(306) 700-3519
November 10, 20225 min read

Top Fuel-efficient SUVs for Canadians

Car buyers purchase certain types of vehicles for many different reasons and it really comes down to personal preferences and what the vehicle will be used for. With that being said, many people are putting the fuel efficiency of a vehicle at the top of their priority lists. Since SUVs and crossovers tend to be the trending vehicle type, we’ve narrowed down a list of some of the most-fuel efficient vehicles on the market.

Yes, fuel prices go up and down, but they have caused enough uncertainty for people to entertain the idea of making the switch to hybrid, plug-in hybrids (PHEV), or fully electric vehicles. 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. If you’re looking to purchase one of the most fuel-efficient cars out there but hate the idea of heading out in this weather; hop online and start your car shopping at FFUN Cars. It’s all about you and your convenience so you can buy your next car online, in-store, or a combination of the two.

SUVs are awesome, we know. They provide both comfort and cargo space to take on your busy life. Don’t get caught in the myth of SUVs not being fuel efficient and the only way to have a fuel-efficient vehicle is to go with something like a Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, or Hyundai Elantra. SUVs may be larger than cars but that doesn't mean they are worse on fuel. If fuel economy is important for your new vehicle, keep reading.

It’s pretty obvious that SUVs are one of the most popular body styles. so popular that 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. Many dealerships back a lot of their marketing campaigns on being able to offer SUVs, crossovers, mid-size cars, and minivans that are all fuel efficient. But who wants to go to a dealership to haggle over price - you’re already paying enough in fuel. Nobody wants to, that’s why at FFUN Cars we have ONE price, no haggling, and salespeople who don’t work on commission.

It’s a no-brainer that an electric motor obviously provides the best fuel economy - they don't take gas! 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. 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 60kms 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. There are many luxury brands, such as BMW and Mercedes that offer fuel-efficient vehicles but typically they are one of the brand's more compact cars. One of the few luxury crossovers that make the list of most fuel-efficient SUVs that comes standard is the Lexus NX 350h 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.

There’s no denying that Toyota knows how to make good, safe, reliable vehicles. Well, add that they know how to make fuel-efficient ones to that list. Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid and Toyota Venza are both incredibly fuel-efficient 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 and the RAV-4 Prime is the manufacturer's fastest-accelerating four-door.

Next up, is Toyota’s Venza, which offers 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 but definitely not least, is the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. With the plug-in-hybrid option, you'll get 53kms on a full charge with 261 horsepower, while the standard hybrid model has a six-speed automatic transmission and 227 horsepower. We’ll sneak in that Hyundai has a new electric vehicle, the Hyundai Ioniq. So all you Hyundai fans who want an EV now’s your chance.

Gas Powered

Once again, a Toyota vehicle finds itself on this list with the Toyota Corolla Cross, which is a subcompact SUV. This model is Toyota's first small utility designed to target the mass market. With an engine mimicking the Toyota Corolla, the Corolla Cross has 169hp in its 2.0-litre engine. Although the all-wheel-drive option is available, it's the front-wheel-drive that gives it the title of being one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles.

When it comes to a vehicle with the best fuel consumption, Hyundai is here to play, 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.

Is there a top list in any category that exists that doesn’t have the German automaker, Volkswagen? No, there isn’t and 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 and is still on the list of one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in Canada.

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 with you being our top priority. If you don’t believe us, see for yourself by reading up on the benefits of FFUN Cars. You don’t have to be in the market for a top fuel-efficient SUV or crossover to shop with us; we’ve got all sorts of body styles and auto brands like Kia, Chevrolet, and Mazda, coming in various body styles like hatchback, full-size car, pickup trucks, and station wagons. Start your car buying journey online and finish in-store. Welcome to the new way of buying a vehicle.


Kasandra Martell

Written by Kasandra Martell

Kasandra is a marketing expert with a specialization in content development. With experience in multiple industries, she provides factual, entertaining, and engaging content for the automotive industry.