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5 Best SUVs for Fuel Economy

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

From Car and Driver

We get it. You want it all-but don’t want to pay for it.

We can help. You won’t find better bang for your buck than this group of small SUVs and crossovers. They’re stylish, fun to drive, and keep their feet in crappy weather (especially with optional all-wheel drive).

And their price tags are where they really shine. Save the more luxurious X1, all start south of $30,000. Though they may drive a wedge between you and the nearest gas station manager, since you won’t be stopping by nearly as much.

There’s not a bad pick in this group. The Honda CR-V is a jack-of-all-trades and a master of every single one, scoring extremely high marks for space, comfort, style, and performance.

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The sporty and luxurious BMW has it all-including great performance-but it comes with a much bigger sticker price. Still, if you want the classic BMW nose without paying through the nose at the gas pump, the X1 is your way into the luxury-brand arena.

If you’re looking for a ride with verve and pep, make sure to test drive the Mazda CX-5. It doesn’t deliver the best fuel economy in this group, but it’s tons of fun and is sure to put a smile on your face.

If infotainment is your top priority, check out the Chevy Equinox. Its system is stellar: user-friendly and responsive. Standard 4G LTE connectivity with onboard Wi-Fi make the Equinox one of the best-connected crossovers as well.

Finally, if you like character cars-and damn good bargains-the Kia Soul is for you. With a starting price of around $17,000, the charming SUV offers incredible value.

BEST OVERALL

1. Honda CR-V

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

The Honda CR-V is a triple threat: It packs a host of high-tech equipment, impressive fuel economy, and copious cargo space. As if that’s not enough, the CR-V also boasts contemporary styling and engaging driving dynamics.

It’s powered by a base 184-hp inline-four or a more responsive 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four. A standard, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) pairs with front- or all-wheel drive.

The CR-V’s roster of talents earned it a spot on our inaugural 10Best Trucks and SUVs list. While the compact-crossover league is loaded with home-run hitters, the CR-V has the stats to be named MVP.

Styling and Appearance

Honda’s cybernetic design language has finally turned the CR-V into a handsome, modern crossover. Its assertive front end, muscular haunches, and evolved rear-end styling evoke generations past, and put the CR-V in the running for best dressed.

A stylish and spacious interior creates a cool and comfortable environment in the CR-V. Featuring a dashboard made of soft-touch materials, a versatile center console, and an excellent driving position, the interior is both attractive and functional. The three-zone instrument cluster is unusual but straightforward, and it brings a contemporary vibe to the cabin.

A tasteful balance of faux-wood accents, chromed plastic, and brushed-satin finishes looked particularly upscale in the Touring version we tested. Supportive and nicely sculpted front seats hug their occupants in all the right places.

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Value and Warranty

The EX model is an excellent choice, as it offers upgraded tech and creature comforts. For $2,750 more than the base LX, it adds heated side mirrors, automatic high-beams, smart entry, remote and push-button start, a power sunroof, and more.

We think front-wheel drive is sufficient for most, but those living with harsh winters or who simply must have all-wheel drive can add it for $1,300. The top-level Touring trim may be the ultimate CR-V, yet for roughly $6,000 less, the EX is one heckuva deal. We didn’t even pause in the aisle on our way to the checkout, as our well-equipped CR-V EX totaled $27,735.

Honda covers every CR-V with limited and powertrain warranties that are competitive with most other manufacturers. Kia is the exception, besting Honda and company with an unrivaled 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty; its limited warranty is significantly better, too. The CR-V also lacks the roadside assistance offered by the competition.

Fuel Economy

The CR-V is the most fuel-efficient compact crossover we’ve tested so far, and it’s not a hybrid-yet. Plus, the newer, more compelling powerplant has better EPA fuel economy than the base engine.

Sure, the CR-V only comes with a four-cylinder, and even its turbocharged 1.5-liter doesn’t touch 200 horsepower. However, its top-level powertrain with all-wheel drive delivers class-leading EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. No other competitor gets better fuel economy ratings.

