10 Most Fuel Economical SUVs You Can Buy

Fuel bills are a large and constant expense, particularly with a large family, meaning a fuel-efficient SUV can save you thousands over time.

That’s why buyers are moving increasingly toward hybrid versions of their favourite SUV platforms, as well as some new entrants that bundle together family-friendly practicality with a fuel-efficient engine.

In the interest of variety, we’re going to look deeper than just the compact SUV segment, which would otherwise dominate our list on fuel efficiency.

That’s because many SUV buyers are looking for more space and practicality than a small SUV, so we’re going to break down the most efficient midsize and large SUV packages, as well.

Let’s kick it off with a look at the most economical small SUVs, move on to the midsize SUV segment and then the most economical large SUVs you can buy in Australia.

10 Most Economical Small/Compact SUVs in Australia

If you’re in the market for a small SUV that over-delivers when it comes to fuel economy, manufacturers are currently flooding the market with hybrid and even plug-in hybrid options.

There are the usual suspects here like Toyota and Mitsubishi, as well as recent entrants from, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan and Haval in the world of fuel-efficient compact SUVs.

1. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV - 1.9L/100km

2. Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid - 3.9L/100km

3. Hyundai Kona Hybrid - 3.9L/100km

4. Toyota C-HR Hybrid - 4.0L/100km

5. Honda HR-V e:HEV - 4.3L/100km

6. Toyota Corolla Cross - 4.3L/100km

7. Haval Jolion Hybrid - 5.0L/100km

8. Nissan Qashqai e-Power - 5.2L/100km

9. Skoda Kamiq - 5.4L/100km

10. Suzuki Vitara - 5.8L/100km 

10 Most Economical Midsize SUVs in Australia

If you’re looking for an SUV package that can more confidently handle family duties, a midsize SUV is a much more practical option than their small SUV siblings.

Within the world of medium SUVs, there are some plug-in hybrid options as well as more conventional hybrid powertrains from familiar names like Toyota, Kia and Honda, as well as some attractive, fuel-efficient options from BYD, Peugeot, MG, Haval and Cupra.

1. BYD Sealion 6 - 1.4L/100km

2. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - 1.5L/100km

3. Peugeot 3008 PHEV - 1.6L/100km

4. MG HS PHEV - 1.7L/100km

5. Cupra Formentor VZe PHEV - 1.9L/100km

6. Toyota RAV4 - 4.7L/100km

7. Kia Sportage Hybrid - 4.9L/100km

8. GWM Haval H6 Hybrid - 5.2L/100km

9. Honda CR-V - 5.5L/100km

10. Nissan X-Trail e-Power - 6.1L/100km

10 Most Economical Large SUVs in Australia

If you need a fuel-efficient partner in crime to keep up with a family of seven or simply looking for maximum practicality, a large SUV is the only way to go.

Thankfully, many large, seven-seat SUV packages come powered by either a hybrid or fuel-efficient turbo-diesel powertrain that each helps to keep fuel economy figures in a healthy place, with the latter offering up great torque for towing and off-roading adventures.

Some of the most fuel-efficient large SUVs come from manufacturers like Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, Ford, Isuzu, Skoda, Land Rover and Volvo.

1. Volvo XC90 PHEV - 1.8L/100km

2. Land Rover Defender P400 PHEV - 3.4L/100km

3. Kia Sorento Hybrid - 5.4L/100km

4. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid - 5.6L/100km

5. Toyota Kluger Hybrid - 5.6L/100km

6. Ford Everest 4x2 Bi-turbo - 7.1L/100km

7. Hyundai Palisade Diesel - 7.3L/100km

8. Isuzu MU-X 1.9 - 7.4L/100km

9. Skoda Kodiaq - 7.5L/100km

10. Toyota Fortuner - 7.6L/100km

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