These 15 SUVs combine a high driving position with low fuel costs. Our guide covers SUVs of every fuel type
With a taller stance and bigger bodywork than a hatchback, SUVs are almost always a bit less efficient. But, if you need the high ride height and space that an SUV offers, you don’t need to blow the budget on fuel. With modern tech and innovation, some SUVs are surprisingly economical.
We’ve compiled this list using carmakers’ quoted figures. It’s worth noting that these were achieved in test conditions, which might not match your driving habits – such as where and how you drive. That’s especially true of plug-in hybrids, which have astounding fuel economy figures that are only achievable if you mostly drive on battery power.
Best MPG SUVs
| Petrol | Diesel | Hybrid | Plug-in hybrid | Electric | |
| Small SUV | Citroen C3 Aircross: 54.2mpg | Citroen C3 Aircross: 64.0mpg | Lexus LBX: 65.7mpg | Kia Niro: 353.1mpg | Peugeot e-2008: 5.3mi/kWh |
| Midsize SUV | Citroen C5 Aircross: 48.9mpg | BMW X1: 57.6mpg | Renault Austral: 60.1mpg | Volkswagen Tiguan: 712.7mpg | Ford Capri: 4.7mi/kWh |
| Large SUV | Peugeot 5008: 46.4mpg | Mazda CX-60: 56.5mpg | Peugeot 5008: 53.3mpg | Mercedes GLE: 282.5mpg | Mercedes EQS SUV: 3.4mi/kWh |
Small SUVs with the best MPG
Petrol: Citroen C3 Aircross
Fuel economy: 54.2mpg
The Citroen C3 Aircross is already a good-value SUV – especially as a used car – but it’ll continue to be cost-effective once you’ve driven off the forecourt. Insurance costs are low, servicing should be reasonable and it won’t cost you very much at the petrol pump. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is efficient, but it’s also nippy and fun as well. Citroen has set up the C3 Aircross to be comfortable over anything else, with spongy seats and soothing suspension.
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Diesel: Citroen C3 Aircross
Fuel economy: 64.0mpg
The C3 Aircross also happens to be one of the few small SUVs left that offers diesel power. Its 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine isn’t fast but offers enough power to feel comfortable on the motorway, which is where this engine shines brightest. SUV buyers with a high annual mileage will find a diesel-powered C3 Aircross very cost-efficient.
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Hybrid: Lexus LBX
Fuel economy: 65.7mpg
Whereas the Citroen above is most efficient on a long journey at a set speed, the Lexus LBX is at its most efficient around town and in stop-start traffic. In these situations, the small electric motor provides the propulsion, with the petrol engine kicking in once you get onto faster roads. The LBX is based on the Toyota Yaris Cross, which is very nearly as efficient – and usually cheaper to buy. Both the Lexus and Toyota come with a warranty package that lasts up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, if you keep the car serviced at a main dealer.
Plug-in hybrid: Kia Niro
Fuel economy: 353.1mpg
The Kia Niro builds on the strengths of its predecessor, but adds extra space and an injection of design appeal. It’s available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, plus as a fully electric Niro EV version – whichever you pick, you’re guaranteed an easy and efficient driving experience. Keep the battery of the PHEV charged and you’ll achieve over 300mpg, not to mention a near-40-mile electric range.
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Electric: Peugeot e-2008
Efficiency: 5.3 miles per kWh
According to the official figures, the Peugeot e-2008 is an incredibly efficient electric SUV. The new 54kWh battery enables a range of up to 271 miles from a full charge, or even more if you only drive around town. Even if you manage 230 miles in the real world, that’s very good for a small electric SUV. The e-2008 also impresses with its practicality, interior quality and calm driving experience.
Shop used Peugeot 2008 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 2008 review
Midsize SUVs with the best MPG
Petrol: Citroen C5 Aircross
Fuel economy: 48.9mpg
Good value, interesting to look at and very practical, the Citroen C5 Aircross is a family SUV that doesn’t elbow its way to the top of your shopping list – it asks very politely instead. The 1.2-litre petrol engine might sound weedy but it’s more than potent enough for town and motorway use. And, if you back off the throttle and make the most of the C5’s relaxing feel, you’ll be rewarded with nearly 50mpg. Many diesel SUVs can’t match that.
