SUVs became highly popular in the 1990s, quickly overtaking minivans and wagons as the preferred family car. Because gasoline prices were still relatively low during their rise, fuel efficiency was rarely an issue with them. With today’s unstable fuel prices, though, automakers are working hard to add new technology, such as hybridization and electrification, to these people haulers to improve their fuel consumption.
These advancements have made finding SUVs with lower gas consumption relatively simple. For a vehicle that combines comfort and cargo space with reduced fuel costs, check out this list of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in Canada.
Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs in Canada
In years past, listing the most fuel-efficient SUVs was as simple as running down a list of numbers. Today, SUVs have a range of green powertrain options, including electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, and gasoline or diesel.
These new powertrain options muddy up the waters a little when searching for the most fuel-efficient SUV. But in this list, we cover the most fuel-efficient SUVs in all four powertrain classes to clear the waters and help you decide.
7 Most Fuel-Efficient Gasoline or Diesel SUVs
Traditional SUVs come with gasoline- or diesel-only powertrains and tend to have the lowest upfront cost. This lower cost and simpler technology come at the expense of fuel consumption, as they use significantly more fuel than their hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric counterparts.
1. 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox Diesel
Leading the list of the most fuel-efficient diesel or gasoline SUVs is the 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox diesel. Its fuel consumption varies slightly between years and with optional all-wheel drive, but it checks in at 8.5 L/100 km city, 6-6.1 L/100 km highway, and 7.4 L/100 km combined.
2. 2018-2019 GMC Terrain Diesel
The 2018-2019 GMC Terrain Diesel is nearly identical to the Equinox Diesel mechanically, so it's no surprise it’s just as fuel efficient. NRCan rates it at 8.5 L/100 km city, 6-6.1 L/100 km highway, and 7.4 L/100 km combined.
3. 2022-2024 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV with big fuel economy numbers. It comes standard with a 147-horsepower 2.0-litre engine and has an optional 195-horsepower 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder powerplant. Fortunately for the Kona, both engines allow the Kona to make our list of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in Canada.
With the base engine, the Hyundai Kona rings in at 8 L/100 km city, 6.6 L/100 km highway, and 7.4 L/100 km combined. Opting for the peppy 1.6-litre engine doesn’t put a big dent in its fuel-consumption numbers, as it checks in at L/100 km city, 6.8 L/100 km highway, and 7.5 L/100 km combined.
4. 2024 Hyundai Venue
Another subcompact Hyundai makes it on our list, as the Hyundai Venue comes in at number four. With its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, the Venue’s fuel consumption checks in at 7.9 L/100 km city, 6.9 L/100 km highway, and 7.5 L/100 km combined.
5. 2024 Volkswagen Taos
Surprise! Another subcompact SUV makes our list, but this time it’s the Volkswagen Taos. This small crossover rings in with fuel consumption numbers of 8.4 L/100 km city, 6.5 L/100 km highway, and 7.5 L/100 km combined.
6. 2024 Kia Seltos
As the close cousin to the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, of course, makes our list. With its base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the Seltos’ fuel consumption checks in at 8.3 L/100 km city, 6.8 L/100 km highway, and 7.6 L/100 km combined.
7. 2022-2024 Nissan Rogue
The 2023-2024 Nissan Rogue comes standard with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Despite being light on cylinders, this engine is surprisingly potent. Plus, it delivers very respectable fuel consumption numbers of 8.4 L/100 km city, 6.7 L/100 km highway, and 7.6 L/100 km combined. What’s more, the 2023-2024 Rogue comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
8 Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid SUVs
Hybrid SUVs deliver superior fuel efficiency compared to traditional gasoline-only models and have no need to be plugged in. You can simply hop in and drive. This convenience comes at the expense of fuel consumption relative to their plug-in hybrid relatives, though.
Because they have no all-electric range, NRCan rates hybrid models' fuel consumption the same way it does traditional gasoline models: litres per 100 km (L/100 km).
1. 2023-2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
In 2023, Toyota released a hybrid version of its subcompact Corolla Cross crossover. This model comes standard with a 2.0-litre powertrain and all-wheel drive, which combine to deliver the best hybrid fuel consumption in a hybrid SUV at 5.2 L/100 km city, 6.2 L/100 km highway, and 5.6 L/100 km combined.
