With the rising gas prices, many people who own SUVs are feeling their bank accounts shrink every time they hit the gas pump. Last year at this time an SUV that held 25 gallons of gas cost $50 to fill up. This year the price to fill up that same tank has jumped to $75 and higher. This typically computes to $100-$125 per month more in gas expenses. For this reason, we are seeing more used SUVs on the market than ever before as people are trying to get better gas mileage out of their vehicles.

For those of you with large families, life without an SUV is practically impossible. You would have to travel places in separate cars, which would take more gas or you would have to switch to a mini van which is just not an option for some who try to steer clear of the "Mommy van" syndrome.

Thankfully, car manufacturers are listening to the SUV lovers of the world who have been asking for years to have a more fuel efficient SUV. This year, more than ever before, we are seeing an increase in the number of SUVs on the market that are offering good gas mileage. The new SUVs that boast good fuel efficiency are averaging approximately 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

One of the best fuel efficient SUVs on the market is the Ford Escape Hybrid. It gets an amazing 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway in the front-wheel-drive model. The four-wheel-drive Ford Escape Hybrid gets 33 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It has excellent cargo space and drives comfortably. The Ford Escape Hybrid starts at about $27,000.

In addition to buying a fuel efficient SUV, you can change the way you drive to improve your fuel mileage. Aggressive drivers that accelerate rapidly from a complete stop burn more fuel then those who accelerate gradually. Therefore, you shouldn't act like you are at the mile track when the light turns green. The more gradually you accelerate, the better your fuel mileage, creating your own fuel efficient SUV in a sense.

Just because the gas prices are at an all time high does not mean that you have to give up your SUV for a smaller car or mini van. You can research fuel efficient SUVs online and you will find a variety of them available. With all the choices, you will be sure to find one that works for you and your bank account.