What are some good choices for SUV'S??? Mpg and Looks and realiblity wise...?

Question

automatic
dont need alot of cargo space.
Mostly just dry road.

Answer 1

There is such a variety of SUVs nowadays, from economical crossovers to gargantuan gas-guzzlers.
please give us more specifics... just go to the pencil icon on the button bar below your Question, and select "Add Details." -- Thanks!
…what do you need it for: passenger space or cargo?
…how many passengers / how much cargo?
…do you need an automatic or can you drive stick-shift?
…will you need to drive off-road or will you be on paved roads all the time?
…what climates will you be driving in (rain / snow, etc).


• ADDENDUM •
Thanks for the details… it sounds like a crossover will you you well. The Mazda CX-7 and Acura RDX are hot versions, but they aren't cheap and have turbocharged engines which helps with MPG, but requires Premium fuel.

For that reason, I chose the Jeep Compass. I can drive a stick, and those get the best MPG as compared to Automatics in general; but my son will be learning to drive on this car, so we got the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which has better gas mileage than a traditional automatic and is more reliable with lower maintenance. I did get the 4x4 because of the icy winters and poor road conditions in New Jersey. I have over 22,000 miles, and the car is less than 9 months old! I needed passenger room, and my son's football and basketball playing friends have good legroom, but the it's a tight fit with 3-across the back seat. The Compass and it's siblings (Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot) have slightly different features, but all are reasonably priced.

The Honda CRV and Toyota RAV-4 are reliable and economical. To stand out from the crowd, there are the Honda Element and Toyota FJ Cruiser are other options. The new Hyundais have tested well and aren't as ugly as the original models, and I also like the Kia Spectra's looks. The Ford Escape is the base model for the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner -- and Hybrids are available for those (2008 model for Tribute, last I heard); the Toyota Highlander and the Lexus RX also have Hybrids. And if you can hold-off, the Volkswagen Tiguan will hopefully make it's long-awaited debut before the end of the year.

I researched the web on Edmunds.com and the car magazine sites. Take your time and consider what features are 'must-haves' and what you can compromise; narrow it down to a handful of models and go for some test-drives! Enjoy the search and take your time, so you will be confident in your final decison.

Answer 2

Toyota 4 runners are the best inconsumer reports. I have a 1994 Izuzu Trooper that I love 155K and still giong strong. Gas milage is not great, but tons of leg room! They are very roomy and everyone that has one has lasted into the 230"s in milage. I bought in 2001 for 7,900 and I think it will last another 2 years or more.

Answer 3

Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 are smaller than some SUV's, but I've owned both and liked both. Consumer Reports is a great source for this type of info, they offer side by side comparisons. Good luck to you. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/index.htm

Answer 4

I have a Ford Escape, I love it, it's a great vehicle. I get about 35 mpg. It really depends on what you want to spend.

Answer 5

Honda Element

Answer 6

Im in the car business dude! Toyota never fails! Reliable, Fast, Good Looking, Nice MPG, and they have great service. If your looking for a Higher priced car, get MERCEDES!

Answer 7

Infiniti FX45, GMC Acadia

Answer 8

Toyota 4 Runner, I love mine.

Answer 9

Escalade!