Most economical SUVs that you can buy used
SUVs are great for many reasons, especially if you own an economical one. Here are 10 of the most fuel-efficient SUV options.
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Fuel efficient SUVs in the UK
SUVs are some of the best and most desirable ways to get around, offering a high-seated driving position, lots of the latest interior tech, shedloads of practicality, and – in some cases – good fuel economy.
It’s not overly common for heavy and tall SUVs to be economical, but these 10 examples have slippery, aerodynamic designs and reliable and modern engines that can achieve the best MPG figures.
Renault Kadjar
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 41.5-45.6mpg
Diesel: 47.9-57.7mpg
If you’re familiar with the Nissan Qashqai but want something a little different, then the Renault Kadjar is one of its closest rivals.
Underneath, these two rivals are essentially the same and share many of the same parts, but the Renault is slightly more spacious inside – and who’d turn that down?
Powering this mid-sized SUV is either a petrol or diesel engine, both of which offer high fuel economy ratings of around 50mpg, which without hybrid assistance is impressive.
In its most efficient form, the Kadjar emits a low CO2 figure of 111g/km – a measurement that tells us how many grams of carbon dioxide a car produces for every kilometre driven.
Vauxhall Crossland X
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 39.8-48mpg
Diesel: 52.3-61.4mpg
Do you favour a hatchback-like driving position but also like sitting up high and observing the road? If so, then the Vauxhall Crossland X is a great choice of SUV.
Not only does it place you high up on the road, but it also feels much smaller than it is to drive, while also offering solid economy figures.
Power comes from either a petrol or diesel engine – a 82hp, 110hp and 130hp for the petrol, and a 102hp diesel unit.
Economy figures range from 39.8mpg and to 61.4mpg, with the diesel getting much more fuel efficiency and is therefore the one to have if you regularly drive longer distances.
CO2 figures sit at 136g/km for the most-efficient Vauxhall Crossland X model.
Peugeot 2008
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 41.7-53.2mpg
Diesel: 54.4-65.7mpg
For many years, Peugeot wasn’t famed for its looks, but in recent years it’s really stepped up its game with the 3008, 5008, and now the 2008.
In many ways, the 2008 SUV is a larger version of the 208 hatchback, offering similar levels of tech but increased comfort and some different engines.
The engine options at the time of writing are both petrol and diesel, offering economy ratings from 41.7mpg to 65.7 mpg with the top-spec diesel.
With the newer models, you can expect to get 138g/km of CO2 emissions.
Skoda Kamiq
 "Skoda Kamiq")
Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 41.5-53.2mpg
Diesel: 48.7-56.5mpg
The Kamiq SUV is a recent addition to Skoda’s model lineup, arriving to compete with the VW T-Cross, Citroen C3 Aircross and Ford Puma, sitting below the Karoq and Kodiaq models.
It’s available with petrol and diesel engines, all of which offer solid fuel economy, hovering around the 50mpg mark, with the diesel being the clear winner.
But saying that, the petrol would be better for most people who don’t spend all their time on the motorway.
In its most efficient petrol variant, you can expect it to emit 127g/km of CO2.
Range Rover Sport
 "Range Rover Sport")
Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 18.8-27.2mpg
Diesel: 25.5-34.1mpg
PHEV: 73-86.9mpg
The standard full-size Range Rover is the sort of car driven by royalty, whereas the slightly naughtier Range Rover Sport is driven by the complete opposite.
Despite it having a meaty exhaust note, the Range Rover Sport is rather economical – especially in its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant.
All petrol versions are now mild hybrid, meaning you get that little extra electricity boost, but opt for the PHEV and you can drive up to 70 miles on electric mode only, helping it get to its high 86.9mpg figure.
Thanks to its added electrical assistance, this large SUV, in its best form, emits 87g/km of CO2.
SEAT Tarraco
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 29.7-42.2mpg
Diesel: 37.2-52.3mpg
PHEV: 134.5-156.9mpg
The SEAT Tarraco is a seven-seat SUV that undercuts rivals with its price and is available with some impressive MPG figures.
Engine options span from petrol, to diesel, to plug-in hybrid, with the latter offering the highest fuel economy at 156.9mpg.
