Top 10 Fuel Efficient Cars, CUVs & SUVs for 2009

American car buyers now know they can’t count on gas prices to stay low. So, the answer is: buy a fuel-efficient new car. But which cars, CUVs and SUVs are truly fuel efficient and provide excellent overall versatility, quality, reliability, performance, safety, cargo room, design, technology and cost of ownership?

As a road test reviewer, I’ve driven hundreds of cars, CUVs and SUVs over the years. My list below doesn’t just include the most fuel efficient 2009 models, but the best overall models.

• 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: VW’s ultra low emissions diesel-powered Jetta combines super fuel efficiency (41 combined mpg) with terrific performance, design and quality.
• 2009 Toyota Prius: No other car on the road today gets such great gas mileage (48 mpg city, 45 mpg hwy). The Prius is a top buy because it provides state-of-the-art technology as well as excellent performance and reliability.
• 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid: This five-seater vehicle is tops in its class for fuel efficiency (34 mpg city, 31 mpg hwy). The Ford Escape also brings sporty versatility as well as good design, reliability and cargo space.
• 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: If you just can’t get over Prius’ funky styling, then go for this sexy sedan, which gets great gas mileage (45 mpg hwy, 40 mpg city) and is also tops in performance, quality and safety.
• 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Toyota’s Camry is the No. 1 best-selling sedan in America. So, Toyota’s hybrid version is a great choice for fuel efficient sedan (34 mpg hwy, 33 mpg city) with top marks in every category.
• 2009 Suzuki SX4: Most new car buyers don’t put Suzuki at the top of their list, but the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is an excellent buy with its low price, fuel efficiency (28 mpg hwy, 21 mpg city), great performance and standard navigation.
• 2009 Mazda MAZDA5: At 28 mpg highway, the 2009 MAZDA5 is an excellent choice as a seven-seat “mini” minivan. The Mazda5 is a super versatile “van” for active families.
• 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid: Need a vehicle with bling and fuel efficiency? There’s nothing on the road today quite like this ultra luxury and fuel-efficient SUV at 21 mpg hwy and 20 mpg city.
• 2009 Chevrolet Traverse: Okay, so the Traverse doesn’t get excellent gas mileage (24 mpg overall) except when you consider this CUV can transport up to eight passengers. Plus, the overall design both inside and outside is outstanding.
• 2009 MINI Cooper: You’ve really gotta be in love with MINI if you intend on buying one of these tiny roadsters. But at 37 mpg hwy and 28 mpg city, you may reconsider buying a compact car or full-sized sedan.