We put together a list of the 10 SUVs with the highest combined mileage, according to ratings from the EPA's 2008 Fuel Economy Guide. The EPA's guide lists ratings using new testing procedures, which result in lower numbers compared to 2007 and previous ratings. To see how the testing differs and why the numbers are supposed to be more realistic, see Why Mileage Estimates are Falling for 2008.
SUVs with the highest mileage ratings are all hybrids, with the top five spots taken by these eco-friendly people-haulers. The remaining five are compact gasoline-only SUVs. You can click on each car for more information from our Research section.
Take note, the list also shows which transmission is used and combined mpg.
To see what vehicles top the best mileage lists in other segments, see the Cars.com Best and Worst Mileage section.
Update: Despite the Chevrolet HHR being classified as an SUV by the EPA, Cars.com classifies it as a passenger car, so the list has been revised to reflect the new standings. And guess what? That brings the CR-V — with combined 23 mpg rating — onto the list in the tenth spot.
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Yes, the HHR is classified as an SUV.
where is the Honda CRV?
Hek, the Honda CR-V probably gets slightly under 24mpg, which why it probably didn't make the list.
The HHR is one of those vehicles that continually messes with us because of its classification. See above for an updated list.
Would it not have been sensible to have grouped the top 3 on the list under one categorization, seeing as THEY ARE THE SAME CAR with different badges?
Also, I'm surprised the 4WD versions of that particular triumverate didn't appear somewhere on this list also, or is the Hybrid only a FWD?
I'd rather see the vehicles an extra 2 different vehicles on this list rather than know that the Mercury and Ford get the same mileage. It's not exactly a surprise...
Is there a Highlander Hybrid 2wd. If so, where is it one the list?
For 2008, the Highlander Hybrid is only available with AWD.
How embarrassing. My 2 seater 3000 lb 2001 3.0 L car rates below all 10 of these SUV's!
I am surprised the Honda CRV is not offered in a hybrid version? Honda seems to be sour on hybrids for some reason.
I definitely knew my Grand Cherokee would not be on this list!
Wow neither my 86 or 03 burban made the list I'm stunned.
I wish some "expert" would make a practical list that eliminates the hybrids and groups vehicles by capacity/size rather than some bogus auto maker grouping. You can't put Jeeps and Rav4's in the same "SUV" category as Explorers and Tahoes. Believe it or not, there are many many people out there that won't/can't spend the extra cash to go hybrid and have familles of 6+. Even if you look at the "worst mpg" list, what good is it to write a puff piece that lists cars that are "unattainable" for all but the super wealthy. I mean really..... Lamborghini, Bentley, Maybach and Ferrari? Common, if you can buy one of those you don't care about mpg and can afford the gas whatever the price.
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the HHR is an SUV?