Top 5 Fuel Efficient SUVs for 2007

24 March, 2007 08:00:00

Font size:

People love cars. We appreciate good styling, and SUVs are currently in vogue.
SUVs use more gas than most cars, but there are alternative fuel SUVs coming that address that concern.

Compact SUVs offer both four- and six-cylinder engines, while midsize sport-utes typically come standard with six-cylinder engines, with V8s as options. All full-size SUVs use V8 engines. The most economical four-cylinder compact SUVs can achieve mileage figures in the mid-to-upper 20s, while most six-cylinder sport-utes average in the upper teens (though the handful of gas-electric hybrid models do much better than that). Full-size vehicles generally get between 12 and 20 mpg.

Here is our list of Top 5 Fuel Efficient SUVs for 2007:

1. Duo of hybrids the 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid and the 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. They have very high efficiency, versatility, capability, and reasonable-for-a-hybrid prices. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that, when paired with the hybrid’s components, is good for 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. A continuously-variable automatic transmission is standard, while full-time four-wheel drive is an option on the Ford and standard on the Mercury. Add in the $665 destination charge and you’re looking at $26,320 for the Escape Hybrid two-wheel drive, $27,925 for the Escape Hybrid four-wheel drive, and $28,615 for the Mariner Hybrid.

2. With 2007 Lexus RX 400h efficiency and luxury had to be mutually exclusive. Behind the scenes is the Hybrid Synergy Drive 3.3-liter V6 with VVT-i that generates 268 net horsepower at 5,600 rpm. Available with front- or all-wheel-drive traction, the RX 400h features a continuously-variable automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 32 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, while four-wheelers see only 31 mpg in the city. With the unavoidable $715 destination charge added in, base prices register $41,895 for the base RX 400h and $43,295 for the all-wheel-drive version.

3. 2007 Honda CR-V SUV. Drawing power from the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 166 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 161 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm, the CR-V makes the grade regardless of drivetrain. In two-wheel drive trim and utilizing the standard five-speed automatic transmission, the EPA estimates a return of 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined; four-wheel drive drops those figures to 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. Buyers will be faced with prices ranging from $21,195 for a base LX to $28,595 for a leather-clad, four-wheel-drive EX with a navigation system.

4. 2007 Honda Element. Disregarded by many on looks alone. According to the EPA’s 2007 Fuel Economy Guide, 2007 Honda Element is quite efficient. Though available with two- or four-wheel drive as well as manual and automatic transmissions, the only Elements to score at least 24 mpg combined are the front-drivers with the five-speed automatic; city mileage rings in at 22 and highway runs return 27 mpg. All 2007 Honda Elements use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that ponies up 166 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 161 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm. Prices for the most fuel-efficient Elements range between $19,495 and $24,090.

5. 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, an SUV that promises V6 power and economy better than the four-cylinder gas variant. Using a Hybrid Synergy Drive 3.3-liter V6 with intelligent variable-valve timing (VVT-i), Toyota’s gas/electric SUV offers 268 net horsepower at 5,600 rpm. With a gas engine and multiple electric motors working at different times, a net torque rating is not available. EPA-rated fuel economy comes in at 32 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined in two-wheel-drive dress, while a four-wheel-drive system pushes city mileage down to 31 mpg. Base versions start at $33,135 including a $645 destination charge, with a four-wheel-drive Limited Highlander Hybrid fetching $36,655.

Add to: Add to your del.icio.us

del.icio.us | Digg this story

Digg |

Comments (1 posted):

Prestolite on 25 September, 2008 09:24:46

Among the given lists, I much like the Ford Escape Hybrid. The capacity and style are just perfect on my taste. No wonder how a lot of consumers love Ford. ^_^