With fuel prices on the rise again, a vehicle’s fuel economy will be a crucial factor among motorists looking to buy new vehicles. While in the past, most would have turned to small cars. Today, SUVs are a viable choice for many budget-conscious drivers.

SUVs and crossovers have gained popularity due to the way the vehicles combine style without affecting the space to fit a whole family. The variety of seating options, all-weather capability, strength, durability, and reliable performance of off-road SUVs have made them a preference not only to parents but to those with adventurous souls as well.

The most efficient SUVs are electric models, but they often have higher price tags. However, Consumer Reports has found that some SUVs and crossovers are fuel efficient while still being kind to your pockets. Let’s look at some of the most fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers that will save you money at the pump.

1. Toyota RAV4

The popular Toyota RAV4 got a redesign in 2019, giving it a more rugged look. The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers an impressive amount of power and relatively quick acceleration with its smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The two-wheel drive gets 22 miles per gallon in the city, 28 miles per gallon on the highway, and 24 miles per gallon combined. Its four-wheel drive option is also highly efficient, only dropping the vehicle’s EPA rating by one mile per gallon.

2. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has been around the crossover scene for a while and is one of the industry’s highest sellers. With a four-cylinder, 180 hp engine, the Honda CR-V’s two-wheel drive option EPA rating of 21 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG combined is more efficient than its four-wheel counterpart.

3. Honda HR-V

With its design based on the Fit subcompact, the HR-V features a “magic seat” that can be folded down flat or flipped up to add extra room for cargo. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder, 141 hp engine, and CVT transmission system gives it a 28 MPG city, 34 MPG highway, and 30 MPG combined when in two-wheel drive. Switching to the all-wheel-drive option still maintains its fuel efficiency only dropping the rating to 27 MPG for city driving and 31 MPG on the highway.

4. Subaru Forester

Next to the Outback, the Forester is Subaru’s second best-selling model, and it is not hard to see why. This popular SUV perfectly combines a roomy interior, comfortable ride, simple controls, responsive handling, and excellent fuel efficiency. Its overall EPA rating of 28 miles per gallon and its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine are among the best in its class.

5. Nissan Rogue

Though the Nissan Rogue is not meant for pulling a trailer through mud or crawling over boulders, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two-wheel drive option it has allows it to achieve a very respectable gas mileage. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) feature is one of the factors that enabled it to get an EPA rating of 22 MPG for the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and a combined MPG rating of 25, making it perfect for the crossover category.

6. Lexus UX 200

The Lexus UX 200 is the brand’s smallest SUV, perfect for those who live in cities. Though it only has a two-wheel drive option — the four-wheel option is only available in the hybrid version — its efficient 2-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT system emulating 10 automatic gears give the UX a comfortable ride and an EPA rating of 29 MPG for the city, 37 MPG highway, and 33 MPG combined. The handling is also very responsive and includes the standard lane assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Why choose an SUV or crossover over a sedan?

Crossovers and SUVs are perfect for both daily life and long-distance trips because of the extra space they offer. While ample driving often takes a considerable chunk out of your wallet, with fuel-efficient options, this is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Visit MotorBiscuit for more of the latest and engaging automobile news.