What is the most fuel-efficient, rugged vehicle for a very active lifestyle?

I've always driven Jeeps because I like the flat, long bed in the back (my back seats are always folded down) that hold my camping equipment, kayak, snowboard, tools, tubes, surfboard, bikes, or whatever else I'm lugging that day. I also sleep in the back on long road trips as a safer alternative to a tent (I can lock the doors when I am alone). I'm not a fan of putting my surfboard and other sports gear on top of my car because of road debris. I live in snowy New England and love 4WD...and I go off-roading, so I actually use my SUV as an SUV. But I want something better for the environment and with better gas milage. I've considered Subaru Outback, Ford Escape Hybrid, Volvo Cross Country (but this is a bit $$ for me). Any thoughts? Anyone is a similar dilemma? Thanks for your input!

Actually, if you're looking for an efficient 4x4, you can't do much better than the Jeep Patriot Like other Jeeps, it is trail-rated when configured with four-wheel drive. It's rated at 22 city/27 highway, vs. 19/26 for the Subaru and 29/27 for the Escape.

The escape will be greener only if you do most of your driving in the city. If you're on the open road. you'll be getting the same fuel economy as the Patriot, and you will have paid $10,000 more for the privilege.

Auto Week magazine recently tested several alternatve vehicles. They concluded that you'd have to drive the Escape more than 87,000 to save justify te extra cost.

You could try a Ford Escape 4 cyl. model if you can't afford the hybrid. It gets pretty good milage, and is relatively inexpensive.

I live in snow country too. I have come to the sad conclusion that 4x4 will always be expensive !