MPG on Small Suvs
Sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) are generally classified as either mini/compact, midsize or full-size. As the popularity of the smaller compact SUVs has increased, so has the number of available makes and models. For 2010, there are 18 SUV models classified as compact by Edmunds.com.
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MPG estimates
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The current roster of compact SUVs has a wide range of mileage ratings. For standard gasoline-powered engines, the two most fuel-efficient models get an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The worst mpg for the class is from one model rated at 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway.
Higher MPG using alternative fuels
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There are four 2010 compact SUVs using alternative fuels; two hybrid and two flex-fuel. The two hybrids are both rated at 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway. The flex-fuel models, which operate on either standard unleaded gasoline or E85 ethanol fuel, get 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway respectively.
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Engine size
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One reason for the relatively high mileage ratings for compact SUVs is their small engine size. All but three of the 2010 base models come with a 4-cylinder engine. Not surprisingly, the three that come standard with a 6-cylinder engine also have the three lowest mileage ratings. Midsize and full-size SUVs have at least 6 cylinders and usually 8.
Weight
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Weight is another factor in fuel mileage. Gross weight for the compact base models range from just over 3,200 lbs. to nearly 4,300 lbs. As suspected, the heavier models have the worst mpg ratings, though one model weighing over 4,000 lbs.has mpg figures of 22 city/32 highway. Full-size SUVs weigh as much as 5,600 lbs.
Price
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Compact SUVs are the most affordable of the three SUV classes, with 2010 prices for base models starting at less than $20,000. One model has a suggested price of $16,995, while the most expensive in the class retails for $35,500---significantly more than the second most expensive model at $24,250.
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