When I started looking for the best mpg SUV last year, I’ll be honest – I thought I’d have to choose between practicality and fuel economy.
Like many families, we needed something bigger than a saloon car but didn’t want to break the bank at the petrol station.
The good news? Modern SUVs have come a long way in terms of fuel efficiency, and you don’t have to sacrifice family space for better miles per gallon.
Let’s face it – petrol prices aren’t getting any cheaper.
I remember chatting with my neighbour Sarah about this exact issue. She was driving a 2015 SUV that was guzzling fuel like there was no tomorrow, and with two kids and a dog, downsizing wasn’t really an option.
The reality is simple: a fuel-efficient SUV can save you hundreds of pounds per year whilst still giving you the space and versatility your family needs.
Here’s what I’ve learned about why mpg matters:
• Cost savings: Better fuel economy means more money in your pocket • Environmental impact: Lower emissions help reduce your carbon footprint
• Longer range: Fewer stops at petrol stations during long journeys • Resale value: Fuel-efficient vehicles tend to hold their value better
After months of research and test drives, I’ve narrowed down the most fuel-efficient SUVs available today.
Let me share the detailed specifications I’ve compiled from my research and real-world testing:
| Model | Engine Type | Official MPG (Combined) | Real-World MPG* | Boot Space (Litres) | Starting Price | Electric Range (PHEV) | CO2 Emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 2.5L Hybrid | 54.3 mpg | 48-52 mpg | 580 | £35,000 | N/A | 116 g/km |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid | 2.0L Hybrid | 52.3 mpg | 46-50 mpg | 497 | £36,500 | N/A | 120 g/km |
| Kia Sorento PHEV | 1.6L Plug-in Hybrid | 176.6 mpg** | 35-40 mpg*** | 809 (5-seat) | £48,000 | 35 miles | 38 g/km |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2.0L SkyActiv-G | 44.8 mpg | 40-44 mpg | 522 | £28,500 | N/A | 143 g/km |
| Nissan Qashqai e-POWER | 1.5L e-POWER | 53.3 mpg | 45-49 mpg | 504 | £32,000 | N/A | 120 g/km |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 2.5L Hybrid | 42.8 mpg | 38-42 mpg | 658 | £52,000 | N/A | 149 g/km |
| Lexus NX 450h+ | 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid | 256.8 mpg** | 30-35 mpg*** | 520 | £55,000 | 44 miles | 25 g/km |
| BMW X3 xDrive30e | 2.0L Plug-in Hybrid | 188.3 mpg** | 32-38 mpg*** | 450 | £50,000 | 31 miles | 31 g/km |
*Based on my personal experience and owner forums
**PHEV figures include electric-only driving
***When running on a petrol engine only
| Model | 4WD Standard | Towing Capacity | Warranty | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Yes | 1,650 kg | 5 years | Predictive Efficient Drive, Trail Mode |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid | Yes | 1,500 kg | 5 years | Honda SENSING, Real Time AWD |
| Kia Sorento PHEV | Yes | 1,650 kg | 7 years | 7-seat option, Solar roof panel |
| Mazda CX-5 | Optional | 2,000 kg | 3 years | i-ACTIV AWD, G-Vectoring Control |
| Nissan Qashqai e-POWER | Optional | 1,350 kg | 5 years | ProPILOT Assist, e-Pedal |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Yes | 2,268 kg | 5 years | 8-seat configuration, Predictive Efficient Drive |
| Lexus NX 450h+ | Yes | 1,500 kg | 10 years | Mark Levinson Audio, 14″ Touchscreen |
| BMW X3 xDrive30e | Yes | 2,000 kg | 3 years | Driving Assistant Pro, BMW Live Cockpit |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: The RAV4 Hybrid consistently delivers around 50+ mpg in real-world driving conditions.
I spent a weekend with one last month, and I was genuinely impressed by how seamless the hybrid system felt. The transition between electric and petrol power was virtually unnoticeable.
From the table above, you can see it offers excellent value with standard all-wheel drive and competitive pricing.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Honda’s CR-V Hybrid offers impressive fuel economy whilst maintaining the practicality the model is known for.
The boot space is particularly generous – perfect for weekly shopping trips or holiday luggage.
Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. If you’re looking for a larger seven-seater, the Sorento PHEV delivers excellent fuel efficiency for its size class.
The electric-only range makes short trips virtually fuel-free, which is brilliant for school runs and local errands. Note how the official MPG figure is misleading – the real-world petrol-only economy is more realistic for planning purposes.
Mazda CX-5 Mazda’s SkyActiv technology delivers exceptional fuel economy from a traditional petrol engine.
I was sceptical about non-hybrid options until I drove one of these. The real-world mpg figures are genuinely impressive, and it offers the highest towing capacity in our comparison.
Nissan Qashqai The latest Qashqai with its e-POWER system offers hybrid-like efficiency without the complexity of a plug-in system.
It’s particularly good for urban driving, where the electric motor does most of the work.
Looking at this comprehensive comparison, several patterns emerge:
Plug-in hybrids show impressive official figures, but remember these assume regular charging. Without charging, they’re often less efficient than conventional hybrids due to extra weight.
Conventional hybrids like the RAV4 and CR-V offer consistent efficiency regardless of charging infrastructure.
Advanced petrol engines like Mazda’s SkyActiv prove that traditional powertrains can still deliver impressive economy.
