When researching the best gas mileage SUV, you find hybrid SUVS top most lists. Not everyone though is looking for a hybrid SUV. This brings us to the compact SUV class. While there are hybrids in this class, there are many other fuel efficient options. Also known as small SUVs, there are 19 models that make up this class making it a busy year for the the 2011 compact SUV class. This year marks the final year for two models: the Honda Element and the Mercury Mariner. 2011 also introduces two new models: the Mini Countryman and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Here is what’s available for 2011.
2011 Compact SUV Lineup
Ford Escape
Base Price Range: $21,060-$34,125
EPA Range: 17-29 mpg
Honda CR-V
Base Price Range: $21,695-$29,895
EPA Range: 21-27 mpg
Honda Element
Base Price Range: $20,825-$24,185
EPA Range: 18-24 mpg
Hyundai Tucson
Base Price Range: $18,745-$26,195
EPA Range: 21-30 mpg
Jeep Compass
Base Price Range: $19,295-$23,295
EPA Range: 21-29 mpg
Jeep Liberty
Base Price Range: $23,250-$28,250
EPA Range: 15-21 mpg
Jeep Patriot
Base Price Range: $15,995-$23,895
EPA Range: 21-29 mpg
Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
Base Price Range: $22,045-$32,745
EPA Range: 15-19 mpg
Kia Sportage
Base Price Range: $18,295-$24,795
EPA Range: 18-25 mpg
Mazda Tribute
Base Price Range: $20,405-$28,915
EPA Range: 17-29 mpg
Mercury Mariner
Base Price Range: $23,565-$31,865
EPA Range: 17-29 mpg
Mini Countryman
Base Price Range: $21,650-$26,950
EPA Range: 24-35 mpg
Mitsubishi Outlander
Base Price Range: $21,995-$27,795
EPA Range: 18-25 mpg
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Base Price Range: $18,495-$22,995
EPA Range: 24-31 mpg
Nissan Rogue
Base Price Range: $20,810-$25,660
EPA Range: 22-27 mpg
Subaru Forester
Base Price Range: $20,495-$29,995
EPA Range: 19-26 mpg
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Base Price Range: $19,199-$24,849
EPA Range: 17-25 mpg
Toyota RAV4
Base Price Range: $21,925-$28,235
EPA Range: 19-27 mpg
Volkswagen Tiguan
Base Price Range: $23,485-$37,050
EPA Range: 18-26 mpg
Best Gas Mileage SUV Shopping Tips
Before you purchase a compact SUV, you need to establish what you need over what you want while still trying to get the best SUV for the money. You can still obtain the best gas mileage SUV while being able to choose other options like off road capability and not make a sacrafice on gas mileage. All compact SUVs are available with all-wheel drive; although, the all-wheel-drive systems in most of the compact SUVs are not designed for rugged off-road driving. Some of the compact SUVs like Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, and Suzuki Grand Vitara, offer 4WD with a low-range gear for better off-road handling. The drawbacks of AWD or 4WD compared to a 2WD model include a more expensive sticker price, heavier curb weight, worse fuel economy, and higher maintenance costs if repairs are needed. However, the higher initial cost of AWD or 4WD is slightly offset by its higher resale value. Most of the vehicles in this class have small, fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines as their base power plants; only a few offer upgrades to a V6 engine. Larger V8 engines are not available in the compact SUV class.
So if you need cargo space, people space, and versatility, but don’t like the feel, size or the fuel economy of traditional large SUVs, compact SUVs are a great answer. Their blend of SUV attributes combined with the operating costs of a small car, can satisfy the needs of many, with few sacrifices. This Class of SUV has something for everyone.
