The first one of the best 2011 SUV’s is the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara has some of the greatest featunres like a five-seater include automatic climate control, illuminated steering wheel controls, side-impact and side-curtain air bags with rollover protection, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and electronic stability control. The side-curtain air bag inflates the full area of the window to protect your head from hitting the window or frame pillar in a side-impact collision. It is classified as a compact SUV with a V-6 engine. It also comes with an independent suspension.

The second one of the best 2011 SUV‘s is the 2011 Subaru Forester. The 2011 Subaru Forester has the wagon design for the past. It can seat up to the five people in the SUV. You have two choices in a engine: a 170 horsepower or a 224 horsepower. The four cylinder is turbocharged. It is known for its safety features. These features include standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, active head restraints, front- and side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants and side-curtain air bags with rollover sensors for both rows of seats. It also has a center armrest and a MP3 input jack.

The third one of the best 2011 SUV’s is the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid can get up to 34 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. It comes with the standard features like a five-seater include cruise control, audio system with a six-disc CD changer, capless refueling system, side-impact and side-curtain air bags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control with rollover sensors.

The fourth one of the best 2011 SUV’s is the 2011 Ford Flex. The 2011 Ford Flex can get up to 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. It has a V-6 Ecoboost engine. It also comes with the standard features like a third-row seat that folds into the floor, dual-zone climate control, steering wheel-mounted climate and audio controls and interior ambient lighting.

The fifth one is the 2011 Lincoln MKT. The 2011 Lincoln MKT can get up to 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. It comes with a 355 horsepower and a V-8 engine. One of its best features is its leather seats. The standard features are power-adjustable pedals to accommodate shorter drivers so they don’t need to move the seat as far forward, heated and cooled front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The sixth one is the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe can seat up to five people. Some of its standard features are MP3 jacks, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and connectivity for Bluetooth, USBs and iPods. The safety features include antilock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, active front head restraints (which help to reduce whiplash in a collision) and front and side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants, and side-curtain air bags with rollover sensors for both rows of seats. It is considered to be one of the best values in its class.

These are just some of the best SUV’s of 2011.

Consumer Reports has named two brands of SUV as the top ones for that year: the Subaru Forester as the best small SUV, and the Hyundai Santa Fe as the best medium- sized of that type.

The Subaru Forester is a rugged, all- wheel drive vehicle, capable of performing in bad weather, making it ideal for traveling to ski lodges and other such vacation spots. Its low points include relatively low ground clearance and capability off the road. The interior of the most recent model is more spacious and upscale.

The Hyundai Santa Fe has a strong, efficient V6 engine and a roomy cabin, and its controls are easy to operate. It also comes with a “great warranty.” Cons are that some people may find certain models to be too firm.

The following three vehicles are highly rated by Business Week:

At $24,000 the Volkswagen Tiguan may seem rather expensive, but the price is worth the quality of this truck. It is equipped with the best Bluetooth technology, and its interior is of high quality, however it has only a limited amount of space, so families with many children should have second thoughts about buying this SUV. Its economy of fuel is also low.

The Honda Element is an excellent choice for anyone who has a dog, for it is equipped with an entry ramp, a fan, a food and water bowl, and “dog bone upholstery!” It also has a crash- resistant crate to house the dog.

The Dodge Journey has fought its bad reputation by making a number of improvements over its earlier self, including sharpening the chassis and creating a more pleasant- looking inside. The dashboard and other instruments are covered in shiny plastic.

Most specialists have rated the Honda CR- V as the best 2010 SUV among the cheap compact models in terms of safety: it costs less than $25,000. This model has won a number of awards, including the Motorist Choice Award and Best Compact Crossover for the Money. Among large luxury SUVs, the Mercedes 2010 has been given a high rating because of its fuel economy, but is engine is less powerful than those of many other trucks, nor is it really intended for off- the- road driving.

