Surfers have always been thought of as environmentalists, and there’s a good reason for that. The ocean is our playground, and in order to keep the lifestyle alive, we need to protect and conserve our environment. As the earth’s population grows, so does the amount of cars on the road and CO2 in the air, which has devastating effects on the coral reefs. If you’re an avid surfer that likes to drive around and check five spots before paddling out (you know who you are), you may want to listen up and do your part in saving the reefs by investing in a car that gets better gas mileage and produces lower emissions.
When considering buying an eco-friendly vehicle, there are many different paths to go down in order to reduce your carbon footprint. With so many options available and controversy around trading one natural resource in exchange for another, e.g. oil for coal (gas vs. electric), things can get confusing. I’ve been surfing for over 20 years, and there have been a lot of changes in car technology in that time. The things that have stayed the same for me as a surfer are that I need to fit my board inside my car and a couple of my friends, plus I still want a fuel efficient car that is affordable and stylish. I’ve drafted a list of cars that relatively fits within my criteria for you to consider when looking for your next surfmobile. Let’s take a look at all the alternative options that surfers can choose from that cater to the surfer’s lifestyle and are easier on the environment.
The crossover SUV:
Honda CRV and the Rav4 (gas powered)
Gas powered cars have the advantage of being more affordable up front, but they aren’t as fuel efficient as hybrid cars. An alternative to gas powered trucks and SUVs is a smaller vehicle known as the crossover SUV. The Honda CRV and the Rav4 are more fuel efficient gas powered options that fit a surfer’s lifestyle and are better for the environment. These cars have similar miles per gallon (MPG) ratings and more affordable price points, ranging from $23K – $30K. Each model has extra cargo space that all surfers need for their wetsuits, surfboards, and extra beach gear (maybe a bike if you’re surfing Trestles). Both of these cars have lower emissions than the Ford Escape and they are U.S. EPA certified. A unique highlight for the Honda CRV is the Eco-Assist button that sits on the dash and, when pushed, configures the engine to work more efficiently.
Fuel Economy:
Honda CRV: MPG 23/city, 31/highway and 26 combined MPG rating for 2WD.
Rav4: MPG 24/city, 31/highway and 26 combined for a 4 cylinder automatic transmission.
The Rav4 has come a long way from the initial design. The body style used to look like a toy car, but the newer ones look a little sportier with a classier look.
The Hybrid SUV:
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD and the Lexus RX 450h (hybrid)
These two hybrid SUVs have really impressive statistics and include many features that active lifestyle enthusiasts need. If you don’t like being lower to the ground in a hatchback or the look and feel of smaller SUVs, then this could be the perfect fuel efficient option for you. The only downside is that the purchase price is pretty high – but the fuel efficiency might make up for it in the long run. Both cars are U.S. EPA Certified and have similar emissions. You can learn more here for a side by side comparison.
Fuel Economy:
Toyota Highlander: MPG 28/city, 28/highway and a combined of 28 for a 6 cylinder automatic transmission.
2013 Lexus RX 450h: MPG 32/city, 28/highway and a combined of 30 for a 6 cylinder automatic transmission.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a great alternative for the individual that really wants a full-sized SUV. You could save thousands of dollars on gas and lower your carbon footprint.
