Top 12 Fuel-Efficient 2010 SUVs and Crossovers

34 mpg city/31 mpg highway

The Ford Escape Hybrid has been the SUV mileage champ ever since it hit the scene in 2006. It retailed in 2010 starting at $29,860 and boasted an impressive set of features. The Escape Hybrid is more than just a fuel-efficient SUV, it's a very useful, attractive one at that. The 2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder gas/electric hybrid comes in either front- or four-wheel drive.

34 mpg city/31 mpg highway

This gas/electric hybrid retailed starting at $30,105 and features an automatic transmission and 2.5 liter 177 horsepower engine (front- or four-wheel drive). It was popular for its smooth ride, comfortable seats, and roomy interior. Families will appreciate its generous 66.4 cubic feet of cargo carrying capacity as well.

30 mpg city/28 mpg highway

Retailing starting at $42,685, the Lexus RX450h received a makeover for 2010, with more power, more efficiency, and more luxury. With a 3.5 V6 gas/electric engine (front-or all-wheel drive), it's one of the most fuel-efficient luxury SUVs on the planet.

27 mpg city/25 mpg highway

The Highlander Hybrid returned basically unchanged for 2010. Available with a third row of seating, it's a great alternative to a minivan. The muscular, efficient four-wheel drive SUV features a 3.3 liter V6 gas/electric hybrid, engine and a host of amenities. No wonder the base model retailed at nearly $35,000.

23 mpg city/29 mpg highway (2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, FWD)

23 mpg city/28 mpg highway (2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, FWD)

23 mpg city/28 mpg highway (2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, 4WD)

22 mpg city/27 mpg highway (2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder, CVT, FWD)

Not only was the 2010 Jeep Compass the most fuel-efficient Jeep ever built, it was also one of the most affordable. Starting at $19,350, the Compass packed a surprising punch and off-road prowess into a small package. 

23 mpg city/29 mpg highway (2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, FWD)

23 mpg city/28 mpg highway (2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, FWD)

23 mpg city/28 mpg highway (2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, 4WD)

22 mpg city/27 mpg highway (2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder, CVT, FWD)

The Jeep Patriot combines old-school Jeep looks with great efficiency and affordability. With a base price of $18,425, it was the least expensive Jeep model in that year's lineup, and one of the coolest-looking. 

22 mpg city/32 mpg highway

With a 2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the Equinox featured a redesigned body, chassis, interior, and powertrain. About all that remained of the old Equinox was the name and the Chevy bow tie. Starting at $22,615, Equinox was designed to catapult General Motors back into contention in the compact SUV marketplace.

22 mpg city/32 mpg highway

The 2010 GMC Terrain boasts a 2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It made its debut in 2010, and shared a powertrain and platform with the revamped Chevrolet Equinox. Terrain has a different interior, front end and rear end, and a slightly more premium feel than Equinox. Starting at $24,250, it was designed to be an upscale alternative in the world of efficient compact SUVs.

22 mpg city/29 mpg highway (2.5 liter Boxer 4-cylinder, CVT, AWD)

19 mpg city/27 mpg highway (2.5 liter Boxer 4-cylinder, 6-speed manual transmission, AWD)

The Outback Outback underwent a major redesign for 2010, with a new powertrain, body, and interior design. Starting at $22,995, the 2010 Subaru Outback gave customers what they have always wanted in a Subaru: efficiency and affordability. 

22 mpg city/28 mpg highway (2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, FWD)

21 mpg city/28 mpg highway (2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic transmission, FWD)

The 2010 Ford Escape makes a second appearance on this list, this time in conventional gas-only form. Starting at $21,020, the gas-only Escape is a tremendous bargain, and an efficient one at that.

22 mpg city/28 mpg highway (2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, FWD)

21 mpg city/28 mpg highway (2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic transmission, FWD)

A holdover from Ford's partial ownership of Mazda, the 2010 Mazda Tribute shares a powertrain, interior, and most of its body parts with the 2010 Ford Escape and 2010 Mercury Mariner. Starting at $21,115, it was also an easy entry into the Zoom-Zoom family.

22 mpg city/28 mpg highway (2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder, 4-speed automatic transmission, FWD)

21 mpg city/27 mpg highway (2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder, 4-speed automatic transmission, 4WD)

The 2010 Toyota RAV4 returned unchanged from its 2006 third-generation makeover. Still trim and efficient in 4-cylinder form, the Toyota RAV4 base prices started at $21,675.