Most economical 4×4

When trying to find the most economical 4×4 on the market, you have to consider a few different things.  Certainly fuel economy is important, but when you’re looking to save money, you also want to see what it is going to cost you to repair your vehicle, and how often you’re going to need to make those repairs. The most fuel efficient 4 x 4 may not turn out to be the most economical in the long run if it’s always in the shop.

You may also want to look in to purchasing a hybrid if you’re looking for an economical 4×4. Hybrids have a small, very fuel efficient gas engine, but also have an electric motor, which runs on rechargeable batteries that charge themselves while you drive. A hybrid may cost more in the beginning, but will save you and the environment down the line. Many auto manufacturers have come out with a hybrid SUV in their line up, most notably are the Ford Escape, Lexus 450h, Toyota Highlander, Mercury Mariner, and the Mazda Tribute, to name just a few. These are among the most economical hybrid 4 x 4’s on the market, based on fuel efficiency.

If you’re not interested in the sticker price of the hybrid, but still want the most economical 4 x 4 out there, you may want to consider looking at a Jeep. The Compass is considered to be a compact 4 x 4, so you don’t have the bulk and extra weight of a full size, yet it still retains its 4 x 4 capabilities quite nicely. The sticker price is affordable, and the mileage is estimated at 26mpg hwy and 21 mpg city. The Compass has a good track record with mechanics and while there are no guarantees, you may find yourself making fewer trips for repairs. Jeep is so confident with the quality of their vehicles they offer a 5 year, 100,000 Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty.  Definitely worth taking a look at in your search for the most economical 4×4.

The most important thing to remember when car shopping is to do your research.  There is no shortage of information available from each manufacturer, from fuel consumption estimates, to the best warranty available. Economy comes in many forms, not just fuel efficiency. When looking for the most economical 4×4 available, consider all your options and do your homework.