The lesser of two evils: Fuel-saving (gasp) SUVs
It's hard to argue that SUVs can be environmentally friendly. However, there are SUVs and then there are SUVs... There are the big, bulky behemoths that usually have lousy mpg ratings, but then we have newer offerings and crossovers that are finally scoring some improvements in their behavior which, in this case, refers to mileage. In part, these mprovements have arrived because of the switch to unibody construction instead of the traditional body-on-frame.
So here's a list (from our friends at Auto-News) that shows the best fuel- (and money-) saving SUVs (well, mostly CUVs) that you can buy in Europe. Most of the models are also available in the United States, albeit without diesel options. Most of the models have Diesel Particulate Filters (RPF) as standard, although the source doesn't publish CO2 emission figures.
Continue reading for the list
| l/100 km | MPG | Engine size | HP | 0 to 60 mph (s) | Price (EUR) | |
| Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 D LS 4WD 5-Seats RPF | 7.4 | 31.98 | 2.0 l | 150 | 10.6 | 29,300 |
| Land Rover Freelander Td4 E RPF | 7.3 | 32.42 | 2.2 l | 151 | 11.7 | 30,900 |
| Peugeot 4007 HDi FAP 155 Tendance | 7.2 | 32.87 | 2.2 l | 156 | 9.9 | 31,900 |
| Citroen C-Crosser 2.2 HDi FAP Tendance | 7.2 | 32.87 | 2.2 l | 156 | 9.9 | 33,590 |
| KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDi LX 4WD RPF | 7.1 | 33.33 | 2.0 l | 140 | 12 | 27,150 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi GLS 2WD RPF | 7.0 | 33.81 | 2.2 l | 155 | 11.3 | 31,790 |
| Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi VGT GLS 2WD RPF | 7.0 | 33.81 | 2.0 l | 140 | 11.1 | 25,290 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 DI-D Inform RPF | 6.9 | 34.3 | 2.0 l | 140 | 10.8 | 28,990 |
| Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D 4x4 RPF | 6.6 | 35.86 | 2.2 l | 136 | 10.5 | 28,520 |
| Jeep Compass 2.0 CRD Sport | 6.5 | 36.41 | 2.0 l | 140 | 11 | 26,390 |
| Honda CR-V 2.2i-CTDi Comfort RPF | 6.5 | 36.41 | 2.2 l | 140 | 10.3 | 29,400 |
| BMW X3 2.0d RPF | 6.5 | 36.41 | 2.0 l | 177 | 8.9 | 37,900 |
| Suzuki Jimny 1.5 DDiS Club | 6.1 | 38.79 | 1.5 l | 86 | 17 | 16,500 |
| Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi visia 4x2 | 5.4 | 43.82 | 1.5 l | 106 | 12.2 | 21,140 |
And here's a pic of the winner (also known as the Rogue in the US):
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
scatter 9:04AM (10/23/2007)
Multiplying the L/100km figure by 26.3 will give you a good estimate of the CO2 emissions per km (assuming the fuel consumption data is combined cycle data and these are all diesels which it looks like they are).
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jguiditta 9:20AM (10/23/2007)
I just went to the nissan site to look at the rogue, and they on list it at 21/27 for mileage. Is this just because the US doesn't get the diesel option?
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Mattias 10:22AM (10/23/2007)
#2: Yes. The smallest diesel is a tiny VGT turbo with intercooler -- it has 1.5l with 105hp. This car has a manual six speed gear box and 2WD.
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Tim 10:49AM (10/23/2007)
I don't have any problems with SUVs if you really NEED that tool. For those with large families who live in areas with harsh winters, bad roads or no roads, SUVs can be a necessary tool. The key here is to take no more than you NEED and choose the tool that presents the smallest footprint for the intended use.
If you don't NEED it and you buy it anyway because your ego needs a boost, then you're just a selfish idiot. I see a Hummer and I pity the fool for having such low self esteem. It’s really sad…
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Neil Young 11:12AM (10/23/2007)
+1 for "please give me a @#$@# diesel in the US". I own a 1st gen Scion xB and the only way I could be happier is with a hybrid or diesel (or both!!) xB!
Are you listening, US auto industry? (hint: yes, I would be willing to pay a premium for this. A boxy, small, hybrid, diesel, or diesel-electric hybrid)
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Andrew 12:44PM (10/23/2007)
The thing that infuriates me about this list and many others is that when searching and shopping for a minivan or SUV that can safely accommodate 2 adults and 3 kids....you might as well drive a Hummer for how much the auto makers care. None of these are available in the US at these MPGs and NONE accommodate a 3rd row of seats. So, basically cut your market down by those folks who need a 3rd row.
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Phil L. 1:21PM (10/23/2007)
Andrew -
I feel your pain. I have three small children, all still in car seats. Lists like this also fail to tell us things like how many LATCH (or ISOFIX in Europe) safety seat positions are in each vehicle...
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SexySadie 2:08PM (10/23/2007)
I'm so happy to see the Rogue at number 1- I've been interested in this car, partly because of its fuel efficiency. I have to admit, the commercial kind of sucked me in as well- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5PgHAHAoRw
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Mattias 2:30PM (10/23/2007)
Dear Andrew,
if you were European you would probably opt for a Ford S-Max Galaxy with the 2.0TDCI diesel engine (52mpg, S-Max), a Citroen Grand C4 Picasso (49mpg) or a Grand Scénic (somewhere in between).
Yes, with those vans you get a bit more interior space than in a SUV. You get a nice diesel engine and you still feel safe on the autobahn.
Unfortunately you are not european. There in the US high gas prices do not hurd. 4$ per gallon is really cheap. At thoese prices I might have a gas guzzling pickup with a Hemi as well. At 8$ you get curious about saving some of the precious liquid.
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pdxgrease 12:19AM (10/24/2007)
don't you love how everyone single one is a diesel. All the diesel naysayers on this board need to wake up and get over themselves.
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Chris M 1:29AM (10/24/2007)
The list is European, thus does not include the Ford Escape Hybrid, which would wind up right in the middle of the list.
The reason that most of those vehicles are not available in the US is that their diesel engines do not meet US or California clean air standards, which are more strict than European standards. Trust me - there is a market for fuel efficient SUVs in the US, the Ford hybrid is selling well. If the diesel makers can clean up their engines to meet US standards, they will sell very well here, also.
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