Vehicle Name Sorted Alphabetically Kelley Blue Book Sorted by Pricing
2009 Ford Edge

The Edge is a notably comfortable and reasonably efficient crossover SUV with above-average reliability when equipped with front-wheel drive.
$15,650 – $23,000

2009 Ford Escape

While the V-6 with all-wheel drive has exhibited average reliability, the front-wheel-drive and four-cylinder models have been above average.
$11,950 – $17,200

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

Its optional all-wheel drive costs you a dramatic 4 to 5 mpg compared to the front-drive model, but even these lower numbers make the Ford Escape Hybrid the most efficient sport-ute sold.
$20,700 – $22,300

2009 Ford Taurus X

Basically a large wagon, the Taurus X (originally called the Freestyle) has good crash tests and average reliability.
$16,200 – $21,100

2009 Honda CR-V

The CR-V is one of the best-selling and most refined compact SUVs on the market.
$17,150 – $20,600

2009 Honda Element

There are other boxy models out there, but none compares to the Element's versatility and individualism.
$15,800 – $19,200

2009 Honda Pilot

The 2009 Honda Pilot has been sold since May 2008. Its aesthetics and gas mileage have disappointed, but it still qualifies as a Best Bet on its EPA-estimated mpg and good reliability history.
$20,700 – $27,700

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe is one of the smallest midsize Best Bets and is thousands of dollars cheaper than many others in this category, despite its many standard features.
$15,300 – $17,350

2009 Hyundai Veracruz

Where the Santa Fe is one of the smallest midsize SUV Best Bet, the Veracruz is among the larger models, with three rows of seats.
$16,550 – $19,950

2009 Lincoln MKX

Based on the Ford Edge, the MKX is likewise a five-seater with generous cargo capacity, a more luxurious interior and more standard features
$23,300 – $23,300

2009 Mazda CX-7

The smallest of the midsize SUV Best Bets, the CX-7 is pure Mazda: less roomy and utilitarian than the competition, but definitely the most fun to drive.
$13,500 – $16,550

2009 Mazda CX-9

In the growing class of large crossover SUVs, the CX-9 stands out for its styling and interior quality, and for sporty driving.
$18,150 – $21,200

2009 Mazda Tribute

The Tribute adds a sporty flair to the good reliability and mileage of its better-known sister model, the Ford Escape.
2009 Mercury Mariner

The Mariner is the most dolled-up version of Ford's Escape compact SUV, building off the fundamentals of good reliability and efficiency and adding a touch of luxury.
$15,450 – $15,950

2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Just like the non-hybrid model, the Mariner Hybrid is based on the Ford Escape but has more standard features and premium appointments, plus a higher sticker price to match.
$17,550 – $17,550

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander's reliability has been above average, and though it's one of the longer models in the category, it does fall into the compact SUV class.
$12,200 – $17,350

2009 Nissan Murano

Another veteran, the five-seat Murano was redesigned for 2008 and is now even more refined and lush.
$16,750 – $21,500

2009 Nissan Rogue

The Rogue came late to the compact-SUV game and took its place as one of the most efficient in the class.
$14,500 – $16,000

2009 Subaru Forester

The redesigned Forester is larger and more like the competitors than its previous generation, a long-running Cars.com Best Bet.
$16,050 – $20,300

2009 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander has stood the test of time with exceptional reliability. For its size and power, it's remarkably fuel-efficient.
$22,200 – $28,100

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Larger and roomier than the Escape Hybrid the Highlander Hybrid has been a success since its 2006 debut, including top-rated reliability.
$24,900 – $28,100

2009 Toyota RAV4

The four-cylinder Toyota RAV4 holds the distinction of being the most efficient non-hybrid SUV. A V-6 is also offered.
$16,150 – $19,850