1st Place: 2006 Chevrolet HHR
Combined EPA Fuel Economy: 25
Powertrain: 2.2 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT 1st Place: 2006 Honda CR-V
Combined EPA Fuel Economy: 25
Powertrain: 2.4 liter, 4 cyl., 5-AT Why the EPA thinks that the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, which is basically a Chevy Cobalt station wagon, is a sport/utility vehicle is a mystery, but since our choice in the category, the 2006 Honda CR-V, is a jacked-up Civic with a big box hanging off the back, who are we to judge? We give the nod to the CR-V for its larger size, greater space, and more powerful engine. Plus, the darn things have proven to be nearly bulletproof in terms of reliability.
| Runners-Up |
Make and Model |
Combined MPG |
Powertrain |
| 2nd Place |
Ford Escape |
24 |
2.3 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Honda Element |
24 |
2.4 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Hyundai Tucson |
24 |
2.0 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Kia Sportage |
24 |
2.0 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Mazda Tribute |
24 |
2.3 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Mercury Mariner |
24 |
2.3 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Saturn Vue |
24 |
2.2 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Toyota Highlander |
24 |
2.4 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| 3rd Place |
Chrysler PT Cruiser |
23 |
2.4 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Ford Freestyle |
23 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., CVT |
| |
Hyundai Santa Fe |
23 |
2.4 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Mitsubishi Outlander |
23 |
2.4 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Saturn Vue |
23 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| 4th Place |
Ford Escape |
22 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Hyundai Santa Fe |
22 |
2.7 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Hyundai Tucson |
22 |
2.7 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Kia Sportage |
22 |
2.7 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Mazda Tribute |
22 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Mercury Mariner |
22 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Nissan Murano |
22 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., CVT |
| 5th Place |
Buick Rendezvous |
21 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Buick Rendezvous |
21 |
3.6 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Chevrolet Equinox |
21 |
3.4 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Pontiac Torrent |
21 |
3.4 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Suzuki Grand Vitara |
21 |
2.7 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Toyota Highlander |
21 |
3.3 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
|