I’m not sure what the affordable SUV’s are but I’d highly recommend getting a diesel version of whatever you are thinking of if they have it.
I’ve never owned a diesel car before getting my Audi Q7 TDI back in 2011. This is one HEAVY SUV, especially considering I got the towing package which is heavier. I think it’s like 7,000 pounds and I still get about 23 miles to the gallon combined with city/highway.
I’m not really the roadtrip kind of guy. Although we did take a roadtrip up to Lake Tahoe in it, mostly I just use it around San Diego with the kids. Gas is more expensive for diesel but the savings with gas mileage is GREAT.
My main point being that getting a diesel SUV is good for gas mileage. I was worried before that there would be enough gas stations that have it. It can be a pain sometimes if there isn’t a gas station right around the corner that has Diesel but it’s not too bad and you can check online or with various Apps.
I only fill up my tank about every 550 miles or so. Granted it does have a big gas tank but I’ve rented some big SUV’s before on vacation where I got REALLY horrible MPG!
