The Top Ten Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs for 2008

When it comes to purchasing a vehicle the one thing most people want to know before they even look at the price is how many miles per gallon of gas the vehicle will get. With the price of gasoline at record highs for the past several months people are spending more on gasoline than ever before. It's only natural that those buying Sport Utility Vehicles are searching for the most fuel efficient SUV's on the market. According to research conducted these ten SUV's are the most fuel efficient on the market today.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD
With prices starting at $26,505, the five seat 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is a great choice for the most environmentally conscious consumer. This Fuel efficient SUV offers eco-friendly seating made from 100% post consumer waste plastic and polyester fibers. This model of the Ford Escape is available in AWD and 4WD and in available in 7 exciting colors including vista blue and kiwi-green

Fuel Efficiency Rating: 34 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD
The Mercury Mariner is a vehicle that is very similar to the Ford Escape as both have similar body styles. The price on the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid starts at $27,195 and seats 5. This fuel efficient SUV is perfect for those who need a lot of cargo room. The second row seating folds flat to give over 65 cubic feet of cargo room. This vehicle is available with Sirius Satellite Radio and navigation system

Fuel Efficiency Rating: 34 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD
For those looking for luxury without having to pay a luxury vehicle the fuel efficient 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the ultimate choice. The highlander has a backup camera, 10 cup holders, 7 airbags, stow away second row seating, folding third row seating, and navigational system. Priced from $34,450 the Highlander Hybrid is a steal for the features.

Fuel Efficiency Rating: 27 mpg city and 25 mpg city

2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 2WD
Lexus is all about luxury and with this fuel efficient SUV the price reflects this. Starting at $41,280 the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid provides drivers with a smooth ride and fast acceleration. Available in AWD and FWD.

Fuel Efficiency Rating 26 mpg city and 24 mpg highway

2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid
When it comes to fuel efficiency most vehicles on this list get better gas mileage in the city rather than on the highway. The opposite is true for the Saturn Vue. This Hybrid will be released in limited quantities in the Spring of 2008 and will be priced starting at $24,795.

Fuel Efficiency Rating: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway

2008 Jeep Compass 2WD
The Jeep was the original Sport Utility Vehicle and over the past few years Jeep has become one of the largest automobile manufacturers. Jeep's most fuel efficient vehicle is the 2008 Compass. Available in fun colors like surf blue and inferno red this vehicle is perfect for the younger crowd. This vehicle also has a five star side crash test rating and is priced from $17,035

Fuel Efficiency Rating: 23 mpg city and 28mpg highway

2008 Jeep Patriot 2WD
For those who want something larger than the Jeep Compass, Jeep also offers the Patriot, a mid size SUV great for the busy family. This model is available with a sunroof,and many other cool features including an overhead light that converts to a portable flashlight. Priced from $16,035 this SUV is sure to satisfy without putting a huge dent in your monthly budget.

Fuel Efficiency Rating: 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway

2008 Chevrolet HHR FWD
As far as popularity goes there aren't a lot of these on the roads, though this may be due to the limited availability. The large size and comfortable seating make this Fuel Efficient SUV great for a big family that does a lot of traveling. Cool features like OnStar free for the first year help keep families safe on the road. Starting at 17,440 the HHR FWD model is a great investment

Fuel Efficiency Rating 22 mpg city and 30mpg highway

2008 Ford Escape FWD
While the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid ranked at the top of the list the non-hybrid model ranked lower on the scale. The Ford Escape FWD has the same great features as the Hybrid. Priced from 19,005 the 2008 Ford Escape is great for all ages

Fuel Efficiency Rating 20 mpg city and 36 mpg highway

2008 Mazda Tribute FWD
If you are looking for a lot of room the Mazda Tribute is the Fuel Efficient SUV for you. With 40.4 inches of headroom even the tallest person is comfortable. This SUV is availible in eight exciting colors including redfire metalic

Fuel Efficiency Rating 22mpg city and 28mpg highway.

Sources:
Mazda www.mazda.com

Jeep: www.jeep.com

Saturn: www.saturn.com

Ford Motor Company www.ford.com

Toyota: www.toyota.com

Lexus: www.lexus.com

Chevrolet www.chevrolet.com

Environmental Protection Agency www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byEPAclass.htm