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Diesel: BMW X1
Fuel economy: 57.6mpg
The latest X1 is one of BMW’s strongest models. It’s not massive, so it’s easy enough to park and drive, but it’s very spacious. Under the bonnet, there’s a full complement of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains – and the continued inclusion of diesel is a little bit of a surprise, when the 1 Series and 3 Series have dropped diesel engines. That means the X1 is the BMW to go for if you need long-range fuel economy.
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Hybrid: Renault Austral
Fuel economy: 60.1mpg
Replacing the Renault Kadjar, the new Austral steps up to bat with much more tech and bolder styling than its predecessor. Matching its new styling is a futuristic hybrid engine that’s more economical than any direct rival. The Austral’s interior impresses, with a new Google-based infotainment system and a comfortable ride.
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Plug-in hybrid: Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid
Fuel economy: 712.7mpg
That’s not a misprint – the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid really will do more than 700mpg. Well, if you drive in a very specific way and almost never use the petrol engine. That could well be achievable for many drivers, given the Tiguan’s circa-80-mile electric range. The eHybrid engine comes with either 204 or 272hp, and both are pretty nippy as well as economical.
Shop used Volkswagen Tiguan cars for sale or read our Volkswagen Tiguan review
Electric: Ford Capri
Efficiency: 4.7 miles per kWh
Whatever you think of Ford’s decision to reuse the Capri badge for a VW-based electric coupe-SUV thing, there’s no doubt that the new Capri has the potential to be very efficient. The 82kWh battery enables up to 389 miles of range on paper, while there’s also 286hp and hot-hatch pace.
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Large SUVs with the best MPG
Petrol: Peugeot 5008
Fuel economy: 46.4mpg
The larger the car, the less economical it’s going to be. So it’s a bit surprising that the seven-seat Peugeot 5008, hauled along by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, is able to return over 45mpg. Although, load the car up with people and your fuel economy will understandably drop a bit. Three individual middle seats and an easy-folding third row make the 5008 a seriously practical thing that doesn’t miss out on stylish looks.
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Diesel: Mazda CX-60
Fuel economy: 56.5mpg
The Mazda CX-60 is another example of Mazda going its own way and not following convention. While rivals are fitting smaller engines or dropping diesel completely, the CX-60 still offers a 3.3-litre six-cylinder diesel engine capable of over 55mpg. Many large SUVs can’t get within 10mpg of that. Mazda’s newest diesel engine is smooth and unstressed, which helps its great fuel economy.
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Hybrid: Peugeot 5008
Fuel economy: 53.3mpg
Another mention for the Peugeot 5008, this time for the latest-generation car when fitted with the new 136hp hybrid engine. It’s not very powerful for such a large car, but take your time and stay relaxed and you’ll reap the benefits at the petrol pump.
Meanwhile, the battery-powered e-5008 is also very efficient. Managing up to 4.2mi/kWh, the standard-range e-5008 gets over 300 miles to a charge – and a long-range version offering over 400 miles is coming.
Read our review of the new Peugeot 5008
Plug-in hybrid: Mercedes GLE 350de
Fuel economy: 282.5mpg
The thing with plug-in hybrids is that, if you fit a bigger battery, you’re going to get a sky-high MPG figure. So you might not get 350mpg from the Mercedes GLE, but its 31.2kWh battery could enable you to cover 54 miles on a charge. And then, you’ve got a brawny engine as backup – if you regularly do a mix of long journeys and city driving, the GLE is ideal. Well, ideal if you’ve got deep pockets.
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Electric: Mercedes EQS SUV
Efficiency: 3.4 miles per kWh
Even deeper pockets will get you behind the opulently trimmed wheel of the EQS SUV, Merc’s flagship EV. Its smooth – if slightly featureless – face helps aerodynamic efficiency, and its monstrous 108kWh battery returns a 362-mile range. Batteries aren’t light, though, and the EQS SUV tips the scales at the wrong side of 3.3 tonnes.
Which SUV has the best MPG?
On paper, the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid’s 712.7mpg is the best you’ll find. But that requires a very specific driving style to achieve – you basically need to drive on electric power for nearly all the time. Don’t want to plug in? Get yourself a diesel Citroen C3 Aircross, which promises up to 64mpg. You won’t get anywhere super quickly, but you won’t use much fuel doing so.
