Compare the best economical SUVs
High quality economical SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers
Most economical SUVs of 2024
SUVs have a lot going for them. They offer a great driving position, are practical and spacious for families, and are easy to get in and out of. But their increased size and weight can be detrimental to fuel economy.
That’s why we’ve chosen some of the most economical petrol and diesel SUVs you can currently buy, and we’ve thrown in a few hybrid models which tend to cost more but can deliver stellar economy figures under the right conditions.
Choose of these fuel-sipping SUVs and you’ll be quids in at the pumps.
1. Peugeot 2008
Peugeot 2008 review
It’s stylish outside and funky inside, with a good infotainment system and a very frugal engine. The Peugeot 2008 SUV clearly ticks a lot of boxes, and the 101hp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 53mpg in mixed driving conditions.
The (pricier) all-electric e-2008 is available if you want to switch to EV motoring, while there's also a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes - although a diesel engine is no longer offered. It’s worth looking out for if you are looking for a used car, though, as it’s even more fuel efficient than the petrol.
2. SEAT Taracco
SEAT Tarraco review
Big needn’t be expensive, the SEAT Tarraco is an affordable seven-seater that comes packed with practical features and a decent amount of equipment as standard.
To help keep running costs low, the base 150hp diesel with manual transmission is the one to get. However, the automatic version achieves just 1mpg less and is the better bet if you spend hours each week crawling around in traffic.
3. Vauxhall Crossland
Vauxhall Crossland review
The Vauxhall Crossland is a solid offering among the burgeoning small SUV class. It foregoes fancy interior tech for a more traditional and familiar look, and offers excellent value, too. It’s a practical choice, with sliding rear seats on some models and a big boot.
The base manual transmission 110hp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol can manage an impressive 49mpg. If you prefer an automatic, then the 130hp model comes standard with a self-shifter and the economy figure drops by just 3mpg overall. That’s the one we would get.
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4. Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review
With its self-charging hybrid engine, the Toyota RAV4 is not only a very economical SUV (up to 49.8mpg) but it’s comfortable to drive and has plenty of interior space. Refinement levels are good, although the CVT automatic gearbox can sound a bit noisy when overtaking.
The 218hp self-charging hybrid engine performs well, and you lose just 1 mpg if you opt for a four-wheel-drive model. There’s also a plug-in hybrid, although it’s more expensive to buy than the regular hybrid.
5. Ford Puma
Ford Puma review
The Ford Puma looks more like a raised hatchback than an SUV, so the driving position is a little lower, but you do get one of the best driving experiences in this class. It really is a hoot to drive.
Both engine options offer mild-hybrid assistance, the 125hp version delivers the best fuel economy at 52mpg, although the sportier 155hp engine does an almost identical 51mpg and only costs a few hundred pounds more.
6. Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki Ignis review
It may look small, but the Suzuki Ignis has impressive passenger space and is one of the few small SUVs to be offered with a hybrid engine. With just 83hp, it’s not particularly quick, but you won’t want for more power around town and it will average 58mpg.
It can also be had with an automatic gearbox and even all-wheel-drive, although that lowers your fuel economy to 52mpg, so only choose it if you really need the extra grip. That said, if you do live in the country and want a car that can handle all weathers, the Ignis 4x4 is a fine choice.
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7. Toyota Yaris Cross
Toyota Yaris Cross review
The self-charging 116hp 1.5-litre hybrid engine in the Toyota Yaris Cross delivers diesel-like economy figures but with the smoothness of a petrol engine. The ride can get bumpy on poor surfaces, but the Yaris Cross handles well and looks pretty smart, too.
The raised ride height gives a good view out and the boot is spacious, but back seat passengers may get a bit cramped on longer journeys. It’s worth noting that the top Excel trim gets larger wheels and is a bit heavier, so economy drops from 64mpg to 57mpg. That’s a surprisingly big difference, and worth keeping in mind if fuel economy is your priority.
8. Mercedes GLE
Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV review
Battery range up to 57 miles
After a slew of sensible, affordable SUVs, it may seem strange to include the large, luxurious and relatively expensive Mercedes SUV, but we do so to illustrate the point that with plug-in hybrid power, such cars can be impressively economical. The 320hp Mercedes GLE 350DE can offer up to 353mpg thanks to the combination of a 194hp diesel engine and 136hp electric motor.
You’ll need to take full advantage of the 57.7-miles of all-electric range by regularly charging up to come close to that number, but company car drivers will also benefit from low tax rates thanks to the minimal CO2 emissions. A pure electric SUV will be cheaper on tax, but a plug-in hybrid like the 350DE is the next best thing.
9. Hyundai Bayon
Hyundai Bayon review
The entry-level Bayon comes with a 100hp 1.0-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance. According to the official figures it can achieve 53.3mpg. If you want the more powerful 120hp engine the good news is it achieves similar economy.
The Bayon is reasonably affordable to buy as well as to run, and comes well equipped as standard.
10. Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V review
The Honda CR-V is a very practical and refined family SUV, with plenty of interior space. We would skip the base S trim and pay a bit extra for the more comprehensively equipped SE, as it comes with a seven-inch touchscreen and surround parking sensors. The engine is a self-charging hybrid, so no need to plug it in. It can get a bit vocal when pushed, but delivers a decent 43mpg in combined driving conditions. The all-wheel-drive model delivers a slightly less stellar 39.8mpg. The new CR-V is imminent, and will come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain as well as the regular hybrid.
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