Subaru Outback Gas Mileage

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Subaru Outback is based on the Subaru Legacy platform. While the Legacy is classified as a mid-sized car, the Outback is classified as a compact crossover SUV. The Subaru Outback’s gas mileage figures are respectable for a compact AWD SUV, with highway ratings in the mid- to high-twenty mile per gallon (MPG) range. The Outback was last redesigned for the 2005 model year.

The domestic 2008 Outback and Outback 2.5i are fitted with Subaru’s naturally-aspirated 2.5 liter SOHC 16-valve four-cylinder Boxer engine, rated at 170 horsepower (HP) and 170 foot pounds of torque. The Outback 2.5 XT Limited is equipped with a turbocharged variant of the 2.5 liter four banger Boxer, producing 243 HP and 241 foot pounds of torque. The top of the line Outback R L.L.Bean Edition is fitted with a naturally-aspirated six cylinder Boxer engine, producing 245 HP and 215 foot pounds of torque.

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Subaru Forester Gas Mileage

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Subaru Forester, first brought to America in 2002, is a popular compact crossover SUV in the Snowbelt. The Subaru Forester’s gas mileage figures are good for an AWD model, with highway ratings for the naturally-aspirated editions in the high twenty mile per gallon (MPG) range. While the Forester is boxiest of the Subarus, and is classified as a SUV, it is hardly truck-like.

The 2008 Subaru Forester is available with two engine choices, based on model. The Forester 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 X and 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition (shown above) are fitted with a naturally-aspirated 2.5 liter four-cylinder boxer engine, rated at 173 horsepower. The Forester 2.5 XT, Sports 2.5 XT, and 2.5 XT Limited are equipped with an inter-cooled, turbocharged version of the 2.5 liter boxer engine, rated at 224 horsepower.

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Hyundai Veracruz Gas Mileage

The mid-sized Hyundai Veracruz was introduced for the 2007 model year, as Hyundai’s move into the upmarket crossover SUV waters. Room for seven passengers, competitive pricing, and reasonable gas mileage make the Veracruz an interesting alternative to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, although the competition’s bound to get tougher in the coming years. Highway gas mileage ratings in the low twenties miles per gallon (MPG) range should be the bottom range for seven-seat SUVs, going forward.

All models of the domestic 2008 Veracruz are fitted with a 3.8 liter V-6 engine that produces a healthy 260 horsepower, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Veracruz is currently Hyundai’s largest SUV.

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Hyundai Tuscon Gas Mileage

The Hyundai Tucson was introduced in 2005. The Tuscon produces acceptable gas mileage for a compact crossover SUV, but falls a bit short of the competition (i.e.: Jeep Compass and Patriot, Honda CR-V, and Chevy HHR), when it comes to highway gas mileage ratings.

The Tucson GLS is equipped with with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine rated at 140 horsepower (HP), while the Tucson SE and Limited are fitted with a 2.7 liter V-6 rated at 173 HP. A 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel (CRDi) four-cylinder engine is available internationally in the Tucson, but not in the USA.

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Saturn Vue Gas Mileage

The Saturn Vue, first introduced in 2002, is one of America’s most economical compact SUVs. Good gas mileage has long been a hallmark of the Vue. From its inception through the 2007 model year, city gas mileage ratings hovered around or above 20 miles per gallon (MPG), with highway ratings in the mid-to-high twenties. The 2008 model year marks a substantial redesign for the Vue. While the quality of the Vue has risen dramatically with the new European-inspired design, gas mileage ratings have fallen from previous years.

The 2008 Vue is available with three engine choices, based on trim level. The Vue XE FWD and Green Line (hybrid) models are fitted with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 169 horsepower. AWD Vue XE models are equipped with a 3.5 liter V-6 engine, rated at 222 horsepower, while the Vue XR and Vue Red Line are fitted with a DOHC 3.6 liter V-6 that pumps out 257 horsepower, topping the charts for the range. Gas mileage ratings for the Vue Green Line hybrid top the 2WD SUV highway charts.

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