Fuel Efficient SUVs

SUV’s have come a long way from truck platforms to now becoming more car based. Today with sky rocketing fuel prices there are a number of SUVs available in the market today that are as fuel efficient as cars if not better. The new SUVs have been dubbed as crossovers and their popularity has definitely been sky rocketing amongst consumers. From ferrying kids to trips to the veterinarian to weekend road trips, SUVs are can do it all. Today there are plenty of options available in the market to suit varying budgets. Given below is a list of top 10 fuel efficient SUVs.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of the best fuel efficient SUVs that was introduced in the market in 2010. Coupled with the new look and a changed style, the new model also provides excellent fuel efficiency and better performance. The SUV comfortably seats 5 passengers and has a horse power of 180 and a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine. You can choose between the front or the all wheel drive system. Other additional features are traction control, ABS, antiskid system, front side airbags and curtain side airbags. The rear bench can be slid according to the requirement and the front seats have heat controls available and the SUV also has dual zone automatic climate control option too. The fuel economy also has been improved from the previous version with 21/28 mpg for 2WD and 21/27mpg for 4WD.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid is another fuel efficient hybrid coupled with SUV capabilities. Though you might have to shell out a premium to own this SUV, it would be worth it given that this is probably the most fuel efficient SUV available in the market offering 32mpg combined. All wheel drive system is also available; however using this system reduces the fuel efficiency. The specialty of this hybrid is that it uses no fuel when you are waiting for the signal to turn green when in full electric mode. The SUV also does not use any fuel up to 44 mph in full electric mode. It has a seating capacity of 5 passengers and a flexible trunk space and the SUV is available with various optional as well as standard amenities.

BMW X6 Active Hybrid

For performance oriented techies, the BMW X6 Active Hybrid is just the right SUV. Its twin turbo V-8 produces 400 horsepower which is supported by a pair of sturdy electric motors that allows the vehicle to touch 480 peak horsepower; this is just the SUV you need if you want to reach from 0 to 60 in just 5.4 seconds. Fuel economy is much better than the standard X6 version with 19 on the highway and 17 in the city. The carbon emissions have also been reduced by 20 percent in comparison to the standard car.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid is one of the most popular entry level compact cross over SUV in the market today. The SUV is available in two trims, 4WD and FWD. the 4WD offers a  fuel efficiency of 30 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway where as the FWD  has a fuel efficiency of 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. It shares the same platform as Ford Escape. The Mercury Mariner hybrid has additional safety y equipment and also has airbags present in the front, side and curtain end. The noise level and the vibration levels are also decreased from the earlier models.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester still remains the best amongst the SUVs available in the market. The 2.5 liter four offers lively performance with a fuel efficiency of 22 mpg. Turbocharghing is available in the XT model however this does decrease the fuel efficiency to 20 mpg. The Subaru Forester just like the other Subaru’s comes with a 4WD. Another point worth nothing here is that the back seat has room to be stretched out for more comfort.

Volkswagen Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid

The Volkswagen Touareg BlueMountain Hybrid is just the choice for those who want an SUV that is fuel efficient without compromising on the style, comfort as well as performance. The supercharged V6 engine and the hybrid system provide an intelligent energy mix. The SUV is not only fast and can reach from speeds ranging from zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds; it also is fuel efficient with 26 mpg combined.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 was launched in the market in 1994 and has seen major improvements since then. This midsized cross over offers decent fuels efficiency with 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The SUV can comfortably seat 5 but it also has an additional 3rd row bench in some trims that can increase the seating capacity to 7 members. Some of the available safety features in the SUV are front and curtain side airbags, anti skid system, ABS, traction control and hill ascent and descent control. The cargo door in all models is side hinged and navigation system and leather upholstery is an optional feature in some models.

Chevy Equinox

The Chevy Equinox is another popular SUV in the fuel efficient SUV category and was first introduced in 2004. Coupled with good looks and other features like spacious interiors, fuel efficiency, and excellent performance the latest model is powered using the direct injection 2.4 liter Ecotec 4 cylinder engine which offers a horsepower of 182 and has a fuel efficiency of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The SUV can comfortably seat 5 and has options offering 264 horsepower on a powerful 3 liter V6 engine. Some of the features available in this SUV are wireless cell phone link, navigation system, remote engine star, DVD entertainment, a power tailgate and rear view camera.

