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Subies and the usual CUV suspects (CRV, RAV4, Rogue, CX5, etc)
+1000... not many.... also SOME Audis can just barely average over 20mpg. Theres also the awd toyota matrix. Higlander suv for 28mpg both city and highway. Not cheap at all though.
For that mpg range, my personal pick would be an Audi or WRX wagon though.
You could range from a small, AWD Subaru Impreza to a 2 ton plus Dodge Charger SXT AWD, and get 20 MPG or better. Basically, any car with AWD is going to be over 20 MPG, as will most small and some mid size car based SUV's.
Just my 2 cents to add is I would take a look at what type of gas is recommended by the manufacturer for each car you're looking at as well since I'm assuming you're not looking to get hosed with gas costs. I figured my advice may factor into your decision.
The Subaru Legacy is a nice sized AWD sedan that will do over 30 on the highway and well over 20 in 'suburban'/highway mix. Pure stop and go city I don't know but guess worst case is probably at least 20, if driven sensibly.
This is with the standard 4 cylinder, CVT auto and all on regular grade gas. A stick shift may still be available, but interestingly gets slightly fewer mpg, though should still be in your target range.
The Outback would be a couple mpg less, due to maybe a bit more weight and lower aerodynamics, but again is about what you seek. Although some regard it as an SUV, it is just as much a station wagon to me. Really in between.
The smaller Subarus should do as well or better, and I agree some Audis should do it too.
The Subaru Legacy is a nice sized AWD sedan that will do over 30 on the highway and well over 20 in 'suburban'/highway mix. This is with the standard 4 cylinder, CVT auto and all on regular grade gas.
The Outback would be a couple mpg less, due to maybe a bit more weight and lower aerodynamics, but again is about what you seek. Although some regard it as an SUV, it is just as much a station wagon to me. Really in between.
I have a 2011 Outback with the 3.6 liter 6-cylinder engine & 6-speed automatic trans, and my usual gas mileage--in a mixture of suburban/highway driving--is 22-24 mpg. On long highway trips, I have been able to eke out 29 mpg, but 27 mpg is more typical for exclusively highway driving. Clearly, the 4-cylinder engine gets better gas mileage, but the 6-cylinder provides such vastly improved acceleration and lower cabin noise levels that I think the slightly lower gas mileage with the 6 is a decent trade-off.
Plus, I agree that the Outback is essentially just a raised version of a Legacy station wagon, with a car-like ride and great legroom front & rear.
I have a 2011 Outback with the 3.6 liter 6-cylinder engine & 6-speed automatic trans, and my usual gas mileage--in a mixture of suburban/highway driving--is 22-24 mpg. On long highway trips, I have been able to eke out 29 mpg, but 27 mpg is more typical for exclusively highway driving. Clearly, the 4-cylinder engine gets better gas mileage, but the 6-cylinder provides such vastly improved acceleration and lower cabin noise levels that I think the slightly lower gas mileage with the 6 is a decent trade-off.
Plus, I agree that the Outback is essentially just a raised version of a Legacy station wagon, with a car-like ride and great legroom front & rear.
I meant to add that in the Legacy/Outback the 4 cyl. is an 'adequate' but unexciting performer...notably when pressed to pass, climb a steep grade, and/or accelerate briskly. An aggressive driver who drives a lot on hilly/steep roads would not be Imprezad by the larger cars performance when pushed hard...maybe the smaller body meets your needs.
Under 'normal' conditions the CVT 4 performance is usually 'good enough'. It is the tradeoff for 30+ mpg AWD on regular gas. (I think 33+ can be obtained on mostly highway, in the summer etc. with the Legacy using this drive train.)
My sister in law drives a Subaru Outback (the 4 cyl model) and gets 26.1 mpg according to the display on the dash.
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All wheel drive and high mpg?
