How to Compare MPG of Third Seat SUVs
The ease of transporting multiple passengers prompts many shoppers to choose sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) over cars or trucks. SUVs offering a third seat provide drivers with even more capacity to shuttle around family, friends, kids and coworkers. The miles per gallon (MPG) you'll get from third-seat SUVs can vary substantially, so be sure to compare various models.
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Vehicle Size
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Bigger SUVs often translate to lower fuel mileage. For example, the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban has an overall length of 222.4 inches, and offers a combined fuel mileage (city/highway) of 17 miles per gallon of gas when outfitted with two-wheel drive. The 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander offers combined MPG of 24 with two-wheel drive, but has a shorter overall length at 183.7 inches.
Under the Hood
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The type of engine powering a third-seat SUV also can affect its gas mileage. Hybrid models, which use both gasoline engines and electric motors, can deliver better MPG than vehicles running only on gasoline. For example, a 2011 Cadillac Escalade with two-wheel drive gets a combined fuel mileage of 16 when powered by gasoline, but the hybrid model of this third-seat vehicle can deliver a combined MPG of 21.
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Where You Drive
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The gas mileage your third-seat SUV gets also will be affected by whether you drive mainly on city streets or the interstate. A 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander with four-wheel drive gets 21 MPG in town and 25 on the highway. The 2010 Toyota Highlander delivers 17 miles in the city and 23 on the highway.
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