Purchasing an Energy Efficient SUV
If you are looking to upgrade your little sedan to accommodate for your growing family or if you are looking to get more out of your vehicle, then an SUV is an obvious choice. SUV's or sport utility vehicle's combine the space of a minivan, the torque of a truck with the class of a vehicle of its own. SUV's are commonly used for toting the kids here, there and everywhere in the city but are also the vehicle du jour for back road treks and off road camping trips.
If you are looking into buying an SUV this season then think about buying one that rates high in energy efficiency. One of the biggest drawbacks to SUV's is that they tend to be gas guzzling machines. You can expect to pay through the roof for fuel each year and are harming the environment in the process. However, most car manufacturers have been hard at work creating hybrid SUV's that are more fuel efficient and thus energy efficient as well. So what do you need to know about purchasing an energy efficient SUV this year?
Compare Green SUV's
Price is important when you are comparing SUV models. You can expect hybrid models to be a lot more expensive than the standard SUV; however, in the long run you can expect to save a fortune at the pump. Furthermore, car insurance for fuel efficient models tends to be much cheaper. In fact, there are several providers that offer discounts and benefits for hybrid cars that do make it into the energy efficiency category.
What of the biggest things that make a difference when it comes to energy efficiency is the vehicle's fuel efficiency. If your SUV is a gas guzzler, then you are not doing much for the environment? Some of the top picks for fuel efficiency SUV's include the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. All four of these vehicles clocked 31 miles per gallon for highway driving and between 24 and 31 miles per gallon for city driving.
Compare SUV Features
As mentioned above, a lot of different manufacturers trying to break into the world of energy efficient SUV's. Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Suzuki are only a few of the big names out there planning for a greener road. When you are comparing the various energy efficient SUV's you need to think about more than just the environment. What features are you looking for?
If you plan on driving the SUV off road into the bush then you need to ensure that the vehicle is capable of doing so with four wheel drive compatibility. If you are sticking to the motorways and city driving, then look for a vehicle that comes with a good highway rating. Other thing to consider when comparing energy efficient SUV's is the interior space. If you have five children, you want an SUV that will be comfortable for the entire family as well as your luggage.
Safety is just as important as energy efficiency and will also make a big difference in terms of the cost. Make sure your SUV not only ranks high in terms of the fuel efficiency but also in terms of safety features and testing.
Knowing which the right SUV is for your family can be confusing. Purchasing an energy efficient SUV may be more expensive initially but it will make a difference in the long run for both your pocketbook and for the environment. Think about this when you are flipping through the Cars Guide and scanning your options.
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