It wasn't too long ago that fuel economy wasn't even a consideration when looking to purchase a vehicle. Car buyers would buy vehicles based on everything, but what the fuel consumption is. In recent years, fuel efficiency has become a significant factor when deciding which car to purchase. As a result of rising fuel costs, many car owners are trading in their gas-powered vehicles for hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and fully electric cars. Don't feel you have to rush down to the dealership and pick up an electric vehicle; lots of traditional motor cars are available with excellent fuel economy. Oh, and by the way, you don't ever need to rush to a dealership when you shop with us, FFUN Cars. You can even start right from where you are, online. Or if you prefer, come see us in-store; it’s up to you.
Okay, you consider yourself an SUV fan through and through. We get it; they are awesome, offering both comfort and cargo space to tote your stuff. Just because SUVs are larger than cars doesn't mean they are worse on fuel. If fuel economy is big on your bucket list for your perfect vehicle, we've put together some of the most fuel-efficient SUVs available.
When SUVs first started making their stake in the 1990s, fuel costs were still low (well, compared to what they are now), so they were just beasts of machines. It wasn't until just over ten years ago that there was a switch in consumer buying from cars to SUVs. In fact, in 2010, 47% of new vehicles purchased were cars. Today, over 45% of vehicles purchased are SUVs. With the combination of an SUV being the body style of choice and the concern of fuel costs, manufacturers are (basically) forced to produce fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers. Every dealership will use fuel economy as a selling feature (they could be lying). We've got you covered, and if you shop at FFUN Cars, our “salespeople” will never lie to you because it’s all about you and finding the perfect vehicle, which is why none of them work on commission.
Duh, vehicles with an electric motor obviously have the best fuel economy - they don't take gas! We just wanted to #flex that we know that before presenting the best fuel-savings SUVs to you. For the sake of this "list," we're providing you with top hybrid and traditional gas motor SUVs for excellent fuel economy.
Hybrid SUVs and Crossovers
We've narrowed down a few of the top hybrid powertrain options available in no particular order of preference or fuel consumption ratings.
First up is the Ford Escape hybrid. According to Natural Resources Canada's EnerGuide was the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUV in Canada in 2019. This front-wheel drive (FWD) takes 5.8 litres/100km of fuel averaged out between city and highway driving. Considered a small SUV, the hybrid version comes standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in both gas and electric, offering 200 horsepower. Whereas the PHEV version has 221 horsepower, and you can get 60 kms of driving on a full charge.
Typically when you think of luxury vehicles, you don't think of fuel economy. The assumption is made that if someone can afford a luxury vehicle, they don't care what fuel costs are. WRONG! Fuel costs and all other costs of owning a vehicle are always considered. We're throwing the Lexus NX 350h with 6.0 litres/100kms on our list. One of the few luxury crossovers that make the list of most fuel-efficient SUVs comes standard with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and a whopping 240 horsepower. If you like the idea of a plug-in hybrid, the new design of the Lexus NX does come with that option. #truthbomb, it may have more power but is less fuel-efficient.
Toyota is just showing off with both the Toyota RAV4 hybrid and Toyota Venza landing on this list. The RAV-4 is Toyota's model that compares to the Ford Escape. The RAV-4 is available in both conventional hybrid and PHEV with AWD, both having 302 horsepower. #humblebrag for Toyota, the RAV-4 Prime is the manufacturer's fastest accelerating four-door.
Then there's Toyota's more upscale SUV, the Venza, with 6.1 litres/100kms and 219 horsepower. These sleek-looking vehicles look like top luxury SUVs like Jaguar and BMW. The Venza is only available in a gas motor or hybrid; no plug-in hybrid...yet!
Last up is the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. With the plug-in-hybrid option, you'll get 53 kms on a full charge with 261 horsepower, while the standard hybrid model has a six-speed automatic transmission and 227 horsepower.
Fuel-Efficient Gas Motored SUVs/Crossovers
After this article, it may seem like Toyota owns the board for the most fuel-efficient SUVs, and for a good reason. The Toyota Corolla Cross is a subcompact SUV considered one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. This model is Toyota's first small utility designed to target the mass market. Pulling its engine from the Toyota Corolla, the Corolla Cross has 169hp within its 2.0-litre engine. Although the all-wheel-drive option is available, it's the front-wheel-drive powertrain that earns its spot on the list of most fuel-efficient SUVs.
Coming in with a second vehicle considered to have the best fuel consumption, Hyundai, with its Hyundai Kona equipped with a 2.0 Litre engine and 147 horsepower. Averaging 7.4 litres/ 100kms, it's no wonder it's one of the tops for Canadian drivers. According to ratehub, this fuel-efficient crossover increased in sales by 105% in 2021.
Not making the list for hybrid or plug-in-hybrid, Chevrolet still has one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs available. The Chevy Trailblazer FWD is a subcompact crossover with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-charged-charged engine. The continuously variable auto transmission (CVT) helps to keep the fuel costs down. Although the base model carries a 1.2-litre engine, there is the option of a 1.3-litre with an all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
What would a list be without the famous German automaker, Volkswagen? The subcompact crossover Volkswagen Taos FWD virtually replaced the Golf and holds a 1.5-litre turbo-charged, four-cylinder engine making up 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Considered to be one of the best in FWD with its eight-speed transmission.
There you have it, the most fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers. We're all about helping car buyers out when it comes to finding the perfect vehicle. If only there was a way to make the actual process easier and more convenient! Wait, there is; shop FFUN Cars, where the benefits are all about you and your convenience, such as 24-hour risk-free test drives and 30-day money-back guarantee! Welcome to the new way of buying a car. You're welcome.
