Back in the day, SUVs and 4x4s were sold on their ability to go off-road, their towing capacity and carrying ability. Fuel economy was simply an afterthought for these big, heavy, capable vehicles. Now though, things have changed and buyers increasingly look for the most economical SUVs on sale.
Since an SUV or crossover became a de facto replacement for a standard family car, buyers have demanded improvements to make them more car-like, such as better driving dynamics, plusher interiors, and yes, improved fuel economy. The motor industry has responded with aplomb, and as a result the most economical SUVs on sale compare favourably even to tiny city cars in the efficiency stakes.
• Most economical cars on sale
Our top ten list rounds up the most fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers on sale today. As you might expect, they’re all compact – none offer a third row of seats, for example. They’re also all diesel-powered, and while none are likely to offer performance like a Porsche Macan they should have ample shove for the school run or the family holiday.
It’s important to note that our list only concentrates on official combined cycle fuel economy and that we've excluded hybrid and pure electric models. Whether these impressive mpg figures translate into cheaper running costs very much depends on the type of driving you do.
For many, the extra outlay for a diesel model cancels out any fuel economy benefit, and those people would be better served spending less on a cheaper engine. Low-mileage drivers, or those who mostly drive around town would be better served with a petrol or hybrid model too, as diesels take a long time to warm up and repeated short runs can harm the sophisticated emissions technology, leading to costly repairs.
Top 10 most economical SUVs
- 1. Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 BlueHDi: 83.1mpg
- 2. Renault Captur 1.5 dCi: 78.5mpg
- 3. Peugeot 2008 1.6 BlueHDi: 76.3mpg
- 4. Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi: 74.3mpg
- 5. Renault Kadjar 1.5 dCi: 74.3mpg
- 6. Vauxhall Mokka X 1.6 CDTi: 72.4mpg
- 7. Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi: 70.6mpg
- 8. Suzuki Vitara 1.6 DDiS: 70.6mpg
- 9. Mazda CX-3 1.5d: 70.6mpg
- 10. Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC: 70.6mpg
Top 10 most economical SUVs in detail
1. Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 BlueHDi ETG6
83.1mpg
The C4 Cactus focuses on simplicity and lightness, so it’s perhaps no surprise that it posts such a staggering economy figure. For a car with space for a growing family, a figure of over 80mpg is very impressive indeed – and it’s backed up by an equally low CO2 figure of just 89g/km.
It’s not all good news, unfortunately. The Citroen’s soft and pillowy driving dynamics won’t be to everyone’s taste, admittedly, but some approve of the comfort-focused ride and handling. Less easy to swallow is the automated manual gearbox necessary to achieve the headline economy figure. It’s slow, jerky, and makes for a seriously unpleasant drive.
2. Renault Captur 1.5 dCi 90
78.5mpg
The good-looking Renault Captur is the smallest crossover in the French brand’s range, sitting underneath the mid-sized Kadjar and upcoming Koleos. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine (which will become a familiar sight further down this list…) producing just 89bhp, but in a car this small, that’s plenty. It’s also worth the performance deficit, as the Captur returns an impressive 78.5mpg and just 95g/km of CO2.
3. Peugeot 2008 1.6 BlueHDi 100
76.3mpg
Coming in at third place with an impressive 76.3mpg is the Peugeot 2008. The 2008 is related to the Cactus but offers a more plush and luxurious interior as well as a more substantial-feeling drive. This adds weight and therefore dents fuel economy, but it’s still unlikely to cost you the earth at the pumps.
4. Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi
74.3mpg
The Qashqai is a class up in size from the top three cars on this list, which makes its achievement of 74.3mpg all the more impressive. With genuine space for a family plus their luggage, it’s one of the most popular crossovers in the UK for good reason. All of the Qashqai’s engines are economical, but it’s the 1.5dCi diesel which is the champ.
5. Renault Kadjar 1.5 dCi Expression
74.3mpg
The Renault Kadjar is mechanically identical to the Nissan Qashqai, engine included, so it’s no surprise it posts an identical economy rating.
6. Vauxhall Mokka X 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX
72.4mpg
The Vauxhall Mokka has been a firm fixture at the top of the best-sellers list since its launch, and the latest revision, the Mokka X, looks set to do the same. The X benefits from Vauxhall’s latest ‘Whisper’ diesel, and the 1.6-litre unit returns strong economy of 72.4mpg. It doesn’t quite dip under the zero-tax threshold though, with CO2 emissions of 103g/km.
7. Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi
70.6mpg
Another place on this list for the Renault/Nissan alliances’ 1.5-litre diesel, this time fitted to the Nissan Juke. The fashionable compact crossover is probably at its best with this engine, as the petrol alternatives are two old-fashioned and inefficient 1.6-litre units or an expensive 1.2-litre turbo petrol. The diesel isn’t class-leading, but still offers 70.6mpg and emissions of 104g/km.
8. Suzuki Vitara 1.6 DDiS
70.6mpg
Suzuki is great at building lightweight cars, and that lack of bulk means that the relatively large Vitara can still manage over 70mpg. It’s still a great compact SUV too, with fun handling and a comfortable ride, plus a genuinely capable four-wheel drive system if you specify it. Emissions don’t dip below 100g/km unfortunately, though.
9. Mazda CX-3 1.5d
70.6mpg
The CX-3 is based on the Mazda 2 supermini, and those supermini-sized running costs have been ported over, with a claimed 70.6mpg economy figure. It’s another feather in the Mazda’s cap, as it’s great to drive, has a stylish and luxurious (if a little cramped) interior, and looks good too. It’s quite expensive, but the low running costs go some way to making up for that.
10. Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC
70.6mpg
Honda is no stranger to economy records – a Civic Tourer currently holds the world record for it, returning over 100mpg! The HR-V uses the same engine as that car, but buyers are likely to see a little less than the 100.31mpg the team achieved. Still 70.6mpg is nothing to sniff at, and the HR-V’s massive boot and clever folding seats ensure it’s a practical load-lugger as well as an economical one.
Do any of these economical mile-munchers make it onto your SUV shortlist? Let us know in the comments...