The Hyundai Tucson is the best overall for fuel-efficient SUVs
With rising gasoline prices and record-high inflation, you may be looking for ways to cut your spending and save more money. If you are not ready to switch to an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, there are many great fuel-efficient gas-powered vehicles available. Fuel-efficient SUVs will help you save on fuel costs while still providing flexibility, space, and extra storage. This article reviews our top picks for the best fuel-efficient SUVs of 2022.
Not ready for an SUV? Check out our top picks for the best hatchbacks.
Best Fuel Efficient SUVs of 2022
- Best Overall: 2022 Hyundai Tucson
- Most Fuel Efficient: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Most Fuel Efficient Luxury: 2022 Lexus UX
- Best Reliability: 2022 Toyota Highlander
- Best Compact: 2022 Honda CR-V
*Key Specs based on base-level trims.
Best Overall: 2022 Hyundai Tucson
Starting at $29,855 CAD.
- Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined): 9.1/ 7.1/ 8.2
- Horsepower: 187hp
- Drivetrain: FWD or available AWD
- Seating: 5 seats
- Essential: $29,855
- Preferred: $32,255
- Urban: $39,251
- N Line: $39,255
- Luxury Hybrid AWD: $41,051
- Ultimate Hybrid AWD: $43,751
Why We Chose It:
The Hyundai Tucson won best overall due to its excellent fuel economy, striking exterior design, luxury-level interior, and advanced tech features.
Pros & Cons
The all-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson has been redesigned with one of the most stylish exteriors and interiors on the market. The Hyundai Tucson has excellent fuel efficiency, with a combined fuel economy of 8.2L per 100km. The 2022 Tucson model is currently sold out, and you can reserve a 2023 model. With heated front and rear seats, Apple CarPlay, and a panoramic roof, the Tucson offers great features at its base trim level. The Tucson line-up also includes two AWD models that you can upgrade to plug-in hybrid powertrains (Luxury Hybrid AWD and Ultimate Hybrid AWD).
Most Fuel Efficient: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Starting at $33,350 CAD.
- Fuel Consumption (City/Hwy/Combined): 5.8/ 6.3/ 6.0
- Horsepower: 219hp
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Seating: 5 seats
- LE AWD: $33,350
- XLE AWD: $36,350
- SE AWD: $38,150
- XSE AWD: $40,790
- Limited AWD: $44,650
Why We Chose It:
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid uses only 5.8L per 100 km for city driving and 6.3L per 100 km for highway driving, making it the most fuel-efficient SUV on this list.
Pros & Cons
The Toyota RAV4 Prime has the best fuel economy for SUVs in 2022. Another major pro about the RAV4 is that all models have standard all-wheel drive. The Toyota RAV4 has a sleek exterior design and a comfortable interior. The infotainment system is slightly smaller than similar SUV models. However, you still get great connectivity with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Toyota Remote and Safety Sense, and SiriusXM.
Most Fuel Efficient Luxury: 2022 Lexus UX
Starting at $40,750 CAD.
- Fuel Consumption (City/Hwy/Combined): 5.7/ 6.2/ 6.0
- Horsepower: 181hp
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Seating: 5 seats
- UX 250h AWD: $40,750
Why We Chose It
The 2022 Lexus UX wins the most fuel-efficient luxury SUV with a fuel rating of 5.7/6.2 (city/hwy) per 100km.
Pros & Cons
The Lexus UX is one of the best hybrid luxury vehicles available. With an approachable starting price of $40,750, the UX has excellent fuel economy, luxurious interior design, and a stylish exterior design. The UX’s standard features include a 7” display, six-speaker audio system, and Lexus display Audio with Remote for interior technology. The Lexus UX also has extensive safety features such as Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, parking assist with auto braking, ten airbags, and blind-spot monitoring. Overall, the Lexus UX Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, interior, and safety features make it great for families.
Best Reliability: 2022 Toyota Highlander
Starting at $44,750 CAD.
