Fuel-efficient, six-seaters less than $29,000

Q. Which crossover less than $29,000 is the most fuel efficient and seats six? Do any sedans fit those criteria?

A. Good gas mileage and room for six on the cheap can be found in crossover SUVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sorento. These have room for up to seven with available third rows and are paired with four-cylinder engines that help gas mileage climb near 30 mpg on the highway. When configured conservatively, these can be had for well under $29,000.

We added up the minimum cost to equip the Outlander, RAV4 and Sorento with a third row and four-cylinder. That means front-wheel drive and minimal options in base models. The Kia requires a Convenience Package with the third row; the RAV4 pairs upgraded wheels with the third row; and a third row comes standard starting on Outlander SE models.

Model				Price		Gas Mileage City/Highway 
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander	$22,995		23/28 mpg
2011 Toyota RAV4		$23,895		22/28 mpg
2011 Kia Sorento		$25,290		21/29 mpg

Though not technically a crossover SUV, the 2012 Mazda5 is a small minivan with standard room for six people. It starts at $19,195 and has gas mileage ratings of 21/28 mpg.

Not many 2011 sedans seat six. The Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala and Mercury Grand Marquis have available front and rear bench seats that can do the trick. The Impala's fuel economy is rated the highest at 19/29 mpg with the base 3.5-liter engine.

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