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is a non hybrid SUV seats 5 and offers all wheel drive or front wheel drive options. The standard model offers 172 horsepower with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine that has a fuel efficiency of 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Heated front seats, Uconnect multimedia suite that includes wireless cell phone link, storage for media, and navigation system with integrated real time traffic information are just some of the features that are available in the 2010 version. The interior has undergone a major upgrade with illuminated cup holders, removable carpeted load area and much more. Standard safety features such as antiskid system, ABS, airbags and traction control is available in this SUV.

Saturn Vue Hybrid

The Saturn Vue Hybrid is one of the most affordable hybrid SUV models available in the market today though there has been no compromise in the luxury and the style of the SUV along with amazing fuel economy. This SUV has a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. Some of the safety features that are available are traction control. Stability control system, daytime running lamps, pedal release system and automatic occupant sensing system. Cruise control options are also available. However GM has announced closing of the Saturn brand as part of their reorganization of brands.

2011 Honda Odyssey

When we talk about some of the best car manufacturers in the world we cannot miss out Honda. Every year Honda comes up with some new technology and new cars that make a lasting impression and this time it’s Honda Odyssey that has been one of the winners for the 2011 All-Star awards by Automobile Magazine. The Automobile Magazine publication announced the list today and Honda Odyssey is among the winners. Honda is certainly more than happy for this award because this is the eight time that Honda has won this All-Star award. Honda has always got the votes from editorial staff for being the most comfortable and versatile car in the market.

The editorial staff of Automobile Magazine stated that Honda cars are more versatile, comfortable from inside as well. They have refined handling dynamics and they have family friendly features which is what the buyers look for when they are selecting a car. To top it over all Honda cars are more fuel efficient and therefore they win the most votes. John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Sales at American Honda said that the all-new Honda Odyssey is the best and the latest offering from Honda for those who are looking for a minivan.

He further stated that the recognition from Automobile Magazine is really important to them because it recognizes the hard work and passion we have in constructing cars that have cutting edge technology and design. The improved 2011 Odyssey has better interior functionality, higher fuel economy and distinctive style to it. It has a 3.5 liter iVTEC V6 engine that features Variable Cylinder Management. To make it more convenient for the buyers they have added better rear entertainment system with a 16.2 ultra wide split screen display and an auxiliary HDMI video input. The new model also has integrated FM traffic data system for better driving experience.

Lexus CT 200h

Video games have really become popular across the globe and therefore many car manufacturers make it as their way to promote their latest brands in the market. Lexus is now trying to promote its all new CT 200h Hybrid by merging with Xbox 360. Xbox 360 is a video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and together they will support All-Nighter. On 18th December, 2010, Lexus will sponsor the entire gaming marathon for Halo: Reach. Gamers who are logged in will have the chance to download Lexus content available and win more prizes that can go on for all night long.

The All Nighter is a gaming experience provided by Xbox Live where gamers can enjoy their games from dusk to dawn. Gamers can also view episodes of Darkcasting which is one of the famous incar talk show hosted by Whitney Cummings. Gamers can register themselves on the site and play and win games for the entire night. They can battle against any player across the globe from 6pm to 6am PST. Out of the total number of players only 8 players will be able to win 4000 Microsoft Points which they can use to purchase Arcade games, add-ons for games, movie and music downloads, and other gaming merchandise. However, to enter the site gamers will have to download Lexus All-Nighter Gamer Picture and then play Halo: Reach. It is said that the longer they play the more chances they have of winning the points.

Dave Nordstrom, Lexus Vice President of Marketing said that Lexus is trying to get more personalized with the customers and therefore they are looking for new ways to promote their brands and products. He said that gaming platform is very social and highly engaging and therefore they have chosen this method to market their new CT 200h Hybrid model.