Top 10 Most Fuel-efficient Non-hybrid Compact SUVs
After full-size pickups, compact SUVs are the most popular vehicles in Canada with big names like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.
Automakers are starting to offer more and more electrified variants—including plug-in hybrids with interesting EV range—but what are the best options for regular people who want to pay less for a new vehicle and yet save money at the pump?
Excluding hybrid and electric models, here are the top 10 most fuel-efficient compact SUVs on the market right now.
Notes: Fuel consumption data comes from Natural Resources Canada. Only the most fuel-efficient version of each model was considered. Also, you’ll notice that the top four spots are the exact reflection of Canadian sales.
10. Tie 2020 Jeep Cherokee
180-horsepower engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 10.4/7.6/9.1
10. Tie 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
166-horsepower engine, CVT, AWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 9.9/8.1/9.1
10. Tie 2021 Hyundai Tucson
160-horsepower engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 10.0/7.9/9.1
9. 2021 Kia Sportage
181-horsepower engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 10.1/7.6/9.0
8. 2020 GMC Terrain
170-horsepower turbo engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 9.2/7.8/8.6
7. 2021 Mazda CX-5 (with cylinder deactivation)
187-horsepower engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 9.3/7.6/8.5
6. 2020 Chevrolet Equinox
170-horsepower turbo engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 8.9/7.7/8.4
5. 2020 Subaru Forester
182-horsepower engine, CVT, AWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 9.0/7.2/8.2
4. 2021 Nissan Rogue
181-horsepower engine, CVT, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 8.9/7.0/8.1
3. 2020 Ford Escape
181-horsepower turbo engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 8.6/7.1/7.9
1. Tie 2020 Honda CR-V
190-horsepower turbo engine, CVT, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 8.3/7.0/7.7
1. Tie 2021 Toyota RAV4 (with start/stop)
203-horsepower engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, FWD
Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined): 8.5/6.8/7.7