Top 12 Fuel-Efficient 2010 SUVs and Crossovers

01

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Ford Escape Hybrid

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.

02

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2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

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.

03

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Lexus RX450h

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.

04

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Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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.

05

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Jeep Compass

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.

06

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Jeep Patriot

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.

07

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Chevrolet Equinox

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.

08

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GMC Terrain

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.

09

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Subaru Outback 2.5i

2010 Subaru Outback. Photo © Jason Fogelson

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.

10

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Ford Escape

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.

11

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Mazda Tribute

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.

12

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Toyota RAV4

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.