I drive a SUV ( Mercury Mountaineer) and although many people may not like them, I need a vehicle such as this. Like many of you, I tend to be the person who transports everyone/everything. I have a hitch rack that carries 4 bikes, and in that instance I can carry 3-4 people and gear.(not including myself) I also have a pickup/delivery option for my shop, and in that instance I can carry 8 bikes... 4 outside on the rack and other 4 are inside mounted to a rack. I could add a roof rack as well, although I prefer the hitch racks over the roof... jusr a personal preference. On the highway, I'll get 22-23 MPG, in town I'll average 19-20MPG.