Best Rated SUV for Gas Mileage

Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have been around on the roads for many decades now. These manly automobiles are mostly driven by those who prefer a sporty, tough ride. Until few years ago, SUVs were only related to vehicles with more height than standard cars and a powerful engine. However, this viewpoint has changed now. Today, companies are offering luxurious facilities and features in high-powered SUVs. And the hybrid technology has made the package all the more better. Today, due to the hybrid car technology incorporated in SUVs, people are not at all worried about the mileage. Hybrid SUVs have much lesser fuel consumption than their non-hybrid counterparts. However, it cannot be said that a particular model is the best rated SUV for gas mileage, as fuel consumption rate can differ slightly as per several factors. Following are some best rated SUVs for gas mileage.

Best Rated SUVs for Gas Mileage

Lexus RX 450h AWD
This is a sleek-looking crossover that bags in the power of an SUV and the beauty of a saloon. It sports a 3.5 liter Atkinson Cycle 60 V6 engine which gives out a power of a good 295 hp. Its mileage is believed to be 30 mpg on city roads and 28 mpg on highways. The RX 450h also has Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system which contributes to the ease in driving.

Ford Escape
In the USA, this SUV is believed to be the most economical, considering its level of fuel consumption. Ford has made it a point to reduce as much weight as possible from this vehicle, contributing to the hybrid technology fitted in. It starts at a price of about $30,000; offering a 2.5 liter Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine, permanent-magnet electric motor, 177 horsepower, and a mileage of 34 mpg in city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Mercury Mariner
This one from Mercury is also considered the best SUV for gas mileage. It has a mileage of 34 mpg on city roads and 31 mpg on highways. The specifications of the Mariner include a 2.5 liter 4-Valve Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine, and 153 hp from the gasoline engine and 94 hp from the electric motor. This hybrid model is available for an estimated price of $30,000.

Mercedes-Benz ML450
The ML450 boasts of a 3.5 liter Atkinson-cycle V6 engine and a set of electric motors which collectively give out a power of an awesome 335 hp. Both electric motors are meant to perform different functions. This luxury vehicle from Mercedes-Benz gives a mileage of 21 mpg in city and 24 mpg on highway. Being a Mercedes, you may have to pay around $55,000 for owning the starting model.

Mazda Tribute
This SUV gives a power of 153 hp from its 2.5 liter 4-cylinder gas engine. It is reported to give an approximate mileage of 34 mpg in city and 30 mpg on the highway. You will have to pay around $30,000 for purchasing the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Looking at the exteriors, it seems like an SUV made from the design of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. Other features of the Mazda include Antilock Braking System (ABS), traction control, anti-skid facility, etc.

If you are thinking about the best rated SUV for gas mileage, it has to be one fitted with hybrid technology, as seen from the above mentioned hybrid models. As SUVs have come up in the market; they are being categorized in to small-sized SUVs, medium-sized SUVs and large SUVs. According to interiors and engine type and power, they are also further classified into luxury SUVs and off-road ones. If you are in search for the best mid size SUV, you can go in for the Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Rogue, or Mazda CX-7.