suv

Chevrolet Tahoe Gas Mileage

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Introduced in 1995, the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe is a true American SUV. Granted, the Tahoe’s gas mileage ratings, have never been something to write home about … until now. 2008 might just mark the dawn of a new era, with the Tahoe Hybrid offering a remarkable 50% improvement in city gas mileage ratings over the standard models. It isn’t just a case of bolting in an electric motor and a bank of batteries. Chevy dropped the Tahoe hybrid’s suspension, made aerodynamic tweaks to the hood and front end, and put some components on a diet to ease the load on the two-mode hybrid system. (Both the hood and tailgate are lightweight aluminum.)

The estimated gas mileage for the Tahoe Hybrid (shown above) is 21 city / 22 highway in 2WD trim, and 20 city / 20 highway for the 4WD model. The Tahoe Hybrid is slated to ship in early 2008.

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe is available with four engine choices, dependent on model. The two-wheel-drive LS comes standard with the 4.8 liter Vortec V-8, while the LT1, LT2, LT3 and LTZ are equipped with one of two versions of Chevy’s 5.3 liter Vortec V-8. The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is fitted with a hefty 6.0 liter Vortec V-8 along with the two-mode hybrid electric propulsion system. (And you were expecting a wimpy little engine?)

Twenty miles per gallon in the city is be a good start for the Tahoe Hybrid but there’s plenty of ground to make up. An equivalent boost in highway mileage would be more than welcome. Continuing the effort to lighten the big SUV and dropping the 6.0 liter gasoline-burning V-8 in favor of a more economical turbo-diesel would be likely next steps.

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Chrysler PT Cruiser Gas Mileage

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The retro-styled Chrysler PT Cruiser, first introduced in 2001, is an American icon. PT Cruiser gas mileage ratings typically range from the mid to high twenties on the highway, depending on the engine configuration. City gas mileage ratings fall below 20 miles per gallon (MPG) in some models. Although the PT Cruiser it is not available with AWD, it’s classified as a compact SUV. The PT Cruiser went through a minor cosmetic redesign in the 2006 model year.

The limited edition 2008 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition (shown above) features “Sunset Crystal” paint, extra brightwork, 16-inch chrome nine-spoke wheels, and special interior trim. The domestic 2008 PT Cruiser is available with two engine choices based on a sixteen-valve DOHC 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged version is rated at 180 horsepower (HP) on premium fuel, while the naturally aspirated version is rated at 150 HP on regular. An economical 2.2 liter common rail diesel (CRD) engine is available in the PT Cruiser overseas. It is highly unlikely that the CRD will ever be available in a domestic PT Cruiser, however, as the model is nearing the end of its run.

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Subaru Outback Gas Mileage

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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

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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

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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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