by Charles Fischer

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: January 15, 2009

Trucks and SUVs burn more gas than most cars, and here are some of the reasons why:

1. First and foremost, SUVs are heavy. They can be even heavier than their pickup truck counterparts, as they sit on a similar chassis while being packed with extra seating, soundproofing, and accessories. These heavy-duty chassis are made with thicker metal and have bigger springs so drivers have the ability to drive off-road, but how many Cadillac Escalades have you seen driving in the mud bog?

2. Those who demand luxury also demand performance. These heavyweight vehicles are packing large-displacement V6 or V8 engines to power them down the road. That's not to say every engine with more than four cylinders is a gas-guzzler. It's tuning of the engine and transmission as well as displacement that creates the difference. As the car manufacturers know their market, they opt for 6.1-liter V8 performance packages rather than milder 4.4-litre V8s with better economy. Some argue these big engines are needed to safely haul such weighty vehicles. But economic SUVs are possible; early Toyota 4runners offered a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine that was functional and offered reasonable fuel economy. A four-banger isn't much of a status symbol, however.

3. When you opt for a hot V8, there's also the constant temptation to unleash that beast under the hood. This can lead to an overly-zealous driving style that isn't easy on the gas bill.

4. These vehicles tend to have a body style that is about as aerodynamic as a Scion xB (i.e. a box). If you imagine air as a fluid, then you want something that can cut through the water. Comparing the average car to SUV is like comparing a dinghy to a kayak. Also, many SUV models, especially those promoted as off-road capable, are fitted with extra-wide tires and deep treads. This leads to more friction with the road, and with it a reduction in fuel economy.

5. The challenge with changing the face of SUVs is that they often remain a symbol of wealth. Moidels exist that have functionality and economy, but there remains a large slice of the market devoted to luxury performance. There is also support for large SUV's on the principle of safety; larger vehicles are generlly held to be safer in accidents. With thicker metal, and more of it, they are able to withstand heavier impacts than compacts. Still, with new safety technologies, both compact and mid-sized cars have improved their safety dramatically and results show that SUVs are more likely to be involved in fatal rollovers.

Once can only hope that with the recent economic recession, and the inevitable rise of gas prices on the horizon, there will be a more positive image for efficient and smaller SUVs, as there is no rule stating that all SUVs need to be gas guzzlers.

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