suv Archives - Page 10 of 16

SUV MPG Reviews

December 27, 2008April 23, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

It might seem odd that a website devoted to the topic of gas mileage would spend so much time on SUV reviews, but we’re simply listening to our audience. While it’s clear that the tide has changed, America’s tempestuous love affair with the SUV is far from over.

SUV reviews will be part of our editorial mix for as long as we keep buying the beasts. Rest assured that most, if not all, of our SUV reviews will focus on the more fuel efficient choices in each of the categories, from the cute Utes and Crossovers (CUV) to roomy seven and eight seaters. (But we won’t be driving a Hummer unless GM gets around to shipping a fuel-sipping hybrid or clean diesel.)

As of November, we’ve reviewed eleven SUVs and CUVs, including four hybrids and the only domestic diesel currently available in the USA:

Ford Edge (Loved the Sync audio system.)
Ford Escape Hybrid (40 MPG city?)
Honda CR-V (The CR-V grows up.)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel (Well worth a look if you tow.)
Lexus RX400h Hybrid (A super comfortable family cocoon.)
Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid (Euro style and a huge sunroof.)
Subaru Forester (Roomy, comfortable and competent.)
Suzuki Grand Vitara (An honest-to-goodness 4×4.)
Suzuki SX4 Crossover (The most affordable AWD in America.)
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Max MPG for 7-passenger SUV.)
Toyota RAV4 (Acceleration and fuel economy?)

2008 Lexus RX400h MPG Review

August 23, 2013April 6, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

Lexus 400h MPG-o-Matic Lexus RX400h Review Summary: The RX400h is a luxury five seat sport utility that competes with the Acura RDX, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, and Mercedes R-Class (among others) . While that’s a crowded field, the RX400h’s hybrid drive train sets the luxurious Lexus apart from its most worthy competitors.
ﾠ
The RX400h is one of the greenest SUVs on the market today.

Ford Escape Hybrid MPG Review

August 23, 2013April 3, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

MPG-o-Matic Ford Escape Hybrid Review Summary: The Ford Escape Hybrid is a five seat sport utility that competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, and Jeep Patriot, among others. In a crowded field, the Escape Hybrid’s excellent gas mileage set Ford’s innovative SUV apart from the competition.

Make no mistake about it … the Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel efficient SUV available here in the States.

2008 Honda CR-V MPG Review

August 23, 2013March 31, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

MPG-o-Matic Honda CR-V Review Summary: The CR-V is a best-seller in the crowded five-passenger SUV market, competing against a slew of competitors including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge and Escape.

Now in its third generation, the CR-V has come a long way from its humble and boxy roots. The styling is sleek and rounded, while the ride and handling are decidedly car-like. With a 166 horsepower i-VTEC four-cylinder and 5 speed automatic, the CR-V never feels underpowered.

35 MPG: Why Wait Until 2020?

October 27, 2011March 15, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

One of the keys to restarting the American economy is staring us in the face. While our future hinges on the rapid adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles, our government stands in the way of a rapid free market solution.

35 MPG can be an immediate reality, with one domestic manufacturer, if the United States government would only allow it to happen. Our elected representatives need to be aware of the facts and make the appropriate decisions.

Chrysler is uniquely positioned among the Big Three US automakers. Unlike Ford and General Motors, Chrysler is already building a slew of high-MPG diesel-powered vehicles right here in the United States.

Amazing as it may seem in these difficult times, Chrysler is not allowed to sell those cars domestically, due to recently tightened emissions regulations. With the exception of the domestically-available Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, all of Chrysler’s North American manufactured high-MPG diesel-equipped vehicles are being shipped abroad.

Each and every one of Chrysler’s European models is available with a diesel engine, with the exception of the Dodge Viper. In fact, a diesel engine can be found under the hood of more than 50% of the vehicles that Chrysler sells in Europe.

All-in-all, a dozen Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep diesel-engined models are currently available outside of the United States, but are not sold domestically.

Here’s the eye-opener … half of those models currently achieve 35 miles per gallon combined.

That’s 35 MPG … right now.

And what’s even more crazy? All of these 35 MPG cars and SUVs are built in North American plants by North American workers … American citizens cannot buy and drive the fuel-efficient cars they build.

The thriftiest of the bunch delivers nearly 50 MPG on the highway … and it’s no dog off the line, turning in 0-62 mile per hour (MPH) times under nine seconds. The fastest in the pack delivers 7.6 second 0-62 times and 35.6 MPG on the highway.

Needless to say, these are wonderful world-class cars, a world apart from your Uncle’s noisy, slow, smelly 80’s-era diesel.