Get a Closer Look at the Specs
One way to see which options are the most eco-friendly is to first check out the specs of the SUVs you're considering. That starts with looking at fuel economy, which is typically expressed in miles per gallon (MPG).
You can check out the latest figures from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) right on their website. Just choose the model and model year you're interested in to see the various MPG ratings for that vehicle. This will show you how well the SUV uses and conserves fuel. The more efficiently a car uses fuel, the eco-friendlier it is.
Since it will list the various MPG ratings for the car, this can help you determine which exact configuration of that particular model is the most fuel efficient. You can even use its comparison tool to pick the most efficient Jeep or Ford SUV for your travels.
See Which Models Offer Alternative Powertrains
While a traditional automobile comes with a gas-powered engine, like a 4-cylinder or a V6 engine, there are various other choices available now. That includes hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric powertrains.
All these powertrains use electric power generated from a battery to partially or fully power the car. That means, you can drive with an energy source that's more eco-friendly.
While you may have originally been thinking of getting a gas-powered SUV, you might find the model you want actually has one of these alternative powertrains. The Toyota Highlander and the Toyota RAV4 both offer hybrid engines, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler each have plug-in hybrid configurations available.
Check for Other Eco-Conscious Features
What powers the car to cruise along the highways, back out of parking spots, and accelerate once the light turns green is just one of the eco-friendly aspects of a vehicle. There are other features that offer additional environmentally friendly benefits.
One of those is the lighting system. LED lights are highly efficient compared to traditional lights found in many vehicles. They also provide a vibrant path forward, so you can choose a model or trim that comes with LED headlights.
You can also take advantage of the capabilities that come with having Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ integration in your new SUV. Among many things, this capability allows you to open your phone's maps and look up directions to your destination on the center display. Since a lot of the navigation apps include the ability to choose eco-friendly routes, you can find the most efficient route to new destinations as well as to those spots you frequent often.