Ford Motor Company (F), General Motors Company (GM): Why the 2014 Jeep Patriot Is the Best SUV on the Market

especially in light of the fact that we were lucky if our old Liberty would give us 20 MPG on the highway.

With CAFE standards set to nearly double to a tough new 54.5 MPG standard by 2025, both automakers and consumers have really been putting a premium on those more fuel-efficient vehicles. The industry has been making great progress, especially when it comes to SUVs. Today’s SUVs are now getting similar gas mileage as midsize sedans were delivering earlier in the decade. That’s great news for customers wanting the space of an SUV without paying a lot extra at the pump.

What’s not surprising is that customers are beginning to take notice. This past June was the best sales month for Chrysler since 2007, with sales of its flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee leading the way up 33%. All Jeep brand vehicles recorded double-digit sales gains last month, and the Patriot set a record for its best June ever, as sales jumped 20%.

The more fuel-efficient Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) Escape has also performed well on the market, as its sales have been on a record-setting pace, though it was just up 1% last month to 28,694 vehicles. Still, the increase helped drive Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)’s overall sales, which were up 13%. Meanwhile, over at General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), its total sales were up 6%, with the Equinox having a stellar month as its sales were at record levels, up 14%.

The key takeaway is that customers want an SUV that gets pretty decent gas mileage at an affordable price. While the Patriot might not have the best gas mileage in its class, when you combine its safety features (it was named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top safety pick), price, and rugged good looks, it’s really in a class of its own. That, in my opinion, makes it the best SUV on the market today.

The article Why the 2014 Jeep Patriot Is the Best SUV on the Market originally appeared on Fool.com is written by Matt DiLallo.

Matt DiLallo has long January 2014 $10 calls on Ford and short January 2014 $10 puts on Ford. The Motley Fool recommends Ford and General Motors and owns shares of Ford.

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