Crossover vehicles have emerged as a sensible compromise in the automotive world, effectively bridging the gap between the traditionally fuel-hungry SUV and the more economical passenger car.
Crossover vehicles offer a balance of fuel efficiency and SUV practicality, bridging the gap between gas-guzzling SUVs and fuel-efficient cars.
Identifying crossover vehicles that boast exceptional fuel economy can be a surprisingly complex task. This isn’t due to a scarcity of fuel-efficient models; rather, the very definition of a “crossover” remains somewhat ambiguous. What one person considers a crossover, another might classify as a small SUV or even a station wagon. While some automakers helpfully include an “X” in the model name to denote a crossover, this practice is not universally adopted.
Adding to the confusion, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not offer a definitive classification for “crossover vehicles” within its guidelines. Although the EPA meticulously tracks and publishes the miles per gallon (MPG) for every passenger vehicle sold annually in the United States, “crossover” is absent from its official vehicle categories. The agency utilizes established EPA classes, such as midsize station wagons and sport utility vehicles. Furthermore, the website fueleconomy.gov, while providing market class categories more aligned with consumer shopping habits like hatchbacks and SUVs, still lacks a specific “crossover” classification.
Ultimately, the categorization often falls to the vehicle manufacturers themselves. As traditional SUVs have waned in popularity, and with fluctuating gasoline prices impacting consumer choices, the crossover vehicle has risen to prominence as a versatile option balancing off-road truck capabilities and everyday car practicality. The majority of crossovers are constructed on a car platform, which is inherently lighter and offers easier handling compared to the robust, boxed frame chassis traditionally associated with SUVs.
Ahead, we will explore five crossover vehicles recognized for their outstanding fuel economy, including a noteworthy hybrid option that may surprise you.
