Are there any fuel efficient SUVs out there?

Question

I don't want an SUV, but my city has some of the worst potholes, and the parking lots are like a foot up from the street, lol. Are there any fuel efficient SUVs that would be worth my time, or do I just have to take a loss buying one?

Answer 1

If you are okay with small SUVs, then I would recommend the Toyota RAV4 (23 mpg overall), the Honda CRV (22 mpg overall), the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (30 mpg overall), and any other hybrid SUV out there that isn't American (american hybrids and suvs get bad mileage and are unreliable).

You could also look into some wagons, which could also shudder off the pot holes and parking lots, just be sure to check the ground clearance.

There are fuel efficient SUVs out there, you just have to find one you like. You will also be able to get a cheap fuel efficient SUV because nobody wants to buy any SUVs anymore.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes, ML 320CDI owners report over 30 mpg. Built to last a lifetime.

Answer 3

"Fuel Efficent SUV" is an oxymoron; even the hybrid SUVs don't stack up well against conventional cars, and the ones that are most fuel efficient lack the features that make a SUV useful as and SUV: four wheel drive (vs. the less robust all wheel drive in a CRV or front wheel drive only), a powerful 6- or 8-cylinder engine (vs. a 4, turbo-4 or hybrid 4) for towing, etc.

An excellent compromise between fuel efficiency and SUV utility are the Pontiac Aztek/Buick Rendezvous.  They're mechanically the same, just very different looking.  Both can tow up to 3500lbs, manage 19 city/26 highway, and they have huge storage capacity (since they're derived from the Pontiac Montana minivan platform).  They're available in all-wheel-drive, but I'd say save a few bucks and get better MPG by finding a front-wheel-drive one with traction control.  You can't scale a mountain with it, but it'll handle any real-life challenge easily.

Also, if you only need an SUV for seating/storage capabilities, check out all of the station wagon offerings out there now.

Answer 4

The Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV out there.  30mpg highway / 34mpg city.

It has proven to be a very tough car too--  New York City has been using the Escape Hybrid as taxi cabs since 2004.  Many have exceeded 200,000 miles and that's with the daily abuse dished out by NYC's notorious cab drivers.  It's working so well, NYC is moving to an all-hybrid taxi fleet by 2012.  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/automo...

Base price for the Escape Hybrid starts at $26,500, but the 2WD model is eligible for a $3100 Federal Tax Credit refund from Uncle Sam.

Hope this helps.