The Most Fuel Efficient Non-Hybrid SUVs on the Market

Go green without breaking the bank

While the hybrid car trend is gaining ground, many people are still being left behind. Of course, everyone would like to save money on fuel, drive longer in comfort and do their part for the environment, but hybrid cars come at a price – a much higher price than conventional cars, in many cases. Traditional fuel-powered SUVs are also typically more powerful, and the car parts they require are generally cheaper than those made for hybrids. Moreover, many people have come to expect a certain degree of strength and durability from their vehicle, one area where some hybrids fall short. If you want the benefits of a hybrid without the drawbacks, look into the most fuel efficient non-hybrid SUVs that are available.

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The 3 Best Non-Hybrid SUVs for Fuel Efficiency

1. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. Technically a compact crossover SUV, this is one vehicle that has both an impressively spacious interior and a fairly powerful engine without the headaches that other SUVs bring. It’s also considerably more fuel-efficient than its immediate competitors, with a gas mileage rating of 22 mpg for city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. In fact, the impressively low fuel consumption makes it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUV yet, and you won’t have to sacrifice performance or amenities to enjoy the immediate benefits that come with more gas mileage.

2. 2010 Jeep Compass. While it may be a little less refined than the Equinox, the Jeep Compass is still one of the best SUV choices for fuel efficiency. The five-speed manual transmission with the 2.0 liter engine offers 28 mpg on the highway, coupling the power and versatility of an SUV with the affordability and fuel economy of a compact car. As a jeep, it’s built to handle trails better than most of its competitors, but its compact size makes it a good candidate for urban driving, too.

3. 2010 Toyota RAV4. With a surprising mix of fuel efficiency and power, the RAV4’s 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine delivers relatively good fuel efficiency. It averages 22 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway, which is definitely on par with the other compact non-hybrid SUVs out there. It’s lighter than the Compass or the Equinox, so the handling can leave something to be desired, but the price will surely make you happy.

The best non-hybrid SUVS for fuel economy are most certainly found in the compact class, but not all are created equal. Though a few models offer similar gas mileage, the engines, interiors and car accessories can range dramatically. Take these high-scoring SUVs out for test drives to see which one fits best with your lifestyle and space requirements before you make your decision.
This guest article was written by Matt, who is the lead writer at AutomotiveInDepth.com. His site is an excellent resource for anyone looking for car care advice.