SUVs with the best MPG

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

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: Toyota Yaris Cross

Fuel economy: 62.7mpg

Whereas the Citroen above is most efficient on a long journey at a set speed, the Toyota Yaris Cross 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. There's also the posher Lexus LBX, which is based on the Yaris Cross and is very nearly as efficient. 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.

Shop used Toyota Yaris Cross cars for sale or read our Toyota Yaris Cross review

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.

Shop used Kia Niro cars for sale or read our Kia Niro review

Electric: Ford Puma Gen-E

Efficiency: 4.7 miles per kWh

According to the official figures, the Ford Puma Gen-E is an incredibly efficient electric SUV. Even though the 43kWh (usable) battery is on the small side, it offers a competitive 233 miles of range, or even more if you only drive around town. A 10-80% charge takes 24 minutes, and the e-Puma is barely any heavier than the petrol one so it's still great to drive. Practicality gets a boost over the petrol Puma, with a much bigger boot and a useful cable storage area under the bonnet.

Read more about the Ford Puma Gen-E or shop used Ford electric cars for sale

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.

Shop used Citroen C5 Aircross cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Citroen C5 Aircross review

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.

When the updated Nissan Qashqai E-Power goes on sale later in the year, it promises to usurp the Austral with 62mpg fuel economy and a quoted total range of up to 745 miles between fill-ups.

Shop used Renault Austral cars for sale or read our Renault Austral review

Plug-in hybrid: Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid

Fuel economy: 744mpg

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.

Shop used Ford cars for sale or read our Ford Capri review

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.

Shop used Peugeot 5008 cars for sale at Motorpoint

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.

Shop used Mazda CX-60 cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Mazda CX-60 review

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: Skoda Kodiaq iV

Fuel economy: 706.2mpg

Using the same parts as the Volkswagen Tiguan above, the bigger Kodiaq is capable of a fantastic 75 miles on squeaky clean electric power. That's a lot of flexibility for zero-emission parent taxi runs. It's no good if you're after a seven-seater, because the PHEV only seats five, but the upshot is a vast 745-litre boot that laughs in the face of luggage. For largely the same set of qualities with a more premium badge, check out the Volkswagen Tayron.

Shop used Skoda Kodiaq cars for sale or read our Skoda Kodiaq review

Electric: Mercedes EQS SUV

Efficiency: 3.4 miles per kWh

If your pockets are deep enough to touch your ankles, you can slide in 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 744mpg 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.