Most Fuel Efficient SUV

Most Fuel Efficient SUV: Why They Are Been Sought By SUV Buyers And A Few Top Models Available In The Market Fuel efficiency is increasingly becomi...

Most Fuel Efficient SUV: Why They Are Been Sought By SUV Buyers And A Few Top Models Available In The Market

Fuel efficiency is increasingly becoming an important factor to consider for buyers of SUVs. Here is why most buyers are looking for the most fuel efficient SUV to replace their gas guzzlers of yester years, that are now causing them pain at the gas pump.

• A fuel efficient SUV is guaranteed to save you money. According to the US Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, it is possible to save as much as $1,400 per annum in fuel costs by ensuring that you drive a car that is highly fuel efficient.

• According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the use of a fuel efficient car reduces your personal carbon footprint by reducing emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning diesel and gasoline. CO2 gas and other greenhouse gases are responsible for the drastic climate changes in our planet.

• If more Americans were to use the most fuel efficient SUV in the market, then there would be a significant reduction in the overall cost of oil dependency for the country. According to the US Department of Energy, the cost of oil imports per annum shipped into the US shot from $80 billion in 1980 to more than $350 billion dollars in 2010. This oil dependence makes the US economy prone to price shocks and other manipulations that characterize the global oil market.

• A fuel efficient SUV enhances energy sustainability of oil as it is one of the non renewable energy resource on earth. The current usage rates of oil cannot persist for ever. The wise usage of oil ensures that researchers are able to come up with alternative fuel technologies that are more sustainable.

Most Fuel Efficient SUV - Ford Escape Hybrid

Most Fuel Efficient SUV – Gas Mileage Reduction Tips

These tips will see to it that your SUV minimizes on fuel consumption and return good mileage per gallon of gas.

• Practice efficient driving; avoid hard braking, and hard acceleration.

• Combine your day’s trips and activities whenever possible.

• Always keep your car in sound mechanical condition.

The following SUV models have been ranked as the best fuel efficient SUVS in the market by the US Department of Energy-fueleconomy.gov.

Top on the list is the 2011 Ford Escape hybrid 4WD which is available in ten trims. The 4WD 4dr Hybrid is one of the ten trims available under the Ford Escape hybrid 4WD. It boasts of an excellent acceleration, good visibility (no blind spots) and a roomy interior for both passengers and cargo. However, the XLS has its shortcomings too. Its interior is a bit sloppy while the engine produces wind and engine noises.

This hybrid model uses a gas/electric power train. The 2.5L 4 cylinder gas engine is boosted by a 70 KW electric motor to produce 177hp. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) works likes an automatic transmission system with a towing capacity of 1000 pounds which is considerably lower than that of combustion engine powered SUVs. It does not require plug in charging. This SUV achieves an impressive 34 mpg in the City and 31 mpg on the highways. This has made it rank as one of the most fuel efficient SUV in the market. Its MSRP is $31,395.

The next best fuel efficient SUV in the market is the Mazda Tribute 2WD which is available in 9 different trims. The Tribute i Touring 2WD has a 2.5L 171hp engine with a 6 speed automatic transmission. Its interior design, driving dynamics and refinements have been overtaken by other makes such as the Mazda CX-7. It has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,740. The Tribute i Touring achieves up to 28 mpg on the highways and a towing capacity of up to 3,450 pounds according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The third most fuel efficient SUV is the 2011 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD. It packs 3,500 pounds of towing power and drives just like any other conventional Mariner. This gas electric hybrid comes with both front wheel and four wheel drive. Its 153hp Atkinson cycle engine works in conjunction with a 70 KW electric motor. All of this is coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which is controlled electronically. It is rated 27 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It has a MPRS of $29,995.

Most Fuel Efficient SUV – Ford Escape Hybrid Review Video