For most of this year, SUVs and crossover vehicles have taken a back seat as gas prices climb, but for some families, bigger is better in a family car.

Cars.com listed its top 10 SUVs and crossovers based on the vehicle's sticker price and estimated lifetime fuel cost.

"From a cost-of-gas perspective, bigger cars aren't the best options right now," Cars.com editor in chief Patrick Olsen said. "Even though there are some hybrid SUVs and crossovers on the market, their high sticker prices might not make these the best overall money-saving option. Shoppers should, however, keep an eye out for rebates, which can be quite high for SUVs right now."

The 2008 Jeep Patriot tops the list with a base price of $16,485 and average fuel economy of 28 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city.

Fuel costs assume that the car is driven 15,000 miles per year, 55 percent in the city and 45 percent on the highway; that the cost of regular unleaded gasoline is $4 a gallon; and that the car is owned for eight years.

SUV/Crossover Best Bang For Buck
RANK	CAR	CITY/HIGHWAY MILEAGE	FUEL AND STICKER COST
1	Jeep Patriot	23/28 mpg	$35,678
2	Jeep Compass	23/28 mpg	$36,668
3	Kia Sportage	20/25 mpg	$37,890
4	Ford Escape	22/28 mpg	$38,854
5	Mazda Tribute	22/28 mpg	$38,954
6	Hyundai Tucson	20/25 mpg	$39,260
7	Nissan Rogue	22/27 mpg	$39,430
7	Mazda Tribute Hybrid	34/30 mpg	$40,463
9	Honda Element	20/25 mpg	$41,620
10	Mitsubishi Outlander	20/25 mpg	$41,830
Source: Cars.com