Is it the SUV or is it the mileage? [View All]

[The Backlash Cometh]

Sometimes the soundbite is so tempting, that one overlooks the facts. SUVs, as a general class, may be classified as gas guzzlers, but look closer and you'll notice that you're opening a door which you better be prepared to enter if you attack them generically. If you attack every SUV, you do so under the assumption that every SUV's mileage is unacceptably higher than the norm. That assumption would be wrong. So, in essence, it's not every SUV, but the mileage that you should be focused on. Here's a sample of trapdoors when it comes to mileage surprises:

Honda Pilots (SUV) range from 18-24 MPG (City to highway)
Toyota Siennas (mini-van) range from 19-26 MPG (City to highway)
Mazda RX8 (sportscar) ranges from 18-24! Same as the Honda Pilot.

That's just a sample. So, shouldn't the candidates be careful and direct their barbs to the main issue: Miles per gallon? And not the type of vehicle because there are a lot of surprises out there.

And before people jump the gun and assume that everyone should dump their SUVs and buy a 40MPG hybrid, keep in mind that people are having trouble paying for their mortgages and kid's college education and are going to be reluctant to give up a vehicle which is already paid for.