Top 5 Crossover New Cars for Fuel Efficiency
Crossover vehicles have emerged as a popular and affordable alternative to full-size SUVs. One major advantage of these new cars in relation to their larger brethren is improved fuel efficiency. If you like the roominess and rugged good looks of an SUV, but don't require towing or off-road capabilities, then look into one of these top 5 most-fuel efficient crossovers to save yourself some money at the pump:
2010 Chevrolet Equinox (26 mpg combined)
With an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, the new Chevy Equinox offers sedan-like efficiency. Redesigned for the 2010 year, the Equinox is winning accolades for its intuitive interior design, comfortable seating and good set of standard interior features. Despite the impressive gas mileage, the Equinox offers good performance under the hood. Strong acceleration and 182 horsepower on the base engine should be plenty for the average commuter. Base price for the 2010 Equinox comes in around $22,615.
2010 GMC Terrain (26 mpg combined)
The 2010 GMC is mechanically identical to the Chevy Equinox. As such, you can expect identical driving performance and fuel efficiency. Compared the Equinox, the Terrain stands out with bolder styling and an improved standard set of features. Such niceties as satellite radio, rearview camera and MP3 player input with USB come equipped in all Terrain models. Base price for the GMC crossover is $24,250. For just $1,500, you can upgrade to the SLE-2 premium package, which earns you a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, automatic climate control and steering-wheel controls.
2010 Subaru Outback (24 mpg combined)
Despite the performance upgrade of four-wheel drive, the 2010 Subaru Outback manages to outperform the majority of new crossovers with an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Serving as one of the most functional models on the road, the Outback offers a tremendous value. A 2010 redesign delivers even more interior volume and a bolstered feature set. A one-touch fold-down rear seat and other handy storage features help make the 2010 Outback a versatile cargo hauler. Of all the models on this list, the Outback offers the most sedan-like driving experience.
2010 Toyota RAV4 (24 mpg combined)
The Toyota RAV4 earns an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While recent Toyota recalls have called the RAV4's reliability into question, drivers buying newly manufactured models shouldn't have anything to worry about. The RAV4 is an attractive crossover that does a good job of providing both comfort and performance. Above average interior cargo room and the ability to add a third row of seating help set the 2010 RAV4 apart from the competition. With a base price of $21,675, the vehicle also undercuts much of the competition when it comes to cost.
2010 Nissan Rogue (24 mpg combined)
The 2010 Nissan Rogue rounds out the list of most fuel-efficient crossovers for 2010 with an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Rogue earns points for its stylish exterior design and good road manners. For those who want an upscale feel without the upscale price, the Rogue can be an attractive option. A number of innovative storage options and a maximum cargo volume of 57.9 cubic feet only bolster the 2010 Rogue's appeal. The Nissan crossover comes with a base MSRP of $20,460.
Note: A handful of other crossovers are rated at 24 mpg combined by the EPA. However, these new cars get lower city mileage than the top five models in the above list. If you spend a lot of time on the highway, then the boosted highway mileage of the Honda CR-V and Mercury Mariner may make these models a better value for you.