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Subaru Outback is your best choice. Other than that, go with a 4Runner.
I would go with the 4Runner. PLenty of room, but not giant. Reliable, some of the best 4WD capability around. I have a 2010 4Runner Trail, and it's the best car I've ever had, with my 1995 4Runner in 2nd.
Most of the best SUV today get anything from 20 - 30 MPG with a little more for highway driving like 28-36 MPG , and less in city driving like 14-26 MPG ................Any SUV better you will need electric
I have a Chevy Equinox. It has 4 cyl. I get great mileage 25 city 30 highway. It is more roomy than other SUVS in its class. Nice ride to boot. I do not know if it comes with AWD. If it does it could fit your needs.
OP- what kind of trails do you intend to do? If you wish to do difficult ones, then crossovers like RAV4, CRV and Equinox won't suffice. You will need something with a 4*4, not AWD.
4runner is a good option.
I second the RAV 4 hybrid. Toyota is an expert on their hybrids. They've been out for a long time. They aren't new to the hybrid scene so no worries....
As some of you (Haakon and Gunslinger) have pointed out, fuel efficient suv is an oxymoron. I do need an SUV for various reasons so I would not be able to avoid it but at the same time do not want to leave a huge carbon footprint.
robr2 - not NH, MT. I do live near NH now and love the state.
Aery11- Thanks, will let you know what I decide. I think we have the same thoughts.
At this time I'm leaning towards a 4runner as some of you have suggested. However, I do like the Chevy Tahoe for its size and comfort.
Any Subaru, Toyota RAV4 or any Chevrolet/GMC SUV. That's it.
Stick to the 4 cylinder models if possible. Some V6 engines - the engine has to be taken out of vehicle for changing spark plugs or other maintenance procedures. Skip any engines with a turbo. Another expensive item cost if repairs/replacement are required.
Stick to a timing chain engine. Skip the timing belt engines.
Do your homework.
Yeah well, you need to do your homework. No v6 or v8 engine I have ever worked on in 37 years has ever been required to pull the engine to change spark plugs.
Nothing wrong with timing belts, as long as you change them when you are supposed to. Yes, turbos are a pain...i'd avoid.
If you are going to go offroad in snow, mud and ice, you need something a little more heavy duty than a 4 cyl that barely has enough power to spin 2 wheels. You need a real 4wd or a solid awd vehicle. Not going to find anything fuel friendly though.
I'd do a one week rental of each of the vehicles on your short list. Not cheap to do so, but far cheaper than wanting to trade in a new car after a year if you feel like you've made a purchase mistake. Toyota dealers often have in-house rentals; GM family is in many a rental company fleet pool.
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