Some people are under the impression that the best fuel-efficient SUVs are powered by a four-cylinder engine, and are very slow; neither of these statements are true. Some have a fuel-efficient V6 while others have a turbocharged four-cylinder. Either way, while they likely won't be winning you any races, they will help you save money at the gas pump. Besides, if you are concerned about gas mileage, you probably don't have the need for speed. Don't worry, these vehicles will give you all the... (full review continues below)
Some people are under the impression that the best fuel-efficient SUVs are powered by a four-cylinder engine, and are very slow; neither of these statements are true. Some have a fuel-efficient V6 while others have a turbocharged four-cylinder. Either way, while they likely won't be winning you any races, they will help you save money at the gas pump. Besides, if you are concerned about gas mileage, you probably don't have the need for speed. Don't worry, these vehicles will give you all the merging and passing power you need on the highway.
One of the best fuel-efficient SUVs is the Audi Q3. This brand new crossover is sure to draw attention for a few reasons; gas mileage is one of them. Its direct-injected 2.0-liter will return 29.7 in the city and 44.1 on the highway.
The 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager is next. Returning 26 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, it is easy to see why this vehicle catches the eye of even the most frugal shopper. Its stunning exterior and sophisticated interior are nicely complemented by the 2.8-liter V6 turbo diesel engine.
Next on the list of best fuel-efficient SUVs is the 2012 Nissan Juke. This sporty hatchback is powered by a 188 horsepower 1.6-liter inline-4 engine. Zero to 60 mph is accomplished in a quick 7.3 seconds; an impressive number for a vehicle in this segment and fuel-economy is excellent at 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 earns its position for returning 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, for a combined average of 29 mpg. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It's not the fastest SUV, but it is poised on the road.
Another one of the best fuel-efficient SUVs is the 2013 BMW X1. Its standard turbocharged inline-4 produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with help from an eight-speed automatic transmission that shuts the engine down when the vehicle is stopped to help save fuel. Zero to 60 mph is achieved swiftly at 6.2 seconds, and fuel economy is surprisingly impressive at 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
The fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Dodge Caliber is good for 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. With the CVT, it returns 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Next on the list of best fuel-efficient SUVs is the Land Rover Defender. Fuel economy is generous at 24.6 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, for a combined average of 27.8 mpg. Not bad for a vehicle known for its strong off-road capabilities, right?
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander manages to provide great power, super acceleration speeds and impressive gas mileage. Motivated by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that's good for 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, Outlander returns an average of 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, as a 2WD model.
Another one of the best fuel-efficient SUVs is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Its lively 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 190 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, with a combined average of 24 mpg. Even opting for all-wheel drive does not increase these numbers too much.
Last but certainly not last is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder delivers 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque while returning 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Even if you opt for all-wheel drive, combined average is still 23 mpg; an impressive number.
Vehicles that did not make the list of best fuel-efficient SUVs, but still deserve a mention include 2012 models of the Daihatsu Terios, Hyundai Elantra, GMC Terrain and Honda CR-V.