4 Cylinder SUVs
4 Cylinder SUVs to Compare
With fuel prices on the rise, 4 cylinder SUVs have increased in popularity. Even though seating in these vehicles is at maximum capacity with four to five people, this vehicle type offers a similar driving experience to the larger v6 or v8 SUVs without great pain at the pump. 4 cylinder SUVs are a great option whether the driver enjoys the raised seating position of an SUV or the opportunity to go off-road. Three 4 cylinder SUV to consider are the Honda CR-V, the Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV 4.
Honda CR-V
The 2011 Honda CR-V is one of the most popular SUVs in this class and for good reason. Families are drawn to this good looking compact SUV because it offers something for everyone. Many storage compartments, comfortable interior, and cargo room continue to make this model a popular choice. It is also affordable with MSRP starting at $21,895. The Honda CR-V reports 21 mpg/city and 28 mpg/hwy. and has a 180-hp, 4 cylinder engine. Ground clearance for the Honda CR-V is an easy to enter 6.7 inches and cargo room is 35.7 cubic feet to 72.9 cubic feet with the rear seat down. It may not be the quickest on the road or the most luxurious, but the Honda CR-V remains at the top because it does have something for most everyone.
Subaru Forester
Getting more notice this year is the 2011 Subaru Forester starting at $20,495 MSRP. It is available with the standard 4 cylinder or the turbocharged 4 cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine. The Forester's fuel efficiency is competitive getting 21 mpg/city and 27 mpg/hwy., however, the 224 hp turbocharged engine drops the fuel efficiency to 19 mpg/city and 24 mpg/hwy. Ground clearance on this vehicle is 8.7 - 8.9 inches and cargo room begins at 30.8 cubic feet and can extend to as much as 68.3 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The Forester may not be for those looking for more luxury or technology options, but it's low price paired with a just plain fun driving experience makes it a practical choice for those more likely to need it's standard all-wheel drive.
Toyota Rav4
Another popular 4 cylinder SUV is the Toyota RAV 4. This polished SUV starts at $22,475 MSRP and reports 22 mpg/city and 28 mpg/hwy. There is an optional third seat row available in the RAV 4 which is a feature that many in this class do not offer. Ground clearance is an average 7.5 inches and cargo space can be as little as 12.3 cubic feet with the optional third seat row, 36.4 cubic feet without that third row and 73 cubic feet with the second seat row lowered. Always out in front, the RAV 4 is comfortable and competitive. This 4 cylinder SUV is practical and family friendly with the option of the extra seating.
What a driver may lose in cargo room or towing power in a compact SUV, he or she will gain with better handling, lower costs and less struggle getting in and out of the vehicle. The 4 cylinder SUV may be a perfect solution in these leaner times offering better gas mileage while still providing the SUV driving experience and off-road options. The Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV 4 are three great 4 cylinder choices to consider when shopping for a compact SUV.