What type of SUVs gets good gas mileage and a high safety rating?

Question

I'm going to be trading in my car in a few months and I want an SUV. I'll be driving four hours to go home on the weekends so I want something that has a good safety rating but I also want decent gas mileage. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

the new dodge nitro with the 3.7litre engine is great...... i have no complaints

Answer 2

The Ford Escape Hybrid sounds like the best fit for your criteria.  Here are its NHTSA crash safety ratings:  http://www.safercar.gov/Index2.cfm?myCla...

Here are the Escape Hybrid 2WD's official EPA estimated gas mileage:  http://www.fueleconomy.gov/f*g/compx2008...

The Escape Hybrid 2WD has the best fuel economy of all SUVs in its class, at 34mpg city / 30 highway.

And, right now the FEH 2WD is the only SUV that qualifies for a $3,000 Federal Tax Credit for buyers.  (the 4-wheel-drive version qualifies for a smaller rebate at $2,200.)

The Escape Hybrid has a very tough drivetrain--  Unlike a normal car with complicated multispeed gear-shifting transmissions that has clutches or torque converters, timing belts, alternators and starter solenoids to wear out, the Escape Hybrid has none of those things.

The Power Split Device transmission in the FEH has just one single gearset in the transmission, no gear shifting.  Consequently it does not experience the kind of wear and tear a regular gear-shifting trannie does.

The FEH also uses regenerative braking, which means you don't need to change brake pads until 100,000 miles.  Try that in a regular car.

The FEH is definitely a good choice if you are looking for a small SUV that gets decent fuel mileage.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Does a Honda CRV float your boat?  I know people have different ideas of what SUV's are.

Answer 4

Why are you looking for an SUV when you are interested in good gas mileage?   If you want a suggestion, get a smaller more efficient vehicle.

P.S. - Why do I get thumbs down for suggesting efficiency?  We could all breathe a little easier.

Answer 5

Good gas mileage? None of them, except the hybrids. But those ones do not have the best safety ratings, or else are too new for the ratings to be conclusive. Do yourself a favor, park your "tastes" in the nearest garage and just get a car like a smart consumer.