Environmental Impact of SUVs

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are passenger vehicles built on a light truck chassis. They were enormously popular when fuel costs were low in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Environmental groups have been critical of SUVs because of their impact on the environment.

Fuel Efficiency

SUVs generally fare poorly on fuel efficiency although with the introduction of hybrids, this is changing. The Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG was rated as the least fuel efficient SUV by the EPA, averaging only 12 mpg in combined city and highway driving.

Air Pollution

Because they burn more fuel, SUVs also emit more air pollution. Pollutants emitted when fossil fuels like gasoline are burned contribute to smog and ground level ozone.

Climate Change

SUVs like all cars emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, the leading global warming gas. Even the fuel efficient Ford Escape Hybrid produces 5.7 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Oil Exploration

More SUVs on the road can lead to higher demand for oil. Oil exploration in ecologically sensitive regions like Alaska's Arctic or California's coastline can disrupt ecosystems or even lead to devastating spills.

Alternatives

Automakers now offer a variety of alternatives to SUVs including crossovers which are more like traditional station wagons and hybrid SUVs.

References

• Fuel Economy: Most and Least Fuel Efficient Trucks, Vans, and SUVs
• National Academies: Effects of Oil Exploration in Alaska
• Union of Concerned Scientists: Building a Better SUV