While gas prices are on the rise again, owning a poor gas mileage SUV definitely is not a good idea. On the contrary, owning the best gas mileage SUV is what a smart consumer will do. In our complete car buying guide, one main thing to consider when buying a new car is the gas mileage. Generally, vehicles with poor gas mileage have bad resale value compared to vehicles with good gas mileage. We couldn’t control the gas price but we could plan well and buy a fuel efficient car. Most SUVs did not have good fuel economy due to the body size and weight. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to pay more on the gas. There are still many fuel efficient SUVs out there in the market if you fall in love with the off-road capability, body style, and the stoutness. For those who are into SUVs but prefer a fuel efficient model, take a look at these top five options.

MINI Cooper Countryman

MSRP Price: $22,450
The 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman is a stylish small SUV/crossover that offers a great fuel economy of 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway/ 30 combined mpg. It runs like a proper MINI Cooper. The astonishing exterior and high fuel-efficient engines might persuade a lot of SUV buyers but the cramped backseat may discourage some. As such, choices include the Kia Soul and Nissan Juke often comes in mind when a person is buying an SUV. For those who don’t mind making a few sacrifices for the sake of enjoyment and fuel efficiency, this is the best small SUV in its segments.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

MSRP Price: $38,715
While hybrid sedans are getting more common, it is only a matter of time until hybrid technology migrated to all SUVs. The 2012 Toyota Highlander is considered one best mid-size SUV to own. It is slightly bigger than the MINI Countryman with bigger cargo capacity and superior passenger room. SUV shoppers hardly refuse this most fuel-efficient seven-seater vehicle that offers a smooth ride with all-wheel-drive option, a comfortable interior, an elegant exterior, and a fantastic fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Competitors include the 2012 Honda CR-V and 2012 Kia Sorento.

GMC Yukon Hybrid (Also known as Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid)

MSRP Price: $53,465
The debut of the GMC Yukon Hybrid once again reminds people that a large SUV with decent towing capacity can also comes with great fuel economy. At 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway/21 combined mpg, the car accelerates well without sacrificing the power. Large SUV with less than 15 mpg is no longer a way of life. The V8 engine works well to transport up to eight passengers and gives a towing capacity of 6,200 lbs. In official crash testing, the 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid scored an overall rating of four out of five stars. As for price, it will however cost more.

Lexus RX 450h Hybrid

MSRP Price: $45,235
Although it is expensive compared to the non-hybrid version, the Lexus RX 450h SUV is still a better choice in long run with its impressive fuel economy. The Lexus RX 450h is an SUV that packs luxurious, power, fuel efficient, comfortable, and smooth ride into one piece. Paired with an electric motor, the 3.5-liter V6 engine achieves better fuel economy for city drive compared to the all-time best seller Honda Civic. 32/28/30 mpg is the numbers that you get for a luxury SUV in between $40,000 to $50,000.

Audi Q5 Quattro

MSRP Price: $40,775
The 2012 Audi Q5 Quattro is one of the large-size SUVs that achieve 20 mpg in city drive except the Lexus RX 450h and the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The Q5 is famous for its safety, reliable, and luxury interior with top-notch craftsmanship. This is one good choice for savvy consumers for look for the safest SUV. Backseats are roomy, handling is superb, and ride is smooth. Standard equipment on the car includes a set of cool 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, eight-way power front seats, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40 rear seat, and a multi-function multimedia screen at the center console. With 20/27/22 mpg, the Audi Q5 made itself into the top five best SUVs list.

In a nutshell, saving a few miles per gallon on gas could turn into few thousand dollars in the end of the day. A vehicle with extra 3 mpg will give you an extra 300 miles for 300 gallons of gas. Why not?