Meanwhile, the front-drive turbocharged CR-V achieves 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, according to the EPA. Impressively, the more powerful turbocharged engine will go farther on a gallon than the base engine. The EPA rates the engine with all-wheel drive at 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway; front-wheel drive is 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

In our real-world highway testing, the CR-V missed just its EPA rating at 32 mpg. That number is still top of the class and much better than the quicker, more powerful turbocharged Ford Escape (26 mpg) and the V6–equipped Jeep Cherokee (24 mpg) we tested.

With its 14-gallon tank full, the CR-V should be able to transport its passengers about 450 miles.

EPA RATINGS

FWD: 28 city / 30 combined / 34 highway

AWD: 27 city / 29 combined / 33 highway

Learn More

BEST LUXURY

2. BMW X1

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

What makes the 10Best-winning BMW X1 so good? It’s quick, nimble, spacious, well built, and undeniably upscale.

The X1’s ride is comfortable without sacrificing handling, and the darling turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine revs eagerly.

Hauling bulky cargo? The X1 succeeds there too, making it a true dual-purpose vehicle for drivers with an active lifestyle.

Exterior styling could be more expressive, but no one will mistake the X1 for anything other than a BMW. The X1 is the whole package, and it rises to the top of this highly competitive segment.

Styling and Appearance

When compared with its more extroverted rivals, the handsome yet subtle X1 is a bit of a shrinking violet. But like its competitors, its compact size gives it good maneuverability in tight spaces; its boxy shape contributes to class-leading cargo capacity.

If you were to remove the X1’s twin-kidney grilles and squinting headlights, you’d be hard-pressed to identify this as a BMW. This isn’t an indictment of its styling, but an acknowledgement that all crossover vehicles like this share a basic look.

Still, there are nice details here, such as the prominent rib that runs across the body side and through the door handles. There are also the intriguingly detailed optional LED headlights that turn in concert with the steering wheel to illuminate corners at night. A well-made interior with rich leather, handsome wood trim, intuitive controls, and spacious seating make the X1 a smart choice in the segment.

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Value and Warranty

Combining luxury and small size isn’t cheap-the entry-level X1 comes in just under $34,000. However, this baby Bimmer delivers excellence in its field, with all the detailing, premium materials, and zero-to-60 pep you’d expect from a luxury vehicle.

The X1 sDrive28i M Sport now goes for $39,545, a hefty $2,005 more than the 2017 model. But its sharper driving dynamics, longer list of standard equipment, and racier image are worth the extra money. All-wheel drive is available for another $2,000.

BMW’s limited warranty and powertrain protection are ordinary, but the company sweetens the deal with three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. In comparison, the Lexus NX and the Lincoln MKC offer the same limited warranties, and they provide six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranties, but both come with shorter periods of complimentary maintenance.

Fuel Economy

The X1 earns highly competitive fuel-economy ratings from the EPA. Our highway testing proves, however, that your real-world mileage may vary.

We’ve devised our own fuel-economy test in an attempt to replicate how most people drive on the highway. Our procedure entails a 200-mile out-and-back loop on Michigan’s I-94 highway while maintaining a GPS-verified 75 mph and using cruise control as much as possible to mimic the way many drivers behave during long trips.

Here, the X1 brought up the rear of this small group, underperforming its EPA rating by 2 mpg. Had the X1 matched its EPA rating, it could’ve added another 30 miles to its overall range.

And while turbocharged 2.0-liter four-bangers are legion in this category, BMW’s is at or near the top of the heap in output and-paired with an excellent eight-speed automatic-fuel economy.

EPA RATINGS

FWD: 23 city / 26 combined / 32 highway

AWD: 22 city / 25 combined / 31 highway

Learn More

BEST PERFORMANCE

3. Mazda CX-5

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Distinctive styling and engaging driving dynamics separate the CX-5 from the competition. The marvelous Mazda appears more expensive than it is-which adds to the charm.

