Affordable AWD or 4WD

[Kyle2k]

Hey guys, I'm in the preliminary stages of looking for a new daily driver and I'm looking at something that is a decent size and has AWD or 4WD, lighter on gas, and relatively affordable would be nice as well. Just to let everyone know I currently have a 98 s-10 blazer with 220k miles on it but air conditioning is going out and the it has been in a few too many minor accidents lol.

[DaBears]

Subaru Outback. Its a great size and gets 28-30MPG on the highway. If you do a lot of 65mph HIGHWAY driving they get over 30MPG.

I plan on buying an Outback as my daily driver in a couple years. They are REALLY nice cars and very affordable both used and new.

[Truck Norris]

Or try getting the former champ.... AWD Escape Hybrid is capable of 45mpg and just got the axe so there should still be some new 2012's out there if you are looking for something nice.


Article: 45mpg from a SUV?

[cab2g]

Yeah the Escape gets great mileage. But if you're looking for a NEW car, the equinox is pretty cheap for an AWD model especially considering the mileage it gets w/o being a hybrid.

Subaru's have always gotten great mileage. But I hear insurance for Imprezas are pretty high because of kids racing in them so much. I wish US manufacturers would make some mid-size and below awd cars... For the most part you're limited to german luxury brands and subaru when it comes to small fuel efficient awd cars/wagons...

[Stew]

Originally Posted by cab2g

Yeah the Escape gets great mileage. But if you're looking for a NEW car, the equinox is pretty cheap for an AWD model especially considering the mileage it gets w/o being a hybrid.

Subaru's have always gotten great mileage. But I hear insurance for Imprezas are pretty high because of kids racing in them so much. I wish US manufacturers would make some mid-size and below awd cars... For the most part you're limited to german luxury brands and subaru when it comes to small fuel efficient awd cars/wagons...

Yes, i would love to see more AWD cars. My brother loves the AWD in his CTS. At least Ford offers it on the Taurus and Fusion.

As for suggestions, i take it you are looking for something more in the wagon/crossover with a little size to it? I would sigguest a Patriot or Compass as mine has been Very good with excellent MPG, but I have a manual and they are pretty small. The Outback would be a great choice, but i am sure the CVT would take some gettil used to. The 13 Escape should be hitting lots now and I really like what I see there. The Equinox and Terrain 4 cylinders would also fit the bill.

[maverickmage]

Originally Posted by fox

2012 subaru impreza is the worlds most fuel effecient awd vehicle produced today.

+1

[scrming]

Originally Posted by cab2g

Yeah the Escape gets great mileage. But if you're looking for a NEW car, the equinox is pretty cheap for an AWD model especially considering the mileage it gets w/o being a hybrid.

Subaru's have always gotten great mileage. But I hear insurance for Imprezas are pretty high because of kids racing in them so much. I wish US manufacturers would make some mid-size and below awd cars... For the most part you're limited to german luxury brands and subaru when it comes to small fuel efficient awd cars/wagons...

Co-worker bought the 4 cylinder Equinox based on the rated MPG... Doesn't get anywhere near the MPG that was on the sticker... It's peppy enough for him but he's really disappointed in the MPG... Of course this is a single Equinox owner.... I haven't check with others...

[cab2g]

Originally Posted by scrming

Co-worker bought the 4 cylinder Equinox based on the rated MPG... Doesn't get anywhere near the MPG that was on the sticker... It's peppy enough for him but he's really disappointed in the MPG... Of course this is a single Equinox owner.... I haven't check with others...

Yeah, you know how they say EPA made their tests more realistic and old cars now have lower MPG ratings than were originally on their sticker? My pickup truck was rated at 15/20 with the EPA's new ratings (was 17/21) However my 10 year old truck was getting in the high 20's (25-27mpg) on the highway. My camaro on the other hand is rated at 16/24 but I'm lucky if I average 23/24 on the highway. So I'm waiting for my Camaro to get 30MPG on the highway haha... Maybe it'll take another 100k miles.

[Stew]

Originally Posted by cab2g

Yeah, you know how they say EPA made their tests more realistic and old cars now have lower MPG ratings than were originally on their sticker? My pickup truck was rated at 15/20 with the EPA's new ratings (was 17/21) However my 10 year old truck was getting in the high 20's (25-27mpg) on the highway. My camaro on the other hand is rated at 16/24 but I'm lucky if I average 23/24 on the highway. So I'm waiting for my Camaro to get 30MPG on the highway haha... Maybe it'll take another 100k miles.

Same with my Patriot, it was origionally rated like 25/29, the reduced it to 23/27, but i average 26-27 in mixed driving and have gotten 32 on the highway, or even if mixed if I watch what I doing lol.

[DaBears]

Originally Posted by scrming

Co-worker bought the 4 cylinder Equinox based on the rated MPG... Doesn't get anywhere near the MPG that was on the sticker... It's peppy enough for him but he's really disappointed in the MPG... Of course this is a single Equinox owner.... I haven't check with others...

Well how much of a lead foot is your friend? And how fast is he going on the highway.

We have a 2010 Equinox and when I go 78mph for 400 miles on our regular road trips to PA we get 28-29 MPG consistently. Now, when I drive to chicago which is going 65mph I actually get the advertised 32MPG which was what the EPA put out for it.

You have to realize that the bigger lead foot you are in the city and faster you go on the highway all factor into the equation.

[DaBears]

A lot of Subaru outback owners are saying in reviews that they are getting much better MPG than what the EPA estimates for the car. My friend has a 2011 Outback and he gets 33MPG on the highway at 60mph. Thats 4MPG more than the EPA estimate.

[M Miller69]

Look into the GMC Terrain. Just bought my wife a 2012 AWD and she LOVES it. Its great in snow and other poor road conditions and it rides great. If you plan on pulling with it though jump up to the V-6 opposed to the 4cyl.

[JamesNoBrakes]

Originally Posted by cab2g

Yeah the Escape gets great mileage. But if you're looking for a NEW car, the equinox is pretty cheap for an AWD model especially considering the mileage it gets w/o being a hybrid.

Subaru's have always gotten great mileage. But I hear insurance for Imprezas are pretty high because of kids racing in them so much. I wish US manufacturers would make some mid-size and below awd cars... For the most part you're limited to german luxury brands and subaru when it comes to small fuel efficient awd cars/wagons...

Insurance was cheaper in my WRX than my Camaro. No tickets.

[ss_camaro_10]

the silverado hybrid?