Most Popular SUVs

The SUV market isn't what it used to be. When gasoline was priced under $2 a gallon, these big beasts were all the rage. At the height of the segment's popularity, car dealers couldn't keep enough of them in stock. Now that unleaded is pushing $4 a gallon, the sport ute is a pariah in the automotive world. Dealers can't give 'em away.

According to industry analyst Autodata, sales of large- and medium-sized sport utes are down 37 and 34 percent, respectively, so far this year.

But many industry experts don't believe this decline is just because fuel prices are high. "The advent of the crossover has done just as much damage to large- and medium-size SUV sales as high prices at the pumps," says Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis for J.D. Power and Associates. Crossovers offer all the benefits of truck-based utility vehicles (high seating position for the driver, room for five or more passengers and lots of space for your stuff), but since they are car-based, crossovers are lighter, more aerodynamic and, thus, more fuel-efficient. Plus, they handle better. "They are an appealing alternative to traditional SUVs," contends Libby.

Based on the number of visits to the MSN Autos vehicle research pages for the months of July through September 2008, our readers agree. Eight of the 10 most popular sport utes on MSN Autos are technically crossovers or small car-based sport-utility vehicles. Leading the pack are the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue. All three offer a good combination of fuel-efficiency and versatility.

View Pictures:  Popular SUVs on MSN

Not all hope is lost for larger truck-based SUVs. "There really is no other choice for people who need space and towing capacity," says Libby. "You simply can't beat a traditional SUV for that." The only two true SUVs in the top 10 are the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot.

Here is the complete list:

1. Honda CR-V

The CR-V is Honda's compact SUV that was redesigned for 2007, featuring new exterior styling that most noticeably removed the trademark rear-mounted spare tire and side-hinged rear door for a rear liftgate. The 2.4-liter 166-horsepower inline-four engine gets impressive fuel economy for a sport ute, with only one mpg difference between 2WD and 4WD versions at 20/27 and 20/26, respectively, for city/highway mileage.

2. Toyota RAV4

When the RAV4 arrived in 1996, it was one of the first small SUVs to use a unibody passenger-car platform instead of a traditional, truck-based ladder frame. Two generations later, the "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive" increased in size and claimed another first — optional third-row seating in a compact SUV. Available in Base, Limited and Sport trims, Toyota's small SUV can be had with a 4-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Prices start at around $21,500 for a 2009 RAV4.

3. Nissan Rogue

The Rogue is a new compact SUV from Nissan that is aimed at young families. Styling cues resemble those of the Murano, and inside the Rogue has a driver-oriented cockpit that offers excellent visibility and a number of standard safety features for protection. Powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 175 lb-ft of torque, the Rogue is mated with a Nissan Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A number of extensive option packages are available for the Rogue, and pricing for Nissan's newest and smallest SUV begins around $20,200.

4. Honda Pilot

Redesigned for 2009, the Pilot is Honda's midsize SUV. Larger than its predecessor, the '09 Pilot's 2.9-inch longer wheelbase adds second- and third-row legroom as well as additional cargo space. New to the Pilot is a Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that allows the engine to operate on six, four or three cylinders, depending on engine load. Honda expects this system to net a 1- to 2-mpg improvement in fuel economy. Among the new features offered are a liftgate with separate opening glass, Hill Start Assist and a Humidity Control System.

5. Ford Escape

The second-generation Escape debuted in 2007 as a 2008 model with more rugged styling designed to match that of the larger Explorer and Expedition. Just one year later, Ford has updated the Escape with a new 171-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 240-horsepower V6. Both are teamed with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Aerodynamics have been improved and new low-rolling-resistance tires added, both of which are expected to improve fuel economy. New features for 2009 include Easy Fuel capless refueling, ambient lighting and standard cruise control.