Being easily the most competitive segment in the industry, all SUVs now come optimized for performance, safety, and features. So much so that the buyers' decision to favor one model over another comes down to purely brand image or specific details. Due to their larger size and weight, one of the most important features to take into consideration when buying a new SUV is fuel efficiency, which can vary a lot from model to model.
There are so many false myths surrounding fuel efficiency. The term refers to the number of miles a car can travel using a specific amount of fuel, most often measured in miles per gallon (mpg), with more being better. The mpg is usually higher on highways than city driving since city driving necessitates slower speeds, idling, and higher revolutions per minute (rpm). Focusing on gas-powered models only, the market is still surprisingly riddled with SUVs with appalling fuel economy. So, here's a rundown of the 10 most fuel-efficient gas-powered SUVs you can buy new in 2021.
10 2021 Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is spacious enough to seat five passengers, but that is not all it is known for. It is also one of the best compact family crossovers in 2021 when it comes to fuel efficiency. With its 1.4-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Buick Encore will only cost just $1,750 per year for its gasoline.
It has an estimated 28 mpg around the city and 31 mpg on the highway. With a top speed of 127 mph, the Buick Encore is estimated by the EPA to consume just around 3.6 gallons of fuel per 100 miles.
9 2021 Ford Escape
The 2021 Ford Escape is another five-passenger vehicle on the list. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it develops a respectable 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, it has a top speed of 130 mph and consumes an average of 3.8 gallons of fuel every 100 miles.
This means that the Escape will do 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, with a combined 26 mpg, making it a good "Escape" in terms of gas management and cost. It costs around $1,800 to keep the 2021 Ford Escape filled for a year.
8 2021 Subaru Outback
Notoriously roomy and the choice of many for the ideal family vehicle, the 2021 Subaru Outback offers two engine variants: a 2.5-liter non-turbo and a zestier 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.
The vehicle does 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, with a 29 mpg cut-through between the ranges. Moreover, it consumes around 3.4 gallons of fuel per 100 miles. With an 18.5-gallon tank size, It will only cost approximately $1,700 to fill up the Outback for a year.
7 2021 Chevrolet Trax
This is the first Chevy on our list, and it does admirably well in fuel efficiency ratings. With 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg in the highway as tested by the EPA, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax consumes just 3.6 gallons per 100 miles.
Powering this car is a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with a surprising output of 155 hp. It costs $1,700 to fill the Trax for a year. So, while it may not be a high five compared to other brands like Toyota, it is still a product to be reckoned with when talking about savings.
6 2021 Toyota C-HR
Fuel efficiency has always been Toyota's strong suit, and the brands' 2021 lineup continues that tradition. Toyota's 2021 C-HR may have odd styling, but its fuel economy is great. It offers an mpg of 27 and 31 around the city and on the highway, respectively.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 144 hp and can reach a top speed of 112 mph. The car consumes just 3.4 gallons in 100 miles, and it costs just $1,650 to keep the C-HR filled for a year.
5 2021 Hyundai Kona
While, like most SUVs on this list, the Kona also offers a more environmentally-friendly option (the Kona EV), the gas-powered version is still impressively economical. It boasts a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder optional turbocharged engine that delivers 147 horsepower and tops out at 121 mph.
The portable SUV delivers 25 mpg around the city and 30 mpg on the highway, with a combined 27 mpg. It is estimated that the Hyundai Kona would consume just 3.7 gallons of fuel per 100 miles, and it would cost around $1,600 to keep the SUV filled for a year.
4 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
A highly versatile SUV from American automakers, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes with 29 mpg for the city and 33 mpg for the highway averaging 31 mpg for both. The Trailblazer comes with a 1.3-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine and can manage a top speed of 130 mph.
While the top speed might be a turn-off for some, the gas-burning rate is great. The Trailblazer drinks just 3.2 gallons in 100 miles, and owners can spend an average of $1,600 on gasoline every year.
3 2021 Kia Seltos
Third on the list of the most fuel-efficient SUVs for 2021 is Kia’s subcompact crossover SUV. The 2021 Kia Seltos comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with four cylinders. With a sound engine, you will only spend $1,500 on gasoline annually.
The EPA estimates the KIA Seltos to have 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Its 175-hp engine has a top speed of 167 mph and is estimated to consume just 3.2 gallons every 100 miles.
2 2021 Lexus UX200
Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 169 hp, the Lexus UX200 may not be as powerful or off0-road capable as some of its rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek, but it sure saves you a lot of gas. With an annual fuel cost of $1,600, this SUV will take cut your gas budget.
It is estimated to take 29 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined; it also requires about 3.1 gallons of gasoline per 100 miles.
1 2021 Mazda CX-3
Although not the largest in the Mazda lineup, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is quite loveable. It is equipped with a DOHC 16-valve, Atkinson-capable inline-4 engine with a 146-hp capacity.
The CX-3 is good on gas as it has a rating of 29 mpg in the city and a good 34 mpg when on the highway. Combined, it tested 31 mpg and required 3.2 gallons per 100 miles with an annual fuel cost of $1,550.
Source: fueleconomy.gov