The Honda CR-V and Ford Escape Hybrid top the list of small SUVs with good gas mileage. This article centers on some of the other most recommended small SUVs with the best gas mileage.
Small SUVs are considered good choices over sedans. This is because these SUVs come with sufficient amount of power, comfortable passenger seating capacity, and enough luggage space. These vehicles are good for touring or even for city driving. Most people worry about the mileage of SUVs, as these automobiles are believed to have low fuel efficiency. However, there are some small SUVs in the car market which have good performance along with an acceptable mileage rating. When we think about good mileage, it means that which is above 20 MPG in city driving conditions. Given below is an explanation of some top-rated small SUVs with a good fuel economy.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V comes in 10 different styles and has a 4-cylinder engine. The price starts from $23,000 for the basic LX 2WD model and the higher EX-L model costs $29,795. The 185 hp engine allows the car to go from 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. The city mileage is 23 and the highway mileage is 31; combined average is 26.
Kia Sportage 2WD
This compact SUV from Kia Motors sports a 4-cylinder DOHC 2.4 liter engine which generates a power of 176 hp. The base trim package is fitted with a front wheel drive system and a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox. All this under an all new light-weight chassis, giving it the mileage of 31 on highway, 22 in the city, making it an average of 25.
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander (AWC)
If you want to have a wild touring experience, without worrying much about the mileage, the Outlander Sport is the best choice. This sporty-looking SUV is mounted with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine with continuously variable transmission on its base (ES) version. Its ES variant has an all wheel drive system with a mileage of 23/28 in the city and highway respectively and comes at a price of $22,345.
Ford Escape Hybrid
Since it is implemented with hybrid technology, it ought to have a good on-road mileage. The hybrid boasts of a combination of the 2.5 liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 and a permanent-magnet electric motor, which collectively provide 177 hp. When it comes to fuel efficiency of the FWD model, it is believed to be 34 MPG – city/31 MPG – highway, which is quite impressive. The starting price is estimated to be around $30,570. Also comes with good stability and traction control, although the looks haven’t really changed and can give some problems with the rear wheel drum brakes.
Volkswagen Tiguan SE
With a base price of about $28,635 and fuel economy rating of 22/27 in city/highway, the Tiguan is one of the popular choices in small SUVs. Standard technical specs include a 2.0 liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged engine contributing to 200 hp of power and a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox with Tiptronic and Sport mode.
2012 Chevy Equinox FWD
Granted, for a 4-cylinder car, it doesn’t have a lot of power under the hood. But if you’re looking for an SUV for the family, this is the one for you. It gives you a 32 highway and a 22 city mileage. Couple that with great and comfortable interiors and you’ve got yourself a great deal for $23,450. There have, however, been some bad experiences with handling, with some users describing it as ‘numb’.
2012 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai is also a reputed manufacturer of SUVs with the best gas mileage. The car is definitely smaller than regular SUVs, making it fall perfectly well into this group. For $19,045, it gives you a 20 city, 27 highway mileage, making it a strong contender in terms of value for money. It looks great too, on the outside as well as the interiors and provides a comfortable enough handling.
These were some of the best small SUVs which have good fuel economy ratings. Nowadays, hybrid SUVs and cars are also opted for, owing to the need for low fuel consumption. Note that the above-mentioned MPG is approximate and may change as per driving conditions and vehicle maintenance. It is suggested that you visit the respective company’s website for complete information about models, trim packages, and pricing options.