2. 2020-2024 Ford Escape Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid supplanted the Escape Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUV in Canada, but the Ford remains a great option. The 2020-2024 Ford Escape Hybrid with its standard front-wheel-drive setup delivers fuel consumption rate of 5.4-5.6 L/100 km city, 6.3-6.5 L/100 km highway, and 5.8-6 L/100 km combined. Opting for all-wheel drive increases consumption to 5.5-5.6 L/100 km city, 6.4-6.5 L/100 km highway, and 5.9-6 L/100 km combined.
3. 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
Toyota reappears on our most efficient SUVs in Canada list with the 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This fuel-efficient SUV checks in with fuel consumption numbers of 5.7-5.8 L/100 km city, 6.3 L/100 km highway, and 6 L/100 km combined full consumption ratings. What's more, it delivers this efficiency with standard all-wheel drive.
4. 2022-2024 Lexus NX 350h AWD
Based on similar hybrid technology as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, it only makes sense for the 2022-2024 Lexus NX 350h AWD to make the cut. It features the same 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain as the RAV4 but places it in an upscale crossover body with loads of premium features and materials. It checks in with fuel consumption ratings of 5.7 L/100 km city, 6.4 L/100 km highway, and 6 L/100 km combined.
5. 2021-2024 Toyota Venza AWD
The Toyota Venza returned in 2021 as a hybrid-only crossover featuring all-new styling and standard all-wheel drive. This all-new hybrid crossover delivers 5.9 L/100 km city, 6.4 L/100 km highway, and 6.1 L/100 km combined consumption ratings, placing it fourth among hybrid SUVs.
6. 2023-2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Kia has been betting big on its SUV lineup, and now nearly all of them have at least one electrified powertrain. The Sportage got its electrified treatment in 2023. This model pairs a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power flows through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.
Despite ample power and standard AWD, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is still quite fuel efficient. Its consumption rates check in at 6.1 L/100 km city, 6.3 L/100 km highway, and 6.2 L/100 km combined.
7. 2022-2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Based on the exact same platform as the Kia Sportage Hybrid, the Hyundai Tucson is the next logical player in the most fuel-efficient SUVs in Canada. Its turbo 1.6-litre engine and eclectic motor pair up for 1 less horsepower than its Kia counterpart, but it still has all the same pep and standard AWD.
Fuel consumption rings in a little higher than the Kia at 6.3 L/100 km city, 6.6 L/100 km highway, and 6.4 L/100 km combined.
7 Most Fuel-Efficient Plug-In Hybrid SUVs
If you want something more efficient than a hybrid but aren’t ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid SUV can be your bridge vehicle. These plug-in hybrid models combine an electric motor and gasoline engine to deliver enhanced fuel economy. They also include higher-capacity batteries that allow them limited all-electric driving — generally 70 km or less.
The all-electric range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is significantly shorter than full-electric models, but they switch into hybrid mode for extra range once their batteries deplete.
Because plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have an electric range and can run as regular hybrids, they have two ratings. First, they have their equivalent (Le/100km) rating for their electric efficiency and the traditional L/100km rating for their hybrid setup.
1. 2020-2024 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
The 2020-2024 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is the most efficient plug-in hybrid SUV in Canada with a combined rating of 2.2-2.3 Le/100 km combined rating on battery power and 5.8-5.9 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. With a full battery, the Escape has a 60-km range, and its hybrid mode adds another 771-790 km.
2. 2021-2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The 2021-2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime checks in at No. 2 on our list of most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid SUVs. It boasts a 2.5 Le/100 km combined rating on battery power and 6 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. The RAV4 Prime offers a 68-km all-electric range and a 911-km range in hybrid mode.
3. 2020-2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid AWD
There’s some debate as to whether the 2020-2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid AWD is a lifted hatchback or a true crossover SUV. Regardless of its classification, the Crosstrek Hybrid AWD pairs Subaru's legendary off-road prowess with a fuel-efficient powertrain. This delivers a respectful 2.6 Le/100 km combined consumption rate on battery power and 6.7 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. With a fully charged battery, the 2020 Crosstrek Hybrid can travel up to 27 km on battery alone and then another 747 km in hybrid mode.
4. 2022-2025 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD
The Lexus NX 450h+ has all the same mechanical bits as the RAV4 Prime, so it is logical it makes its way onto our list of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in Canada. This luxurious PHEV boasts a 2.8 Le/100 km rating on battery power and 6.6 to 6.7 L/100 km rating in hybrid mode. It also delivers a 60- to 61-km all-electric range and an 818 to 835-km range when this luxury SUV is in hybrid mode.
