Compact SUV Fuel Economy

Fuel economy varies widely among compact SUVs.

A small garage or a limited budget can be among the reasons buyers choose a small sport utility vehicle over a large one. If fuel economy is a factor in your compact SUV choice, you can find fuel mileage ratings ranging from nine to 34 mpg among 2011 models.

More than 30 MPG

All the 2011 compact SUVs that get more than 30 mpg in city and highway driving are hybrid models with front-wheel drive, according to the government's Fuel Economy website. They include the Ford Escape, the Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute, with 34 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway.

From 20 to 29 MPG

Models with at least 20 mpg in the city or on the open road include the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which gets 25 city and 31 highway. The 2011 Hyundai Tucson gets 23 city and 31 highway, while the Chevrolet Equinox gets 22 city and 32 highway mpg.

19 or less MPG

Compact SUVs netting fewer than 20 mpg in city or highway driving include the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and Mitsubishi Outlander, each with front-wheel drive. These models provide 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the interstate.

References

• Fueleconomy: 2011 Sport Utility Vehicle