gas mileage

Saturn Vue Gas Mileage

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The Saturn Vue, first introduced in 2002, is one of America’s most economical compact SUVs. Good gas mileage has long been a hallmark of the Vue. From its inception through the 2007 model year, city gas mileage ratings hovered around or above 20 miles per gallon (MPG), with highway ratings in the mid-to-high twenties. The 2008 model year marks a substantial redesign for the Vue. While the quality of the Vue has risen dramatically with the new European-inspired design, gas mileage ratings have fallen from previous years.

The 2008 Vue is available with three engine choices, based on trim level. The Vue XE FWD and Green Line (hybrid) models are fitted with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 169 horsepower. AWD Vue XE models are equipped with a 3.5 liter V-6 engine, rated at 222 horsepower, while the Vue XR and Vue Red Line are fitted with a DOHC 3.6 liter V-6 that pumps out 257 horsepower, topping the charts for the range. Gas mileage ratings for the Vue Green Line hybrid top the 2WD SUV highway charts.

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Hyundai Santa Fe Gas Mileage

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Introduced in 2001, the mid-sized Hyundai Santa Fe was Hyundai’s first SUV and quickly grew to become one of Korean auto maker’s most successful models. Value for the dollar and reasonable gas mileage have been two of the Santa Fe’s largest draws. Highway gas mileage ratings land in the mid-twenties every model year, with front-wheel-drive variants scoring as high as 27 or 28 miles per gallon (MPG). The Santa Fe was significantly redesigned for the 2007 model year.

The Santa Fe GLS is equipped with a 2.7 liter V-6 rated at 185 horsepower (HP), while the Santa Fe SE and Santa Fe Limited are fitted with a larger 3.3 liter V-6 rated at 242 HP. A 2.2 liter CRDi four-cylinder turbo-diesel is available internationally in the Santa Fe, but not here in the States. The turbo-diesel notches a 30% or so improvement in fuel economy when compared to its gasoline-powered counterpart.

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Chevrolet HHR Gas Mileage

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Introduced in 2006, the Chevrolet HHR fills an interesting niche in the blue bowtie line up. With highway gas mileage ratings that dance with the 30 miles per gallon (MPG) mark, the retro-styled compact HHR plays the econo-hauler card, in both five-door and panel delivery trim. While classified as a SUV, the HHR is currently only available with front wheel drive.

The performance-oriented HHR SS (pictured above) doesn’t just haul stuff … it just flat out hauls, with a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four that produces a formidable 260 horsepower. That’s a hefty jump over the 2.2 and 2.4 liter non-turbo four-bangers that produce 149 and 175 horsepower, respectively.

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Jeep Patriot Gas Mileage

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The compact Jeep Patriot was introduced in 2007. The Patriot’s low base price makes it the least expensive American SUV. Highway gas mileage ratings for the Patriot are a shade less thrifty than the more aerodynamic Jeep Compass, which is built on the same platform.

The domestic Patriot can be ordered with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder producing 158 or 170 horsepower, respectively. In European Patriots, a 2.0 liter diesel engine delivering 229 foot pounds of torque is available. The diesel delivers 32.1 urban / 51.4 extra urban miles per British gallon. That works out to roughly 26.7 city / 42.8 highway miles per gallon here in the States.

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Jeep Compass Gas Mileage

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The compact Jeep Compass was introduced in 2007, with gas mileage one of the compact crossover SUV’s biggest selling points, along with its low base price. Highway gas mileage ratings around 30 miles per gallon (MPG) for the base front wheel drive version put the Compass in the same league as the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V when it comes to gas mileage. Although it is built on the same platform at the Jeep Patriot, the Compass is the most car-like (and consequently, least Jeep-like) vehicle in the Jeep line up.

The domestic Compass is available with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder producing 158 or 170 horsepower, respectively. In Europe (where they get all the good stuff), the Compass can be fitted with a 2.0 liter diesel engine that delivers 229 foot pounds of torque and 34 urban / 52.3 extra urban miles per British gallon. That works out to roughly 28.3 city / 43.5 highway miles per gallon here in the States.

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