Best Used 4 cylinder SUVs
Just several years ago, 4-cylinder SUVs weren't even seriously considered - a 4 cylinder engine was deemed too weak for an SUV and the gasoline wasn't that expensive. Things have changed. Gas prices keep rising, forcing us to look for more fuel-efficient cars and SUVs. Environmental concerns are pushing us towards more environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Todays 4-cylinder engines are more fuel efficient, more powerful and more durable, thanks to new technologies.
Here we selected few late-model non-hybrid 4-cylinder SUVs, that deserve top consideration if you are in the market for a used SUV with decent gas mileage.
Fuel economy data from Fueleconomy.gov, the MPG numbers are the US MPG, not imperial.
• Honda CR-V
• Honda Element
• Subaru Forester
• Toyota Highlander
• Nissan X-TRAIL
Toyota RAV4 (4-cylinder model, 2001 and up)
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Small, practical, reliable car-based SUV. Sleek styling, fun to drive, easy to maintain. Available as 2WD or AWD. Manual or Automatic transmission. The EPA estimates for the 2007 4-cylinder 4WD automatic model:Honda CR-V (2002 and up)
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Small, versatile, car-based SUV. 2WD or 4WD. Manual or Automatic. Good engine, fairly reliable and easy to maintain. Very practical interior with many well-thought amenities, including even a foldable picnic table. The EPA estimates for the 2007 4WD automatic model:Honda Element (2003 and up)
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The Element is based on the CR-V platform. 4-seater. 2WD or 4WD. Manual or Automatic. Cargo-oriented interior with flip-up removable rear seats, wide-opening side doors without central pillar and plastic washable floor. Ride is car-like, but road and drivetrain noises are pronounced.
The EPA estimates for the 2007 4WD automatic model:Subaru Forester (non-turbo model, 2003 and up)
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Small car-based SUV with excellent all-weather handling. Good visibility, maneuverable, capable AWD system. Manual or Automatic transmission. Very good crash-test scores. Decent towing capability.Toyota Highlander (4-cylinder, 2001 and up)
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Mid-size car-based SUV. FWD or AWD. Automatic transmission only. Smooth, soft car-like ride. Comfortable interior. Decent towing capacity. The EPA estimates for the 2007 4-cylinder 4WD automatic model:Nissan X-TRAIL (2005, 2006)
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The X-TRAIL was not available in US, and was sold in Canada only as 2005 and 2006 model. Small car-based SUV with stiff ride. Practical, although plain plastic-looking interior, large available sunroof. FWD or AWD. Rear axle can be disconnected from the switch on the dashboard on AWD models. Manual or Automatic transmission. The Canada Office of Energy Efficiency estimates for the 2006 4WD automatic model:You can compare used cars fuel economy ratings and learn more about choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle at:
Fueleconomy.gov - for US
Office of Energy Efficiency - for Canada.
