to the gallon but it is much more expensive to buy than those vehicles listed above.

Chevrolet has the Equinox, a sport utility vehicle which gets 32 miles per gallon, is an alternative for those who do not want a hybrid. The non hybrid version of the Ford Escape gets 28 miles to a gallon. Other fuel efficient SUVs include Toyota’s RAV and Honda’s CR-V, with five passenger capability and luggage room to spare, these are fun cars to own and drive, though their gas mileage is slightly less than 30 miles per gallon.

Other fuel efficient SUVs include the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass. While these vehicles do not get the stellar gas mileage the hybrids do, they turn in a respectable 25 to 27 miles to the gallon. Great features such as four wheel drive are included on these vehicles making them worth considering while shopping for the prefect SUV.

These SUVs are made primarily for transporting people and their stuff. None have enough engine power to pull a boat or trailer of any size. Four cylinder engines are the standard in all of these SUV and are what makes them so fuel efficient. While this is enough power for acceleration, it is not enough for towing. Several of these vehicles, like the Equinox, will allow the buyer to upgrade to a six cylinder engine but this will result in a drop in gas mileage.

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