What Are 2012's Best SUVs for Gas Mileage?

Good fuel economy and SUVs are two terms that, until recently, have been almost completely alien to one another. However, the best SUVs for gas mileage can be found in each of the size ranges in which SUVs are offered. Thanks to improved battery technology, there are more hybrid SUVs than ever, and there are even a few of them that maintain good towing capacity while at the same time returning good fuel economy to their owners. However, it should be noted that the highway fuel economy of these SUVs is comparable to their non-hybrid counterparts, so if most of your driving is done on highways with minimal traffic, you may find it worthwhile to save the expense of the hybrid version and stick it out with the non-hybrid. For in-town stop and go traffic, however, these hybrid models just can't be beat.

2012 Ford Escape Hybrid - Starting at $30,570

The Ford Escape has long been an exceptional vehicle, and was one of the first SUVs to be offered with fuel-saving equipment such as hybrid technology and a continuously variable transmission. This has left Ford with plenty of time to perfect the formula. While the styling is somewhat dated, it is still a comfortable riding vehicle that can be equipped with all-wheel drive and loads of amenities within two option packages, Limited and Base. Fuel consumption for the Ford Escape Hybrid is 30 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway, making it the best SUV for gas mileage among small SUVs.

2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid- Starting at $37,490

There is an upside and a downside to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Yes, it is the undisputed best suv for gas mileage, averaging out at 28 miles per gallon in combined ratings, but that's of little comfort when considering that the hybrid version is nearly $10,000 more than the non-hybrid version. By all accounts, however, the Highlander Hybrid is an exceptional vehicle, even when setting aside its excellent fuel economy numbers. With the Highlander, you'll get a 3,500-pound towing capacity, standard all-wheel drive, and a 280-horsepower engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Typical of Toyota vehicles, you'll find the Highlander has excellent resale value, reliability and owner satisfaction. In addition, the Highlander performed well in IIHS crash testing results for the 2011 model year.

2012 Lexus RX 450H - Starting at $44,735

Compared to its contemporaries at Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the Lexus RX 450H is in the luxury SUV market the best SUV for fuel economy, bar none. It's 3.5 liter V6 engine produces exceptional power and performance while returning 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 miles per gallon in the city. The RX Hybrid isn't utterly useless for towing, either. Fitted with the right equipment, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds along with five passengers. The primary drawback behind the RX Hybrid is the fact that adding optional equipment to the vehicle can quickly begin to add up, offsetting the cost savings of owning a hybrid in the first place.

Sources:
Lexus: Lexus RX 450H: www.lexus.com
Toyota: Toyota Highlander Hybrid: www.toyota.com
Ford: Ford Escape Hybrid: www.ford.com
Consumer Reports: 2012 New Car Preview: Consumer Reports Publications