Best SUV for Fuel Economy

(September 29, 2009)

Common sense dictates that driving an SUV means you have to give up certain things such as corner carving handling prowess and a level of fuel economy that won’t cause your gas card bills to eat into your children’s college fund. While I can’t vouch for the handling characteristics of a top heavy SUV, there are finally a plethora of highly fuel efficient SUVs on the market today. And no, they aren’t all hybrids.

While hybrid SUVs get their best fuel economy in city driving, it is in fact the 2010 Chevy Equinox that is currently the highway fuel economy champ (this with a direct-injected ECOTEC 4 cylinder) that gets 32 miles per gallon. Yes, you read that right. A General Motors SUV is the most fuel efficient model on the highway beating even the Lexus RX450h and Ford Escape Hybrid. Take your time. I will give you a second to pick yourself up off the floor.

Unfortunately the Equinox does not qualify for the number one spot as it gets a still highly respectable 22 miles per gallon in the city. That figure still wipes the floor with competitors like the CR-V and RAV-4. Do you need another moment to compose yourself? If GM (and Ford for that matter with its class leading Escape Hybrid) can keep pumping out these highly efficient SUV alternatives there just might be hope yet for the Big Two and a half (sorry for the ham handed swipe at Chrysler but they gave up on their SUV hybrid program entirely by canceling the Aspen Hybrid two weeks after production began).

Compare All ››
Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid/Mazda Tribute Hybrid

Why it's best:
(34 city/31 highway)—This badge engineered trio may still possess one of the most plastic-fantastic interiors since the super-bubble sexy space lounge seen in the 1960’s camp classic “Barbarella,” but there is no question that it has one of the most i...read full review

Why it's a best pick:
(32 city/28 highway)—While the Lexus RX may be down a bit in the fuel economy stakes when compared to the Escape, it is also a much heavier vehicle powered by a spunky (yet near silent) V6 engine. The Lexus hybrid is so smooth that it is kind of hard to tell when the g... read full review

Why it's a best pick:
(25 city/32 highway)—Although GM recently sold Saturn to Roger Penske and his Penske Dealership Group, they have agreed to supply Saturn with two more years of this very nice hybrid. Based on an SUV designed by Europe’s Opel, this cute-ute has a very Germanic loo... read full review

Why it's a best pick:
(22 city/32 highway)—A true revelation from the bow-tie division. If you don’t trust hybrid technology, want an interior of the highest style and quality with the latest features and need plenty of passenger space your SUV has finally arrived. And yes, it’s... read full review

Why it's a best pick:
(21 city/28 highway)—Okay, it isn’t exactly stylish looking from the outside but the resolute horror I felt the first time I saw this generation CR-V has waned over time. Sort of like if Godzilla moved in next door—I am sure with time you wouldn’t shr... read full review

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