A fuel-efficient four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. The pièce de résistance is a phenomenal chassis that combines precise steering with refined road manners.

Its rich-looking interior is also a class above, and abundant advanced driver assists are available. Based on the numbers, the CX-5 isn’t the best at anything. But it is the best-looking and best-driving compact crossover. That makes it a winner in our book.

Styling and Appearance

The CX-5’s design is influenced by the larger CX-9-albeit with less chrome. Its athletic shape, sinewy sheet-metal, and slanted LED headlights distinguish it from the competition.

If you were to wake up inside the CX-5 Touring or Grand Touring, you may think you’ve been abducted by kidnappers who own an Audi or a Mercedes. First-rate materials and a fabulous layout make it feel especially upscale.

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Value and Warranty

The starting point of the lineups of both the CX-5 and the 10Best Trucks and SUVs–winning Honda CR-V is the same: $24,985.

Both have bang-for-your-buck value, but Mazda’s top trim (the Grand Touring, from $30,335) is several thousand dollars less than Honda’s. We like the mid-level CX-5 Touring. Standard equipment includes:

  • Heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver’s seat

  • Blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert

  • Dual-zone climate control

  • Passive entry system

The i-Activsense package ($625) includes safety tech like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Preferred Equipment package ($780) adds navigation, a power sunroof and liftgate, a Bose surround-sound audio system, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, but Mazda prevents ordering both packages on the same car.

Choosing the latter brought our total to $27,635-exactly the same price as the 2017 CR-V EX we spec’d for its In-Depth Review. Deciding between the two will likely come down to whether you prefer the CX-5’s more enjoyable driving dynamics or the CR-V’s premier practicality.

The Kia Sportage and the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox offer better warranty coverage, but otherwise the CX-5 is in line with its rivals.

Fuel Economy

Mazda reworked the CX-5’s venerable four-cylinder, incorporating cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy.

The updated engine does benefit slightly, gaining 1 mpg in the city and 1 mpg combined (to 28 mpg) on the front-wheel-drive CX-5, while that vehicle’s highway fuel economy is unchanged. On the all-wheel-drive model, city and highway both gain 1 mpg, but the combined figure is unchanged at 26 mpg.

The front-wheel-drive CX-5 is still EPA rated for an additional 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway versus all-wheel-drive models. However, even the front-drive CX-5 trails EPA ratings for all-wheel-drive versions of the CR-V and the Nissan Rogue.

Based on EPA estimates, the CX-5 with all-wheel drive ties with the all-wheel-drive Equinox and trails all other rivals except the Kia Sportage EX.

FWD: 25 city / 28 combined / 31 highway

AWD: 24 city / 26 combined / 30 highway

Learn More

BEST TECH

4. Chevy Equinox

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Chevy comes out swinging in this competition, as the Equinox’s feature-rich options give you a chance to use all sorts of modern infotainment and active-safety features. Carlike handling and an emphasis on practicality make the Equinox an appealing choice.

It’s in the hunt for fuel-efficiency street cred too, with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that sips fuel with the best of them.

To get all this, you have to be okay with a substantially underpowered driving feel (compared to our other picks) and lukewarm acceleration.

Styling and Appearance

Toeing the company line, the Equinox looks right at home in the Chevrolet showroom. Despite being the longest in this comparison, the Equinox doesn’t feel unwieldy when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.

Made from durable materials and styled nicely, the Equinox’s cabin should draw broad appeal. Both front- and rear-seat passengers should find themselves comfortable in the spacious interior, with enough luxuries to keep them content on longer trips.

Value and Warranty

We’d choose the midrange LT trim with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive costs $1750 extra). At a base price of $27,645, the LT adds a number of features that many will appreciate, such as:

  • Power driver’s seat with lumbar

  • Heated mirrors

  • High-intensity discharge headlamps

Chevrolet’s packaging strategy makes it difficult for the Equinox to compete with rivals such as the Honda CR-V, which offers far more luxury, active safety, and convenience items at this same price point.