5. 2023-2024 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
We mentioned that Kia bet big on electrified SUVs, which expanded into a plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Sportage. This sharp-looking and economical PHEV SUV boasts a 2.8 Le/100 km combined fuel consumption rating on battery power and a 6.7 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode.
With a fully charged battery, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid can drive up to 55 km on electricity and another 632 km in hybrid mode with a full tank of gas.
6. 2022-2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Just like earlier, as goes the Kia Sportage, so goes its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson. Next up on our list of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in Canada is the 2022-2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid. Its combined consumption rate checks in at 2.9 Le/100 km on battery and 6.7 L/100 km combined in hybrid mode. With a fully charged battery, the Tucson PHEV can travel 53 km, and a full tank of gas gets it another 626 km in hybrid mode.
7. 2022-2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Yet another Kia SUV takes home a spot on our list. This time it’s the midsize Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. Despite its larger stature, it uses a small 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine and electric motor for a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain also has good fuel consumption numbers of 3 Le/100 km combined on battery power and 6.9 L/100 km combined in hybrid mode.
7 Most Fuel-Efficient Electric SUVs
If you have a larger budget, you can truly push your efficiency to new heights with an all-electric SUV. Electric SUVs generally start with significantly higher pricing than their hybrid or gasoline-only counterparts. On top of this, you’ll also likely need to install special charging equipment to reduce charging time.
These vehicles use no gasoline, so Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) uses a formula to convert electrical consumption to an equivalent of litres of gasoline consumed (Le/100 km).
1. 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y
The 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y leads all other battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUVs in fuel efficiency, but its fuel economy varies greatly between its different variants and years.
The most fuel-efficient Model Y is the 2021 Standard Range model rated at 1.7 Le/100 km city, 2.0 Le/100 km highway, and 1.8 Le/100 km combined. The least efficient version is the 2021-2024 Performance models that ring in at 2.0 to 2.1 Le/100 km city, 2.2 to 2.3 Le/100 km highway, and 2.1 to 2.2 Le/100 km combined.
The all-electric small SUV has an all-electric range (AER) of 393 to 531 km.
2. 2023-2024 Toyota bZ4X
Toyota sneaks in at No. 2 on our list with the bZ4X SUV. Toyota built this model in partnership with Subaru, and it boasts a thrifty 1.8 Le/100 km city, 2.2 Le/100 km highway, and 2.0 Le/100 km combined with two-wheel drive (2WD). The 2WD bZ4X’s AER checks in at 406 km.
Adding AWD makes the bZ4X is far less efficient. It checks in at 2.1 Le/100 km city, 2.5 Le/100 km highway, and 2.3 Le/100 km combined. Its AER is 367 km.
3. 2019-2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
The 2019-2024 Hyundai Kona Electric rings in at No. 3 on the list of most fuel-efficient SUVs at 1.8 Le/100 km city, 2.2 to 2.3 Le/100 km highway, and 2 Le/100 km combined. The downside to this electric SUV is it’s only available in front-wheel drive.
The Kona Electric has an AER of 415 to 497 km.
4. 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron
The 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron adds a little luxury to our list of the most efficient SUVs in Canada. It rings in at 1.9 Le/ 100 km city, 2.3 Le/100 km higher, and 2.1 L3/10 km combined. Its total EV range on a fully charged battery is a respectable 463 km.
5. 2022-2024 Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 has been around since 2022, giving VW an electric SUV that could challenge Tesla in efficiency. It’s rated at 1.9 to 2.0 Le/100 km city, 2.3 to 2.4 Le/100 km highway, and 2.1 to 2.2 Le/100 km combined in the 2023 and 2024 model years. The 2022 ID.4 was slightly less efficient at 2.1 Le/100 km city, 2.5 Le/100 km highway, and 2.3 Le/100 km combined.
The ID.4’s AER comes in at 336 to 468 km.
6. 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+
Following up Audi is even more luxury with an EV powertrain in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+. This compact electric SUV boasts fuel consumption ratings of 2.1 Le/100 km city, 2.4 Le/100 km highway, and 2.2 Le/100 km combined. Its full EV range rings in at 394 km.
7. 2023 Lexus RZ 450e AWD
Looks like we’ll round out our list with back to back luxury models, as the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e checks in at our last spot in the most fuel-efficient SUVs in Canada list. Though it only has an EV range of 354 km, the RZ 450e AWD makes up for this with standard AWD and fuel consumption ratings of 2 Le/100 km, 2.4 Le/100 km, and 2.2 Le/100 km.
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