But then again, even the cheapest petrol engine returns decent economy without electrical assistance thanks to its smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The average CO2 emission from Tarraco models is 171.2g/km.
KIA Niro
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Fuel economy figures:
Hybrid: 60.1-64.2mpg
PHEV: 282.5-353.1mpg
Small, efficient, practical, sensible. These are all words you don’t always associate with SUVs, but it’s four reasons why the Kia Niro is one of the best.
Unlike many of the others on this list, the Kia Niro is available exclusively with a hybrid or PHEV power unit, making it one of the most efficient family SUVs you can buy.
The self-charging hybrid offers up to 64.2mpg, whereas the top-spec plug-in hybrid will return a staggering 353.1mpg – putting it near the top of the chain for fuel-efficient cars.
Due to this, it’s also one of the best for carbon dioxide production, emitting 100g/km of CO2.
Suzuki Vitara
 "Suzuki Vitara")
Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 36.2-53.2mpg
Hybrid: 48.7-54.3mpg
The Suzuki Vitara is one of those SUVs that chose its lane and stuck to it. It’s a no-nonsense SUV that’s very much like a traditional off-roader with its high ride height and boxy wheelarches.
Nowadays this Suzuki is available with just a petrol or a hybrid engine, but variants from before 2019 came with a wider range of petrols and even some diesels.
The newer engines, however, are very efficient thanks to years of fine-tuning. That’s why you’ll see returns of up to 54mpg, and there isn’t actually much difference between the petrol and diesel.
In terms of carbon dioxide emissions, the Vitara emits around 121g/km.
SEAT Arona
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 42.2-53.3mpg
Diesel: 50.4-58.9mpg
The Nissan Juke is a great crossover SUV, there’s no denying it. But when SEAT unleashed the Arona a few years ago, Juke-lovers were left with a predicament.
With power coming from either a petrol or diesel engine, the Arona offers some quality fuel economy, sitting around the 50mpg range.
CO2 emissions from the best model is 121g/km of carbon dioxide.
Peugeot 5008
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 35.2-48.3mpg
Diesel: 41.6-60.8mpg
We’ve told you why you should buy the 2008, so now it’s the Peugeot 5008’s turn. This is a significantly larger SUV, and therefore has more interior space and can seat up to seven people.
It’s available with petrol and diesel engines, with fuel economy ratings ranging from 35.2mpg all the way to up to 60.8mpg with the higher-spec diesel.
The best model for efficiency is one of the petrol variants that emits 115g/km of CO2.
Tips to help you maintain fuel efficiency
So, you’ve got the economical car and you’re ready to hit the road. But what are some of the best ways to help increase fuel efficiency while driving?
Avoid speeding
You should make sure you’re sticking to the speed limit anyway, but you should pay particular attention to your speed if you’re trying to save fuel.
Drive even just a few miles per hour faster and you’ll pay the price at the next petrol station.
Keep a steady right foot
Accelerating quickly in a car can be fun, but it can have some major consequences, especially regarding fuel consumption.
Keeping a steady right foot on the accelerator is the better way to be driving around.
Don’t brake too harshly
There is such a thing as braking too fast, much like accelerating too fast.
You don’t want to be constantly accelerating and braking, because this uses fuel. Instead, you should aim to be as smooth as possible.
Check your tyres regularly
It’s good practice to check your tyres occasionally to ensure they’re in good shape, especially before a long journey.
But it’s also important for fuel economy. When car tyres get flat, they make it harder for the car to accelerate. So, make sure they’re pumped up to enjoy this quick win!
Don’t use the A/C if you don’t need to
Nowadays, a car’s A/C tends to be used far more than it needs to be. In most cases, you can open the window and enjoy cooler, fresher air for free, but sometimes when it’s too hot you need it on.
But when it’s on, A/C can use up to 20% of the car’s fuel consumption – something to bear in mind next time you switch it on.
Turn your engine off
Idling is one of the worst things you can do in your car, not just because it emits more unnecessary harmful fumes into the streets, but it also sucks away at your fuel levels.
Instead, turn off your engine next time you’re stationary while waiting to pick someone up or you’re stuck in standstill traffic for 20 minutes. It’ll make a huge difference.