
Buyers in the 90’s drawn to roomier cabins,
additional 3rd row seating and towing capacity exploded the Sport Utility
Vehicle into the main stream to replace less attractive station wagon or family
van. Buyers were looking for a more modern way to transport families and
belongings. Auto makers welcomed the change in taste since they could reap much
larger profits from an SUV as opposed to sedan. As SUV’s became more popular,
auto makers focused manufacturing and engineering on the sport utility
vehicles. As a result, SUV’s were made with the masses in mind and began to
offer luxury features, higher safety standards and fuel efficiency. In the 90s
fuel costs were much lower than they are today and over the years, automakers
have been able to engineer SUVs that are more and more fuel efficient. Today’s
SUVs can be produced with fuel efficiency similar to sedans. Consumers looking
for a fuel efficient SUV have their pick of makes and models. Here is a list of
the most fuel efficient used SUVs. All of the vehicles on our list were
manufactured in 2011 or prior and fuel efficiency ratings are an average of the
years highlighted.
#1 2001-2005 Toyota Rav4
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 25MPG CITY/ 31MPG HIGHWAY

Toyota debuted the Rav4 with excellent fuel economy for
its segment. Even first and second generation Rav4s had impressive fuel economy
that is equivalent to models being produced today. An unexpected category of buyers
loved the Rav4… women. It was the top registered make or model for female
drivers according to 2003-2004 registration data. It was a perfect combination of car-like
comfort with room for the family and all their stuff. Toyota’s reliability
propelled the model to mass popularity.
#2 2001-2007 Ford Escape
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 25MPG CITY/ 28MPG HIGHWAY
Ford’s first generation Escape was released for the 2001
model year with another SUV owned by Ford, the Mazda Tribute. At the time,
automakers mainly produced sport utility vehicles based on truck-like frames. Similar
to other makers at the time, Ford and Mazda decided move away from truck based
engineering for sport utilities in favor of smaller unibody car-like designs.
By building their sport utility on a car like base, Ford was able to improve
ride comfort and fuel efficiency. Buyers loved the design and Ford’s Escape
became a staple in the blossoming sport utility market.
#3 2007-2011 Jeep Compass
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 24MPG CITY/ 29MPG HIGHWAY
The Compass was Jeep’s offering in the expanding crossover
market. Jeep, normally known for its rugged luxury and off-road ability was
looking to enter into the everyday driver market and targeted first-time SUV
drivers that spent more time on the pavement. Its entry level crossover was
built on the Chrysler MK’s platform and shared many attributes with the Dodge
Caliber. The Compass was affordable, easy to drive and fuel efficient.
#4 2002-2007 Saturn Vue
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 23MPG CITY/ 29MPG HIGHWAY
Saturn first introduced its car-based compact SUV for the
2002 model year. The Vue was attractive to buyers for Saturn’s “no hassle”
buying experience and low price. Throughout the first generation of production,
Saturn continuously made improvements to the model. Buyers loved the dent-resistant
body, cabin space, and the refined and powerful engine. With its redesign in
2008 the Vue actual lost fuel efficiency in favor of additional features and an
engine change. The model was discontinued with the end of the maker in the US
in 2009.
#5 2001-2007 Mazda Tribute
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 23MPG CITY/ 28MPG HIGHWAY
Mazda’s Tribute story is the same as its sister vehicle
the Escape. Similar to the Escape, the Tribute was built for a more general
audience of buyers. The main difference between the Tribute and Escape is the
Tribute’s firmer suspension meant for a sportier ride.
#6 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 22MPG CITY/ 27MPG HIGHWAY
Unlike its competitors like Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet
Trailblazer and Toyota’s own 4Runner, the Highlander focused on on-road
comfort. The Highlander’s design allowed for a sedan-like ride, roomy interior
of a family van and ability of an SUV. Toyota soon offered the model in a
highly popular 3rd row configuration that allowed seating capacity for seven.
It performed well off-road and offered a smooth ride on pavement.
#7 2008-2011 Nissan Rogue
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 22MPG CITY/ 27MPG HIGHWAY
Like many on this list, Nissan’s Rogue attempts to combine
four-wheel capability and driving position of an SUV with the handling and fuel
efficiency of a sedan. It succeeded. The Rogue added bold styling, higher class
materials and comfortable interiors that attracted luxury-type buyers. For
Nissan, form and function were equally important.
#8 2008-2009 Hyundai Tucson
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 21MPG CITY/ 27MPG HIGHWAY
The first generation Hyundai Tucson first offered in 2006
came out of the gate ready to compete in the highly competitive SUV market. It
was offered in the base GLS, the mid-line SE and the top-tier Limited which
gave buyers plenty of options to choose from. The base model was well-equipped
with air-conditioning, cruise, airbags, alloy wheels, multi-function CD player,
and keyless remote entry to name a few. It presented an excellent value looking
for an SUV experience in an everyday comfortable driver.
#9 2004-2010 Kia Sportage 2
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 21MPG CITY/ 26MPG HIGHWAY
While purists criticized Kia for moving the Sportage away
from its first generation’s off road ability and moved toward a more
comfortable and palatable ride, buyers loved noticeable quality improvements
from the first generation models. It received a full facelift and more modern
exterior design. Consumer Reports name the model one of the most reliable vehicles
in their 2009 reliability survey and ranked second in least expensive vehicles
to insure in the same year.
#10 2001-2006 Honda CR-V
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 20MPG CITY/ 26MPG HIGHWAY
The third generation CR-V hit the market in 2006. It was
more compact than previous versions. It’s powered by Honda’s K-Series 2.4L
engine which versions of can also be found in Accord and Element. It’s size,
ability, safety features and fuel efficiency launched the model into the ten
best-selling vehicles of 2007. It has remained a staple of Honda’s lineup since
its introduction.
Sport Utility buyers want value the same characteristics
that any other buyer values. Reliability, capability, value, ease and yes… fuel
efficiency. Buyers don’t have to sacrifice fuel costs to get what they want. There
are plenty of used SUVs on the market that were produced with main stream fuel
efficiency in mind.
Content By: The Used Car Store
1803 Brighton Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
https://theusedcarstore.com/
(412)-315-7986