1st Place: 2006 Lexus RX 330 2WD
Combined EPA Fuel Economy: 22
Powertrain: 3.3 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT 1st Place: 2006 Volvo XC70
Combined EPA Fuel Economy: 22
Powertrain: 2.5-liter, 5-cyl., 5-AT Since the 2006 Volvo XC70 is merely a Volvo station wagon raised a few inches for more ground clearance, it’s not surprising that it ties for first with the 2006 Lexus RX 330 in the Luxury SUV category. Comfortable and sure-footed in all kinds of weather, the XC70 is a fine, if often overlooked, sport-ute. But our choice here is the Lexus, unless you absolutely require four driven wheels (and if so, the RX 330 AWD slots into 2nd Place). But if you need real off-roading capability, your best bet is the 2006 Hummer H3, Lexus GX 470, or Porsche Cayenne.
| Runners-Up |
Make and Model |
Combined MPG |
Powertrain |
| 2nd Place |
Lexus RX 330 |
21 |
3.3 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| 3rd Place |
Acura MDX |
19 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
BMW X3 |
19 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Cadillac SRX 2WD |
19 |
3.6 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Volvo XC90 |
19 |
2.5 liter, 5 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Volvo XC90 2WD |
19 |
2.5 liter, 5 cyl., 5-AT |
| 4th Place |
BMW X5 3.0i |
18 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
BMW X5 4.4i |
18 |
4.4 liter, 8 cyl., 6-AT |
| |
BMW X5 4.8is |
18 |
4.8 liter, 8 cyl., 6-AT |
| |
Cadillac SRX AWD |
18 |
3.6 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Mercedes ML350 |
18 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 7-AT |
| |
Mercedes R350 |
18 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 7-AT |
| |
Saab 9-7X |
18 |
4.2 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| 5th Place |
Cadillac SRX |
17 |
4.6 liter, 8 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Hummer H3 |
17 |
3.5 liter, 5 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Lexus GX 470 |
17 |
4.7 liter, 8 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Porsche Cayenne |
17 |
3.2 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Saab 9-7X |
17 |
5.3 liter, 8 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Volvo XC90 |
17 |
4.4 liter, 8 cyl., 6-AT |
|