The Chevrolet Equinox has not only a spacious inside, it also has a computer console complete with a USB port. The chair- like balloons that came with the previous year’s model have been replaced by a set of buckets that offer much greater comfort.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a rare type: It combines the ruggedness of an off- road vehicle with the comfort of an on- road type. It can tow heavy trailers. But there is limited space inside and the third- row seat is of rather inferior functioning.

The 2010 Nissan Xterra ranks among the best off- the- road SUVs; it certainly has a strong V6 engine, but its inside is not particularly attractive, and driver experience has been low.

The second mini SUV is the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class. This is because it can get up to 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. It also has the optional three row seat.

Honda CR-V

The third one of the best mini SUV’s is the 2011 Honda CR-V. The 2011 Honda CR-V is known for its comfortable setting and roomy trunk. Some of the Honda CR-V features are for safety. These features include anti lock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system. The fourth mini SUV is the 2011 GMC Terrain. The 2011 GMC Terrain is known for using the latest technology. Some of this technology includes a rear vision camera, usb port, Bluetooth, and Onstar. There are six airbags in the GMC Terrain to help save your live in an accident.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The fifth one of the best mini SUV’s is the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan has a turbo charged engine and great handling around curves. It also has some great safety features. This SUV was built to last for many years to come. The sixth one is the 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The 2011 Hyundai Tucson’s exterior is known to follow the wind and air movement. The best features of the Hyundai Tucson are a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a more powerful engine, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a leather wrapped steering wheel and Bluetooth technology.

Kia Sportage

The seventh one of the best mini SUV’s is the 2011 Kia Sportage. The 2011 Kia Sportage is definitely not your average SUV. It is a fun vehicle to drive. It makes people feel like they are driving a luxury vehicle without having to pay the luxury price. The eighth one is the 2011 2011 Subaru Forester. The 2011 Subaru Forester is a great SUV if the weather is constantly changing where you are driving the SUV. This is because it can handle the roads without any problems. People who buy this type of SUV are very smart with their money.

Honda Element

The ninth one is the 2011 Honda Element. The 2011 Honda Element is great for off roaders. Plus it is one of the best vehicles for someone who travels a lot or is moving. This is because there is plenty of room for all of your things in the back. The tenth one is the 2011 Mazda CX-7. The 2011 Mazda CX-7 is known as a sporty sedan. This is because of its 244 horsepower turbocharged engine. It is best known for its performance features that include a multi point fuel injection system and has a 16.4 gallon fuel tank. This means that it can get up to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

These are just some of the great compact SUV’s that have show up in the past few years.

Whatever the driving force is behind your desire to find this kind of SUV, you should know a little about the options available to you.

Ford Escape Hybrid

Hybrid crossovers have become quite the popular vehicle. You get more than you would from a car, deal with less than you would with an SUV and get the fuel efficiencies of a hybrid. The trick is to find the best gas mileage crossover for your next vehicle. With the Escape, you get 23 city miles per gallon and 28 for the highway. In addition, this is a fairly affordable option with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $21,240.

The Ford Escape gets rave reviews for its economical value, but there’s more than that. The Escape also offers consumers the latest in high-tech interior features. It also can come with the Self Parking System. The negative notes mentioned that consumers felt the interior was not as versatile as much of the competition on the market today and that some of what was in place was confusing. The handling for a crossover also did not match up with what much of the competition does.

Honda CR-V

Honda has always been known for being fuel efficient, and the SUV they have developed is no different. Slightly off from the Ford Escape, the gas mileage is 21 city miles per gallon and 28 for the highway rating. The pricing is around the same as well because the Honda CR-V has a starting MSRP of $21,895. Aside from that, this crossover is known to be fun, cute and family friendly.

What you get with the CR-V is also a good deal of storage space and features to make storage more practical. Without having a V6 option, however, the slower engine and inability to get up to top speeds has some drivers looking elsewhere. However, for the price you do get plenty of standard features. The cabin is one of the most comfortable and best quality in the crossover market. Although it is revered as family friendly option, please note there is no third row seating for this crossover.

