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Best MPG SUVs
There is no doubt that the raw power and off road ability of the most recent SUVs cannot be mistaken. These powerful full sized vehicles bring a huge amount of power and performance to their owners, but that does not mean that you have to trade off mileage for the performance that you desire.
Everybody wants better mileage in whatever type of vehicle they have. After all saving gas means saving the planet and more importantly saving some serious cash.
Many of the most popular SUVs of 2011 are offering hybrid models and even the standard editions are bringing higher mpg ratings than we have ever seen in the past. The auto makers understand that consumers are in love with big power and big mileage. In the past this was an either or type of decision, but using few new tricks and some very high end design changes, the newest models bring a very impressive mixture of both to the consumer.
Everybody wants better mileage in whatever type of vehicle they have. After all saving gas means saving the planet and more importantly saving some serious cash. The best mpg SUV options out there are actually better than some cars, so if you love the big form factor and extra power that a SUV offers, you will not have to miss out on the saving that high mileage can offer you. Better mileage not only means some considerable savings over the vehicles lifetime, but it also means less stops on long trips. If you are real road warrior and you love to drive, this in its own right can be a big selling point. Choosing the right SUV for you is going to have more to do with the overall features, style and interior accoutrements, but he gas mileage really does come into play, especially on full sized SUVs.
What SUV Models Offer The Best Mileage?
There are many great SUVs that offer a solid mpg EPA rating. Most of the SUVs that get really high mileage are of course hybrids. However, there are some all gas powered SUVs that will really surprise you when you see the numbers.
Dodge Journey™ – This economy prices SUV sells for right around $20,000 and offers a huge amount of fuel economy. It has been rated with a 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway badge. The only set back with this SUV model is that it may be a little under powered. As far as room goes, it really delivers. The interior of the Journey™ is roomy and can even hold a third row seat if you want to add this optional feature.
Lexus RX 450H™ – This is the latest and greatest hybrid SUV from Lexus. With its smooth styling it may fit into the crossover class in some people’s minds, but the platform it is built on is as rugged and capable as any other SUV out there. Most people find it hard to believe that this hot SUV can actually get 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, but it’s true. This Lexus model starts at $42,413, but it has been rated best in its class for many different categories so it offers a strong feature set and a solid value to any buyer.
Hyundai Tucson™ - This is probably the most fuel efficient SUV on the market today that does not take on the battery powered fuel boost that the hybrid models do. Running on nothing but gas the Tucson offers its passengers a very generous 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Consumers don’t have to trade off power or interior room for the amazing fuel economy in this SUV. Another big surprise is the price. Starting at only $20,385 this vehicle is very easy on the eyes and on the pocket book.
Should I Consider A Smaller Engine?
There is more than one SUV that now offers a smaller and more fuel efficient motor to appease the fuel conscious consumer. The smaller engines obviously translate into less horsepower and less torque. If you are really going to be using your new SUV for towing and heavy off road use, then opting for a smaller engine probably does not make much since even though it offers a more fuel efficient ride. On the other hand, some people use these vehicles for daily drivers and enjoy using them for their family vehicle too. If this is the case then choosing the smaller engine may be a very wise decision.
Depending on which model you are looking at there may be little difference in power, but there are some SUVs that really take a hit when you drop down from a 6 cylinder to a 4 cylinder or from a an 8 to a 6. The only way to really tell if the extra power is worth the loss in mileage is to give the SUV you are considering a test drive and see what difference is first hand.
Where Can I Learn More about Best MPG SUV Models
Most consumers like to do some good old comparison shopping. If you are looking for the best mpg SUV there is no better place to do this than on the internet. When you get it down to a few models that you know are going to be seriously considering, it may be a good time to start consulting dealerships and getting some more information straight from the horse’s mouth. However until then, there are some great places to find more information about the latest SUV models and their mileage ratings on the internet. Below is a quick list of some resources that you may find helpful.
www.edmunds.com – This web site allows consumers to find all sorts of great information on any vehicle that interests them. A great resource and a user friendly online vehicle research tool.
www.cars.com – This site offers a very cool side by side comparison tool that allows you to do some very fast comparisons between the best mpg SUV models out there.
http://autos.yahoo.com/car-compare/ - This is another useful online tool that you are going to love when comparing your favorite SUV models.
