Fuel-efficient SUVs – no, it's not an oxymoron anymore. Thanks largely to full hybrid models led by Ford's Escape, it's still possible to have all the size and space we became accustomed to during the 1990s and early 2000s without breaking in to tears at the pump or getting denied membership in the Sierra Club. If you don't mind paying the upfront premium in the form of a higher sticker price, there's no need to sacrifice anything – efficiency, performance, comfort, cargo room or even luxury, now that Lexus has introduced a hybrid crossover that's one of the most anticipated models of the year. Here are ten for 2010 that integrate efficiency into a new definition of sport utility.
Fuel economy estimates are courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA estimates are based on laboratory tests conducted by manufacturers according to federal regulations. EPA re-tests about 10% of vehicle models to confirm manufacturer's results. Your results may vary. Learn more at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/.
10. 2010 Toyota RAV4
The 2010 RAV4 (view photos) is a true sleeper in this category, offering surprising pep and decent efficiency. Once upon a time, Toyota even produced an EV model of the RAV4 – a concept we'd love the company to awaken from its long slumber.
9. 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon
Whether you think of it as a wagon or a crossover SUV, family car or recreational tool, the Subaru Outback has been winning praise for almost 15 years, and high MPG alongside all-wheel-drive performance has been one reason. Now that so many American cars have finally caught up in the efficiency race, the 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon (view photos) has been pushed down this list. But thanks to styling changes introduced in the fourth-generation model in 2009, the Subaru wagon is bound to remain a popular choice.
8. 2010 Chevrolet HHR
It's hard for us to think of the HHR as an SUV. Many people peg this competent family mover as an old-school station wagon. But the EPA classifies it that way, and we're not in the mood for arguing with the feds. No matter how you look at it, the 2010 HHR (view photos) is fun to drive, affordable and gets great highway mileage. Stay away from the E-85 in the FlexFuel model though, unless you want to decrease miles-per-gallon ratings by nearly a third.
7. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox / 2010 GMC Terrain
GM credits the pair of direct-injection engines in the 2010 Chevy Equinox (view photos) for the improvement in mileage in this new generation. The crossover is also being used to test hydrogen fuel cell technology. Meanwhile, the 2010 GMC Terrain (view photos) is based on the Equinox engineering and racks up the same EPA numbers. Both are worth a test drive to see if they meet your utility and efficiency needs.
