Until recently, SUVs attained rather low gas mileage ratings. Many were known as huge gas guzzlers and this was considered the trade-off for SUVs having similar properties to both cars and trucks. Nowadays, things have changed drastically. Many SUVs of today are able to run at over 25 miles per gallon, which can actually be better than many cars on the market.
*Good Gas Mileage for SUVs*
In general, an SUV that will drive more than 20 mpg combined on the city and highway is considered fuel efficient. Larger SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Chevy Tahoe won’t obtain these kinds of numbers, so small to mid-size SUVs are the most likely to be fuel efficient. In order to obtain great fuel efficiency, many SUVs feature hybrid models too.
For instance, the Honda CR-V runs at a combined 22 mpg and the Mazda CX-7 hits 23 mpg. Most SUVs won’t reach over 27 mpg combined unless they are also a hybrid. Luckily, there are tons of SUVs that have hybrid models. Plus, future models are forthcoming that will get even better gas mileage than today’s SUVs because newer, more efficient engines are being created.
*The Most Fuel Efficient SUV*
Which SUV is the most fuel efficient? Currently, that title belongs to the Ford Escape Hybrid with front-wheel drive. In the city, this SUV reaches up to 34 miles per gallon, while it hits 31 mpg on the highway – a combined 32 miles per gallon. This Hybrid is the only SUV to attain over 30 miles per gallon on both the city and highway, which is an impressive feat. Slightly expensive, the price of the Ford Escape Hybrid runs around $30,000 can be more than most people can afford. For an SUV, the Escape Hybrid is on the smaller side, but it still manages to comfortably seat five people and provide at least 30 cubic feet of storage space.
*Other Fuel Efficient SUVs*
Aside from the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Lexus RX 450h Hybrid sports a combined 30 mpg and the Saturn Vue Hybrid averages 28 mpg. All of these vehicles utilize front wheel drive – the all wheel drive offerings receive slightly lower fuel economies because of the extra work from the engine necessary to turn all four wheels rather than only two. Most SUVs coming out in the next few years are going to be extremely fuel efficient because of rising gas prices. Even larger SUVs are being converted into hybrids.
- What SUV gets the best gas mileage?
- What Car Gets the Best Gas Mileage?
- Used Ford Escape
- What is Good Gas Mileage?
- What Cars Get the Best Gas Mileage?
