The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is available with a 2.4-liter inline four cylinder or a 3.2-liter V6 engine, in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) trim.
While on the road, the Grand Vitara’s gas mileage is merely par for the class; off the beaten path, the little truck shines. This is not a poseur’s SUV. With the Grand Vitara, gas mileage is secondary to competence off road. Folks in the know buy this one to get it dirty.
The 2009 Jeep Liberty is equipped with a 3.7-liter six-cylinder engine that produces gas mileage ratings of 16 city/22 highway (2WD) and 15/21 (4WD).
Although a manual transmission had been available starting with the 2002 Liberty, all 2009 Liberty models are fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission, exclusively. A more fuel efficient 2.4-liter four cylinder engine was available in the 2003 through 2005 Liberty.
MPG-o-Matic Subaru Forester Review Summary: As a tall AWD wagon, the Subaru Forester forges its own trail amongst its peers, with a comfortable ride, roomy interior, generous headroom, and excellent visibility.
The Subaru Forester competes most closely with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Saturn VUE, and Nissan Rogue in the compact crossover all-wheel-drive (AWD) market. Subaru’s reliable Symmetrical AWD and less truck-like demeanor have won the Forester (and the brand) a loyal following.
MPG-o-Matic 2009 Suzuki SX4 Review Summary: The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover shined like a little gem in our week-long review, with a long list of features, AWD, plenty of character, and a entry-level price the budget-conscious will love.
The Suzuki SX4 Crossover competes primarily with the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, along with a host of Subarus in the entry-level AWD market. The five-door hatchback SX4 Crossover is billed as the most affordable AWD in America.
MPG-o-Matic Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review Summary: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a seven seat SUV that plays a trump card in the sport utility market, by delivering the best gas mileage in its class.
Equipped with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy drive system and a 3.3 liter V6 engine, the Highlander Hybrid produces a total of 209 horsepower and 212 foot pounds of torque.
The official gas mileage estimates for the four wheel drive Highlander Hybrid Limited are 27 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG). (Overall, the Highlander Hybrid’s numbers represent a significant step above the conventional Highlander’s 18/24 rating.)