Toyota RAV4 

Keeping up with the competition, Toyota has a crossover meant to offer the same great fuel economy. The RAV4 gets 22 city miles per gallon and 28 for the highway. Fairly close in price too, the Toyota RAV4 is a little bit more at a MSRP starting point of $22,475. Overall the RAV4 is known to be a sporty looking, practical and family friendly crossover choice.

It is also one of the safest options and has received high marks for its standard safety features. A third row is available if you want a crossover that can seat seven. Unfortunately, reviews indicate the third row can be cramped and is best left for child size passengers. Drivers also feel this one has handling similar to a car. Though it has a good bit of storage space, users complained that the door to access the cargo is awkward. Also many felt many competitors have more impressive interiors.

Subaru Forester

Keeping in line with the others listed here, the Subaru Forester promises equally impressive fuel ratings for a crossover. The Forester gives you 21 miles per gallon for city driving and 27 for the highway. For this Subaru the price is right too. The starting point for the MSRP is $20,495, the lowest of these four here. Although the style is close to sporty, the Subaru isn’t, and isn’t trying to be, refined. This makes the Forester good for a family friendly vehicle.

Some positive reviews about this Subaru are that is has a good amount of room in the back seat. The handling is also given props for being “sporty.” Consumers appreciate the fact that the all wheel drive is standard. Of course, the low price and fuel economy were also part of the rave reviews. On the downside, there was not much love for the fact that this vehicle uses an out of date four speed transmission. Many also felt the materials used for the interior were not consistent so that some were up to par while some were inferior.

Any one of these would make a fine option for the best gas mileage crossover for you and your family.

A crossover or mini SUV would still be a better choice for this type of driver who still needs some cargo space, power and possibly a fun and sporty drive. Much of your decision making process depends on your style and the purpose your SUV will serve. If it is strictly utilitarian, you will probably care more about cargo space and horsepower. If you are looking for something with ample space for you and your friends to head to Vegas every weekend, passenger room and luxury interior features are probably more important.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Much of the success of the Tiguan as one of the best mini SUV in this classification is the engine power and luxurious interior. For a Volkswagen, however, the price tag is a bit steep, especially when compared to competition that actually gets better fuel economy than the 18 city miles per gallon and the 26 highway offered by the Tiguan. Still you can’t disregard the great handling and the power this Volkswagen gets from the 2.0 liter, 200 horsepower turbocharged engine.

On the plus side, the higher starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSPR), does come with an extensive list of standard features included. In addition, the rear seat is actually considered roomy by most users. However, there are a couple of things to be aware of, first there is passenger space, but not much in the way of cargo space. Also, the Volkswagen Tiguan requires premium gasoline to operate properly.

Honda Element

Though the Element is about functionality, many consumers like the almost awkward but somehow sporty fun look. Unfortunately, drivers may be trading comfort for dependability. The cabin materials are known to be sturdy, and the Element has some of the best cargo space to date. With the Honda name, you know what you get for reliability, but comfort and style can vary by model.

The fuel economy is just so-so for a mini SUV with a highway EPA rating of 25 miles per gallon and 20 miles per gallon driving through the city. The engine is an in-line 4-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower. Those who want the latest high tech gadgets in their crossover may want to look elsewhere though. Be warned also that those who need to use the rear side doors on a regular basis may find them a hassle.

Subaru Forester

Subaru is another one of those names that conjures up reliability and off road performance when it comes to vehicles long before refined luxury comes to mind. The ideal starting price, though, is one thing that lures potential owners, not to mention the standard all wheel drive. Many consumers reported that this could be one of the best choices when it comes to compact SUVs. Like the Honda Element, however, if you want a car full of technological gadgets you will want to look elsewhere.

