2005 SUV Fuel Economy, Gas Mileage & Efficiency

Potential Efficiency
People often defend their decision to purchase a sport/utility vehicle on the grounds of its potential utility. "I may need to (carry, haul, tow) lots of (people, stuff) some day." So we took a look at the fuel cost of lugging around this potential for a year. We started with the EPA's database of projected annual fuel cost* as printed on window stickers and parsed that with manufacturer data on max passenger, cargo, and trailer-towing capacities. Just for fun, we also checked the sport potential, measuring vehicle efficiency against Motor Trend acceleration data. To avoid crossover-categorization issues, the utility envelope was broadened to include vehicles classified by the EPA as station wagons and vans. Where available, vehicles equipped with extra-seating options and towing packages were considered. The five most- and least-efficient vehicles are shown in each category (click on motortrend.com to check the numbers on your hauler of choice). Remember that, as the EPA says, "numbers shown are for comparison only, your mileage may vary," especially when the vehicles are loaded or sprinting.

•The EPA projects annual fuel costs based on an owner driving 15,000 miles per year with a 55/45 highway/city fuel economy split and paying $1.95 for premium fuel, $1.85 for regular, and $1.45 for diesel. Note that vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating over 8500 pounds are not included in the EPA database.