Best Gas Mileage SUV – 2011 Compact SUV Class

admin — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:43:41 +0000

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.

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Best Gas Mileage SUV – Hybrids Top The List In 2011

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:03:53 +0000

When purchasing a new or used SUV, finding the best gas mileage SUV used to be very difficult to do. Since the beginning of their existance, SUV's have not had the best reputation for being enviornmentally friendly. They were considered by many to be flamboyant status symbols that guzzle gas.

As we move full swing into 2011, hybrids have been doing their best to change people's perception of SUV's – a trend that has been gaining momentum since 2007, almost all major players in the SUV market today are trying to compete for the best gas mileage SUV. From the start of 2011 through early 2012, automakers will be introducing as many as 11 new model SUV's, making the market even more competitive. Here is a list of some of the best gas mileage SUV's currently available.

Hybrid Vehicle Gas Mileage Estimates (city/hwy)
(2009, 2010 & 2011 Hybrid SUV Models)

34/30 mpg: 2009 Mazda Tribute (AWD)
34/31 mpg: 2011 Ford Escape (AWD)
34/31 mpg: 2010 Mercury Mariner (4WD)
30/27 mpg: 2010 Lexus RX 450h (AWD)
27/25 mpg: 2010 Toyota Highlander (AWD)
26/32 mpg: 2009 Saturn Vue (FWD)
21/24 mpg: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 (AWD)
21/22 mpg: 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe (2WD)
20/20 mpg: 2010 GMC Yukon (4WD)
20/20 mpg: 2010 Cadillac Escalade (AWD)

As the economic crunch continues and you find yourself in the market for a new or used best gas mileage SUV, take time to consider hybrid SUV's. They still serve the same functions as your father's SUV, but with better fuel consumption. You can still take the family on a road trip and not take out a second morgage on the house.

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