Through my own experience and conversations with other SUV owners, I’ve identified the key factors that impact real-world fuel consumption.
I used to be quite heavy-footed until I realised how much it was costing me.
Simple changes that improved my mpg: • Gentle acceleration from traffic lights • Maintaining steady speeds on motorways • Using cruise control when appropriate • Anticipating traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking
My mate Dave always wondered why his SUV’s fuel economy was poor compared to mine. Turns out his tyres were under-inflated and he hadn’t had a service in over a year.
Essential maintenance for optimal fuel economy: • Keep tyres properly inflated • Regular engine services • Clean air filters • Quality engine oil
That roof box might be convenient for holidays, but it’s costing you significant fuel economy year-round.
I learned this the hard way when I forgot to remove mine after a skiing trip – my MPG dropped by nearly 15% for two months!
This is probably the most common question I get asked about fuel-efficient SUVs.
• You do lots of stop-start city driving • You plan to keep the car for several years • Environmental impact is important to you • You don’t mind slightly higher upfront costs
• You do mostly motorway driving • You prefer simpler technology • Lower purchase price is priority • You’re concerned about long-term battery costs
Official figures vs reality – let’s be honest about this.
Manufacturer mpg figures are based on standardised tests that don’t reflect real-world driving.
From my experience and talking to other owners: • Expect 10-15% lower than official combined figures • City driving often matches or exceeds official city figures • Motorway driving at 70mph typically falls short of official figures • Seasonal variations can impact efficiency by 10-20%
With my current hybrid SUV, I consistently achieve: • 45-48 mpg in mixed driving • 52-55 mpg in heavy traffic • 38-42 mpg on long motorway journeys
These figures are with a family of four and typical loads of shopping, sports kit, and weekend gear.
After two years of conscious effort to improve fuel efficiency, here are my proven strategies:
• Combine multiple errands into single trips • Use sat nav to avoid traffic jams • Consider off-peak travel times • Plan efficient routes for regular journeys
• Eco mode: Use it for everyday driving • Gradual acceleration: Pretend there’s an egg under the accelerator • Coasting: Let momentum carry you when possible • Speed awareness: 60mph vs 70mph makes a significant difference
Most modern SUVs have fuel-saving features that many owners never use:
• Automatic stop-start systems • Regenerative braking (in hybrids) • Eco-driving coaching displays • Trip computers for monitoring consumption
Let’s talk numbers – because ultimately, fuel efficiency is about saving money.
I calculated that switching from my old SUV to a more efficient model saves me approximately £800 per year in fuel costs.
Factors in your calculation: • Annual mileage • Current fuel prices • Difference in mpg between vehicles • Purchase price difference • Expected ownership period
If you drive 12,000 miles annually: • 30 mpg SUV costs approximately £2,400/year in fuel • 45 mpg SUV costs approximately £1,600/year in fuel • Annual saving: £800
Over five years, that’s £4,000 – often enough to offset higher purchase costs.
Through my research and conversations with other drivers, I’ve encountered several persistent misconceptions:
Reality: Modern, efficient SUVs provide perfectly adequate performance for family use.
My hybrid has no trouble merging onto motorways or climbing hills with a full load.
Reality: Toyota has been making hybrids for over two decades with excellent reliability records.
Modern hybrid systems are proven technology, not experimental.
Reality: Many fuel-efficient SUVs offer substantial towing capacity.
The RAV4 Hybrid, for example, can tow 1,650kg – plenty for most family needs.
Currently, plug-in hybrid SUVs offer the best fuel economy, with some achieving over 100 mpg in optimal conditions. However, for most families, conventional hybrids like the RAV4 Hybrid offer the best balance of efficiency and practicality.
It depends on your driving patterns. If you do significant city driving or high annual mileage, the fuel savings typically offset the higher purchase price within 3-4 years.
Savings vary based on usage, but most families save £500-£1,000 annually compared to less efficient SUVs. The exact amount depends on fuel prices, driving style, and annual mileage.
Modern, efficient SUVs don’t compromise on space. Models like the CR-V Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid offer the same interior and boot space as their conventional counterparts.
Hybrid systems have proven reliable over millions of miles globally. Toyota hybrids, in particular, have excellent long-term reliability records with many reaching 200,000+ miles.
Consider your driving patterns: Choose a hybrid for city driving, stop-start traffic, and high annual mileage. Choose efficient petrol for predominantly motorway driving and lower upfront costs.
Check multiple sources: Owner forums, independent reviews, and test drive data provide more realistic expectations than manufacturer figures.
Choosing the best MPG SUV for your family isn’t just about the highest fuel economy figures.
Consider: • Your typical driving conditions • Family size and space requirements • Budget for purchase and running costs • Long-term ownership plans • Personal preferences for technology and features
When helping friends choose their fuel-efficient SUV, I suggest:
The best MPG SUV is ultimately the one that meets your family’s needs while delivering the fuel economy that makes financial sense for your situation.
Remember, even modest improvements in fuel efficiency can result in significant savings over the life of your vehicle.
Whether you choose a hybrid or an efficient petrol model, modern SUVs offer impressive fuel economy without sacrificing the space and versatility that make them perfect for family life.
After all my research and real-world experience, I’m convinced that finding the best MPG SUV for your family is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make in today’s motoring landscape.
