Ten affordable ways to take it all with you without leaving your full paycheck behind.

By Steve Miller, CarandDriver.com


You like SUVs. Your family likes SUVs. But these days, your wallet does not like SUVs, if only on account of the waif-like profile it assumes once you gas up. Too bad, because there are those for whom there is no getting around the need for seven or eight seatbelts, and there’s usually an inverse correlation between the size of a family and the number of disposable dollars in their income. What is a multi-tasking head-of- household to drive?

Crossovers represent the best blend of versatility and frugality among three-row vehicles; they’re far more efficient, easier to drive, and usually more spacious inside than truck-based, full-size, three-row SUVs. And most minivans would place near the bottom of this list had we broadened our search to include them, although they do offer more cargo volume, easier access to the cabin and, in most cases, vastly more spacious and comfortable third rows.

But there’s that pesky image problem. If a minivan is an absolute no and fuel efficiency is your hottest of hot buttons, we suggest sticking to triple-tier crossovers, and none are more efficient than these.


1. 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2. 2008 Toyota RAV4

3. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320/R320 BlueTec

4. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

5. 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

6. 2008 Toyota Highlander

7. 2008 Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook

8. 2008 Ford Taurus X

9. 2008 Hyundai Veracruz

10. 2008 Mazda CX-9

Link

 

Suprised no Honda/Acura.

 

Ouch, not one Honda product.

I'm not, seeing as Honda has been quite stubborn and have lost focus over the past few years.

Even the new Pilot, with it's sophisticated cylinder shut-off system (VCM 2) still does not match the Highlander in fuel economy. It only manages to match GM's full-size CUVs, which are bigger and heavier than the new Pilot.

 

the rav4 has a 3rd row? holy crap no wonder theyre huge.

 

Yup.

In fact, Toyota/Lexus has SEVEN crossovers/SUVs that fit 7+ people, not including the Sienna minivan...

 

Honda has the Pilot. Acura has the MDX.

Both can fit up to 7 people. Both have 15/20 mpg. Therefore, they do not qualify as fuel-efficient 7+ seaters...

 

The seven are GX 470, LX 570, RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, Landcruiser and Sequoia...wow that's alot...

 

We need more hybrids!!!!!

 

Also the potential for a Lexus version of the Seq and Rav4 and also the fact that the Rav4 has gotten so damn big that there's really room for another smaller SUV in the lineup.

I think Toyota has too many SUVs, really... especially with the way gas prices have gone.

 

The Tahoe Hybrid is 21/22 and offers very spacious 3 row seating.

It should definitely be on that list.. that's better than several of those.

 

For the heavy GL320 CDI and R320 CDI to come in third place is pretty darn impressive!

Maybe Lexus should invest in a proper diesel engine for their SUVs?

 

Rav4 is a good entry level crossover. I don't think Toyota should make a smaller one similar to that of the Rogue; we all know how small and non-functional that car is as an SUV. Just give people the extra cargo space for functional necessity.

Highlander is more upscale and roomier. It appeals to the masses more. Like how the Corolla and Camry pleases two populations, so does the Rav4 and Highlander.

The 4Runner is no longer necessary. Yes, it hauls better than the Highlander, but I don't think it'll be popular with rising gas prices.

Sequoia is a great top-of-the line SUV. Pretty much the equivalent to the GX.

The Land Cruiser should have been discontinued, but should live on as the LX. No one wants to spend $70k on a Toyota, when you can get the Lexus for $75k.

 

i am glad you dont work for Toyota, otherwise we would have 10 less Toyota's selling today :-).

Different people have different needs, hence different vehicles.

 

2008 Taurus X? This is just a station wagon right.

 

Well I found the full article on Car and Driver... apparently Yahoo has the abbreviated article which neglects to include the part where the author acknowledges the Tahoe Hybrid that I was earlier pointing out that they badly missed on that list.

His explanation is that the list is intended to include only crossover SUVs... not body on frame. He also mentions the high price of the Tahoe Hybrid.

Sounds like a very poor excuse to me... why a BOF chassis construction would exclude it from a "most fuel efficient three-row SUV" contest is completely beyond me... if anything BOF construction is a disadvantage in terms of fuel economy, and yet the Tahoe Hybrid overcomes that... it also offers dramatically more power, interior room, feature content, towing, and off-roading capabilities than most others on that list. And if the Tahoe's sticker price is an issue there then the Benz definitely doesn't belong either.


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