ALT-1 2008 Suvs with the Highest Gas Mileage
Over the last two decades, the SUV (sports utility vehicle) has become a very popular sight on the streets. Designed to be a multi-functional vehicle, the SUV was intended to be equally at home coasting along a suburban road or roughing it across more hostile terrain, while at the same time being able to boast plenty of storage space and comfort.
Over the last few years, manufacturers have become far more competitive in the realm of SUV efficiency. While the power, durability and safety of a SUV are important issues, most of the time SUV owners drive their vehicles on roads, not rough or inhospitable terrain.
In accordance with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the top SUVs in terms of highest gas mileage are the Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD, and the Ford Escape Hybrid FWD, which all run at 34 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
These are closely followed by the Jeep Patriot 2WD and the Jeep Compass 2WD, which both boast 23 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
Taking a more detailed view of the gas mileage of these five high-ranking full size SUVs, the top three (the Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD, and the Ford Escape Hybrid FWD) all have 2.3L 4 cylinder engines, with automatic transmission. Based on current gas prices, 45% highway, 55% city driving, 15000 miles per year and an average gasoline price of $3.61 per gallon, the cost of fueling any one of these three SUVs for a year is $1695. This is very efficient for an SUV, particularly considering that the EPA's most efficient large car, the 2008 Honda Accord, runs at $2258 a year for the same distance.
The Patriot 2WD and the Jeep Compass 2WD both have 2.4L 4 cylinder engines, with manual transmission. Based on current gas prices, the cost of fueling the Patriot or Compass for a year is $2166, still cheaper than the Honda Accord.
For comparison, at the other end of the spectrum, the Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG 4WD SUV runs at a mere 11 miles per gallon in the city, and 13 on the highway.
Another alternative would be to consider the small or mid-sized SUVs, which in some cases possess better fuel efficiency than most equivalent cars.
In conclusion, improvements in technology have resulted in a series of very fuel efficient SUVs entering the market. No longer are they considered gas-guzzling behemoths. Rather, they provide a level of fuel-efficiency that rivals the best sedans. In purchasing an SUV, one must take many factors into account, including maintenance cost, the role the car will play, the off-terrain performance, safety, comfort and the fuel efficiency.
Weighing up the strengths and weaknesses of different SUVs will help in purchasing the SUV that best fits your needs.
