This article is for those of us looking for a utility truck for a variety of different purpose at a fuel efficient cost. Whether you want to take the children to town, do the shopping or use the four wheel drive to get you up an unsealed road SUV’s are for you. With the cost of petrol at four courts it’s glaringly obvious why one might be looking to make cost savings somewhere while still having the comfort, technology and safety record of a brand new off the line vehicle.
My five top picks of best SUV’s of 2011 (so far!) rated by their fuel efficiency.
Toyota RAV 4
Starting at $21,995
Fuel efficiency measured in miles per gallon (MPG):
Long distances: 28
City driving: 22
Average: 22
The RAV 4 is one of Toyotas flagship SUV’s though sadly not much improvement in efficiency compared to the Honda CRV.
Subaru Outback Wagon
Starting at $23,195
Fuel efficiency measured in miles per gallon (MPG):
Long distances: 29
City driving: 22
Average: 24
The outback is one of the shortest SUV’s on the market and at its heart you can tell it is a quality vehicle from Subaru.
Kia Sportage
Starting at $18,300
Fuel efficiency measured in miles per gallon (MPG):
Long distances: 31
City driving: 22
Average: 25
This nippy little SUV is a big improvement over previous offerings, it is responsive yet powerful and at a fantastic price.
Jeep Patriot
Starting at $23,000
Fuel efficiency measured in miles per gallon (MPG):
Long distances: 29
City driving: 23
Average: 25
A good offering from jeep, and alternative to the compass with similar economy.
Chevrolet Equinox
Starting at $24,500
Fuel efficiency measured in miles per gallon (MPG):
Long distances: 32
City driving: 22
Average: 26
A large improvement on last year’s model, this model is much more responsive than last year’s offering.
These are the top five vehicles I would rate as being both economic, popular and a good value for the money from a range of different manufacturers.
Tips for saving money through driving your SUV more efficiently
Keeping in mind efficiency I’d like to bring to your attention a few ways you could save money on your everyday driving:
Harsh acceleration, keep pulling away and driving acceleration to a minimum, don’t just push the peddle to the metal, look to gradually increase the vehicles speed, simply putting your SUV into full throttle will inject more fuel than gradual increase achieving the same speed over a slightly longer time frame.
Air Conditioning, A/C units are responsible for between 20%-40% of fuel consumption in most vehicles, look to use it only when you need too – or turn it off altogether to get more miles for your hard earned dollar.
Anticipation, alongside harsh acceleration reducing your speed quickly is a strain on your car – if you can predict slower traffic ahead try to reduce your speed more gradually, you might not have to stop this way and can remain in a higher gear at lower revs.
Reduce the weight, removing unnecessary weight from your vehicle will give you better efficiency, ensure you have anything you would need in the event of an emergency in the vehicle still! The less weight you carry the less an engine has to carry.
Vehicle maintenance, ensuring that your vehicle is well maintained with the correct levels of lubricants and fluids and clean filters will improve the entire process from ignition through to airflow and beyond as well as extend the life of your vehicle.
Guest post written by Isaac who blogs and writes on behalf of Trucker to Trucker who can help you find new and used trucks for sale, Trucker to Trucker also advertise a range of vehicles including Hino Trucks and the powerful Mack Truck.