To match the CR-V on features and equipment, we must spec the Equinox’s Confidence and Convenience package ($1,945) and the Sun and Infotainment package ($1,995), which bring the price up to more than $31,000-dangerously close to the price of the top-of-the-line Premier ($31,685).

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Chevrolet’s basic warranty package is just that-basic-but so are those of its competitors. Only the Kia Sportage offers longer protection plans in this matchup. Chevy does provide a two-year complimentary scheduled maintenance plan, which is a nice perk.

Fuel Economy

In the race for the highest mpg, downsized engines are all the rage. Chevy’s 1.5-liter turbo isn’t speedy, but it does offer attractive EPA fuel-economy ratings. Honda’s CR-V outpaces the Equinox in both acceleration and fuel efficiency.

EPA:

FWD: 26 city / 28 combined / 32 highway

AWD: 24 city / 26 combined / 30 highway

Learn More

BEST BUDGET BUY

5. Kia Soul

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

There’s no hiding in plain sight when you’re driving a Soul; its expressive styling is what intrigues shoppers to take a test drive. Its unexpected refinement and available high-tech features, however, are the real reasons to buy.

The boxy body provides a spacious passenger compartment with a high seating position for a commanding view of the road. Cargo space could be better, but it’s still quite practical and offers plenty of cubbies to stash smaller items throughout the cabin.

Plus, the Soul is teeming with high-tech features, including an optional 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and even LED interior lighting that can be made to pulse along with your tunes.

The Soul is undeniably cool and aptly named. Its playful driving dynamics and powerful optional turbo engine sealed the deal for us-the Soul was named to our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for 2017.

Styling and Appearance

There’s perhaps no other vehicle on sale in America today that is as fun and funky as the Kia Soul. No matter how it’s equipped, it stands out in traffic. Plus, you may even be able to imagine yourself as one of the dancing hamsters from the Soul’s popular ad campaign every time you slide behind the wheel. Who can put a price on that?

Plus, in 2018 a new, highly apropos color joins the palette: Wild Orange.

Its roomy interior is well equipped, handsome, comfortable, and practical. Plus, the Soul’s upright seating position and excellent forward visibility give it the SUV-like driving experience that crossover buyers crave.

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Value and Warranty

The biggest news in the lineup for 2017 was the addition of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which offers 201 horsepower and gives the Soul more, uh, soul. The turbo four is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; this powertrain is offered exclusively on top-spec Exclaim (“!”) models.

Last year we recommended the top-spec Exclaim trim for its comprehensive standard features, gutsy turbocharged engine, and tarted-up exterior style. We were so enamored with the Soul Exclaim we ordered one for a 40,000-mile long-term test, and we have continued to shower it with praise. Kia has kept the Exclaim’s price flat at $23,695 for 2018, and for that you’re treated to:

  • 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • 4.3-inch color digital gauge-cluster display

  • Black leather and cloth seating surfaces

  • Flat bottomed sport steering wheel

We stand by our claim that the Soul Exclaim represents an exceptional value, not only within the lineup but in the whole subcompact crossover segment.

Fuel Economy

The Soul can sip fuel like a smaller vehicle, and it proved itself to be almost as efficient in our testing as its EPA ratings suggest.

As if we needed another reason to choose the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, it turns out that it’s more efficient than the 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The margin is slight, but it’s the automotive equivalent of buying a racehorse with the appetite of a Shetland pony.

In our own fuel-economy test on Michigan’s I-94 highway, none of the vehicles tested here matched their highway ratings, but the Soul, the Honda HR-V, and the Jeep Renegade all came close.

At 14.2 gallons, the Soul has the largest fuel-tank capacity here. Combined with its 30-mpg result on our highway fuel loop, it yields a cruising range of 430 miles.

EPA:

Kia Soul “Exclaim”: 26 city / 28 combined / 31 highway

Kia Soul Plus: 25 city / 27 combined / 30 highway

Learn More

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