- Fuel Consumption (City/Hwy/Combined): 11.8/ 8.6/ 10.3
- Horsepower: 295hp
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Seating: 7-8 seats
- LE AWD: $44,750
- Hybrid LE AWD: $46,750
- XLE AWD: $47,650
- Hybrid XLE AWD: $49,650
- XSE AWD: $49,950
- Limited AWD: $53,190
- Platinum AWD: $55,490
- Hybrid Limited AWD: $55,190
- Hybrid Platinum AWD: $57,490
Why We Chose It
We chose the 2022 Toyota Highlander as the most reliable fuel-efficient SUV because Consumer Reports continues to rank it as one of the most reliable SUVs.
The Toyota Highlander is available in gas and hybrid models. With nine trim levels to choose from, you will have to decide whether a gas or hybrid model fits your lifestyle. The base-level hybrid has a fuel consumption of 6.7/6.8 (city/hwy). The Highlander is the biggest SUV on this list, with five trims having eight passenger seats and the other four trims having seven seats. The Toyota Highlander is a fantastic vehicle for families because it continues to rank as one of the most reliable SUVs on the market year after year.
Best Compact: 2022 Honda CR-V
Starting at $31,740 CAD.
- Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined): 8.3/ 7.0/ 7.7
- Horsepower: 190hp
- Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
- Seating: 5 seats
- LX-2WD: $31,470
- LX: $34,270
- Sport: $38,170
- EX-L: $39,970
- Touring: $43,750
- Black Edition: $45,370
Why We Chose It:
The 2022 Honda CRV continues to be an excellent choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient compact SUV.
Pros & Cons
The Honda CR-V is another good choice for families. This SUV has stylish exterior features, including an available hands-free power tailgate, LED headlights, and a one-touch power moonroof. The CR-V is fully-loaded with interior features— automatic climate control, heated front and available heated rear seats, multi-angle rearview camera, and available leather seating. For a compact SUV, the Honda CR-V also has great fuel economy with 8.3/ 7.0 (city/hwy) per 100km.
Final Verdict
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is our top pick for fuel-efficient SUVs, with the base level trim having a combined fuel consumption of 8.2L per 100km. The Hyundai Tucson is also available in two hybrid powertrains, Luxury Hybrid AWD and Ultimate Hybrid AWD. Other standout features include an all-new exterior design with LED headlights and a chiselled front grille. The Tucson is a great family vehicle with interior features such as heated front and rear seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof, and Apple CarPlay.
Not sure if you should purchase a crossover or an SUV? Find out the difference between a crossover and an SUV here.
Compare the Best Fuel-Efficient SUVs
- Hyundai Tucson
- Starting Price: $29,855
- Fuel Consumption (City/Hwy/Combined): 9.1/ 7.1/ 8.2
- Horsepower: 187hp
- Seating: 5 seats
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Starting Price: $33,350
- Fuel Consumption (City/Hwy/Combined): 5.8/ 6.3/ 6.0
- Horsepower: 219hp
- Seating: 5 seats
- Lexus UX
- Starting Price: $40,750
- Fuel Consumption (City/Hwy/Combined): 5.7/ 6.2/ 6.0
- Horsepower: 181hp
- Seating: 5 seats
- Toyota Highlander
- Starting Price: $44,750
- Fuel Consumption (City/Hwy/Combined): 11.8/ 8.6/ 10.3
- Horsepower: 295hp
- Seating: 7 or 8 seats
- Honda CR-V
- Starting Price: $31,740
- Fuel Consumption (City/Hwy/Combined): 8.3/ 7.0/ 7.7
- Horsepower: 190hp
- Seating: 5 seats
Frequently Asked Questions
The most fuel-efficient SUV is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, with fuel consumption of 5.8/ 6.3/ 6.0 (city/hwy/combined). The RAV4 Hybrid models boast better fuel efficiency, more horsepower, and faster acceleration than gas-powered models.
The most reliable and economical SUV is the 2022 Toyota Highlander. With combined fuel consumption of 10.3L per 100km and a consistently high ranking from Consumer Reports, the Toyota Highlander ranks as one of the most economical and reliable SUVs on the market.
The most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUV is the 2022 Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V fuel economy is 8.3/ 7.0/ 7.7 (city/hwy/combined) L/100km. Therefore, the CR-V is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models available.
Non-hybrid SUVs with the best fuel economy will cost you anywhere from $29,000-$65,000. Hybrid SUVs with the best fuel economy will set you back $40,000- $65,000.
Find out more about purchase and lease options with our guides to financing and leasing, or compare financing vs. leasing.
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