SUVs are very popular for their size and versatility, although there’s no doubt they can be very expensive to both purchase and drive. Fortunately, SUVs are becoming more efficient and affordable than ever before, especially with the release of hybrid SUVs from popular car manufacturers. There are currently three vehicles that tie as the most fuel economic SUV available.
The Ford Escape Hybrid FWD is one of the top SUVs today that gets great gas mileage; according to tests, the Ford Escape Hybrid gets 34 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. This compares to the least gas efficient sports utility vehicles that get around 11 mpg. The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid has an MSRP of $29,860 to $34,120, depending on the features you select, and can drive 435 miles on a single tank. The annual fuel cost to drive a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is currently $1,277.
Another one of the most fuel efficient sports utility vehicles on the market today is the Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD. This vehicle also gets a combined MPG of 32 and also costs around $1,277 to drive for one year. The Mazda Tribute Hybrid is more affordable to purchase than the Ford Escape, however, with a new purchase price starting at $20,405. For this reason, the Mazda Tribute is one of the most popular and affordable hybrids on the market today.
The third SUV that ties for the best gas mileage available is the Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD. This vehicle is more high-end than the other two and starts at $30,105. You have a number of features you can select when purchasing a new Mercury Mariner Hybrid and it features a nickel-metal-hybride battery pack that doesn’t need to be plugged in at night. The advanced 330-volt battery is located under the cargo area and gives the engine power to start, boosts the acceleration and and kicks in at speeds that exceed 44 mph. An 8-year/100,000 limited warranty is included with purchase.
Obviously, all three of the top SUVs with the best gas mileage are hybrids, although there are a few notable non-hybrid SUVs with exceptional gas mileage. The 2010 Jeep Patriot 2WD, for example, gets 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for a combined 25 mpg rating. With a 13.5 gallon tank, the Jeep Patriot can go 304 miles on a tank and costs around $1,632 annually to drive. The 2010 Jeep Patriot starts at $15,995.
If you’re looking for a new SUV that gets good gas mileage, you have plenty of options today. Although all of the top picks are hybrids, they’ve become considerably more affordable and convenient over the years and cost little more than a regular sports utility vehicle. If you want to learn more about new vehicles and their gas mileage rating, the most reliable website is Fuel Economy, the government’s official website for information about fuel ratings. The website is run by the United States Department of Energy and allows you to calculate and compare the MPG of your current vehicle to anything you’re considering purchasing as well.
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