3rd Place

Like Hondas but not a fan of the fourth-place Element? Consider the similarly efficient 2007 CR-V SUV as an alternative. Drawing power from the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 166 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 161 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm, the CR-V makes the grade regardless of drivetrain. In two-wheel drive trim and utilizing the standard five-speed automatic transmission, the EPA estimates a return of 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined; four-wheel drive drops those figures to 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. Buyers will be faced with prices ranging from $21,195 for a base LX to $28,595 for a leather-clad, four-wheel-drive EX with a navigation system. Destination is included.