With rising gas prices and an greater emphasis placed on fuel economy, smaller and more fuel-efficient SUVs have become increasingly popular. According to CNN Money, there are a number of SUVs that have helped changed the face of the cars and remain a favorite among consumers.

The Ford Explorer is the first one that comes to mind. The redesigned Explorer has seen a large increase in sales this year thanks in large part to the fact that it has shifted from a truck-based look to a sleeker, more economical one. The Ford Escape has been popular as well due to its impressive 28 miles per gallon.

As for another American standard, Chevrolet has a high-selling smaller SUV as well. The Equinox offers consumers a much more manageable size than some of their other models.

"Maybe it doesn't make sense to get a Tahoe right now, but I still want an SUV," Jeremy Anwyl, chief executive of Edmunds.com, told CNN.

Anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a used SUV may want to check out New Jeresy Auto Auction, which has plenty of options at affordable prices.