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Compare the best economical SUVs

High quality economical SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers

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Toyota Yaris Cross Exterieur Seite statisch

Most economical SUVs of 2024

SUVs have a lot going for them. They offer a great driving position, are practical and spacious for families, and are easy to get in and out of. But their increased size and weight can be detrimental to fuel economy.

That’s why we’ve chosen some of the most economical petrol and diesel SUVs you can currently buy, and we’ve thrown in a few hybrid models which tend to cost more but can deliver stellar economy figures under the right conditions.

Choose of these fuel-sipping SUVs and you’ll be quids in at the pumps.

Peugeot 2008

1. Peugeot 2008

9/10
Peugeot 2008 review
SEAT Tarraco

2. SEAT Taracco

8/10
SEAT Tarraco review
Vauxhall Crossland

3. Vauxhall Crossland

7/10
Vauxhall Crossland review
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

4. Toyota RAV4

7/10
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review
Ford Puma

5. Ford Puma

7/10
Ford Puma review
Suzuki Ignis

6. Suzuki Ignis

7/10
Suzuki Ignis review
Toyota Yaris Cross
2024
Urban Living Award
Highly Commended

7. Toyota Yaris Cross

7/10
Toyota Yaris Cross review
Mercedes GLE SUV

8. Mercedes GLE

7/10
Mercedes GLE SUV review
Battery range up to 57 miles
Hyundai Bayon

9. Hyundai Bayon

7/10
Hyundai Bayon review
Honda CR-V

10. Honda CR-V

6/10
Honda CR-V review

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The Toyota Yaris Cross is one of the most economical small SUVs, capable of 64mpg in mixed driving conditions thanks to a very efficient 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid petrol engine. Higher trims can lower that fuel economy figure due to larger wheels and a higher overall weight.

The Seat Tarraco seats seven and has tons of interior and boot space - it offers a massive 1,775-litres of luggage space with the two rear rows folded flat. It’s one of the largest SUVs out there, yet doesn’t cost a fortune to buy and run. The 150hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel is both strong and frugal, delivering 52mpg with a manual transmission and 51mpg with an automatic. 

The BMW X3 xDrive20d is equipped with a 190hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine which can deliver up to 48.7mpg. This makes it one of the most economical luxury SUVs on sale. 

At the top end of the luxury SUV scale, the BMW X7 xDrive40d produces 352hp and manages 36.2mpg, slightly better than the Mercedes GLS 400 d 4Matic which does 32.2mpg.

The Mercedes GLE 350 de is the most economical plug-in hybrid with a claimed fuel economy figure of 353mpg. It can do 57.7-miles on purely electric power and you need to make the most of this to achieve that economy figure.

If you opt for a higher trim the economy figure drops to 313mpg due to the extra weight and larger alloy wheels. 

Diesel engines have fallen out of favour with a number of manufacturers, but there are still many good used diesel SUVs out there that offer excellent fuel economy. 

The Peugeot 2008 is no longer available with a diesel engine but used models can still be found with the 110hp 1.5-litre turbodiesel, which will do 66mpg.

The SEAT Arona is another model which is now petrol only. Used versions fitted with the 113hp 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine are still available, and they will do 58mpg in combined driving.