It can’t be all bad since the Forester continues to be an unbeatable force when it comes to sales on a regular basis. Enjoy 21 miles per gallon for city driving and 27 for highway travels. The engine in the standard model is a 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder that is the same even in the upgrades. Enjoy a good size rear seat or let the fact that some of the interior materials seem inferior help you with your decision making.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson had to get a mention as it may be a bit of an underrated compact SUV. It is one of those that may not be the best in any of its classes, but keeps a high level of steady integrity throughout all of them. The price is right, and the cargo space is defined as about as much as you need.

For instance, the fuel economy is 22 miles per gallon for urban travel and 30 for highway, which is not the best around but is certainly near the top. The Tucson may only be appropriate for about four passengers, but gives lots of room for long road trips. The main downfall may be a less than peppy and powerful engine, but if you want an affordable, reliable compact SUV to take on road trips with friends, this may be the best mini SUV for you.

By knowing some of the best options out there for 4 wheel drive SUVs, you can at least be certain you make a wise and informed decision.

 Top 4WD SUV Models

Dodge Journey

When it comes to tough trucks, Dodge may come to mind, and a 4 wheel drive SUV should be the same. This is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to finding the best 4 wheel drive SUV. You get the power of a 283 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 engine with plenty of torque. With the four wheel drive versus the all wheel drive version, you get 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 for highway driving.

Aside from power, you also get room with the Dodge Journey SUV as it seats seven passengers. The interior is also stylish and sleek and comes available in red or black cloth or leather trim seats. One of the popular interior features is the steering wheel with audio controls. For those looking for size and power in their four wheel drive, the Dodge Journey may be the perfect fit for you.

Nissan Rogue

The Rogue is a smaller, crossover version of the true Nissan Murano SUV. With the most standard of trim choices, you can get a powerful, 4 wheel drive mini-SUV starting at a little over $20,000. You’ll also get a vehicle that boasts an impressive 23 miles gallon for city roads and 28 for highways. This Nissan also received a five star rating for side impact crash safety.

The four wheel drive Rogue has a 2.5 liter 16 valve 4 cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower. The safety features are abundant for the Nissan too. The main features are the six standard air bags and the Front Seat Active Head Restraints. This vehicle also has Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) that monitors your steering and braking as compared to your true journey and adapts engine power and braking as needed.

Subaru Forester

Subaru vehicles in general are known for the ability to maintain control on the roads, and the Forester SUV four wheel drive is in the same category of dependable and reliable. The handling system for this SUV was designed to make controlling the vehicle that much easier. Its quick response time and efficiency make it a top choice for four wheel drive SUVs. It also has a VDC stability control system, like the Nissan Rogue.

Take on those snowy roads while staying comfortable and cozy inside. This includes cargo space that has a large rear hatch and cargo area, not to mention underfloor rear cargo storage. For the engine you get a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder 170 horsepower engine to help power you through rough weather or road conditions.

Suzuki Grand Vitara

It may not be the heaviest hitter when it comes to the best of the four wheel drive SUV lists, but it probably should be. This SUV has a 166 horsepower four cylinder engine with 162 pounds feet of torque at 4,000 RPM. One of the selling points for money conscious consumers should be its starting sticker price that actually falls under the $20,000 mark. The seating capacity doesn’t help those who want the third row option as it only seats five passengers.

The EPA fuel economy is about average at 19 miles per gallon for city street travels and 26 for highway driving. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has 7.4 inches of ground clearance and is known for having a good bit of interior room and comfort. It also has safety features that help with inclement weather situations such as Hill Descent Control and brake assist. If you are not familiar with the Suzuki Grand Vitara, you may want to do a little research and maybe even test drive one before simply writing it off.

The Overall Outlook

You want to make a smart decision when it comes to buying a four wheel drive SUV, and conducting research like this is the perfect way to start. Make notes about what you feel you need to have in your SUV choice, and that will really help limit your initial search. From there, read articles and reviews from experts and consumers to make the right choice for you. Finding the best 4 wheel drive SUV mat take a little time but will be worth it in the long run.