New Dacia Duster

Renault Captur

Seat Arona

Jeep Avenger

Ford Puma

Toyota Yaris Cross

Skoda Karoq

Volkswagen Taigo

real-mpg-most-efficient-small-suvs

Running a car only ever seems to get more and more expensive,&nbsp;so it's important to factor in efficiency when considering your next purchase. Unfortunately, the official Government fuel economy figures that you’ll find published online or in brochures are often hard to achieve in the real world.

To help you with this, we carry out our own independent testing on a wide variety of new models as part of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/real-mpg-calculator">Real MPG</a>&nbsp;tests, in order to find out what kind of economy you should really expect from the car you’re interested in.

Here we&nbsp;take&nbsp;a look at the 10 most fuel-efficient <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">small SUVs</a> we’ve tested so far. We’ll also be revealing the least efficient small SUV at the end, so stick around for that.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

Real MPG: most efficient small SUVs

Estate

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

T-CROSS

Real MPG Average&nbsp;46.6mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;38.6mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;41.2mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;62.7mpg

We like the T-Cross for its spacious interior and impressive array of safety kit. Just as pleasing is the fact that our recommended 1.0-litre petrol engine is a frugal choice, returning just shy of 47mpg in our real-world tests. That version was particularly efficient on rural roads, where it returned an impressive 62.7mpg.

Read our full review of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-cross/estate/review/n19039">VW T-Cross</a>&nbsp;or see our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen/t-cross/estate/deals">VW T-Cross deals</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

10: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Spacious, flexible interior</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Impressive for safety</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Good to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Only slightly cheaper than the superior T-Roc</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Interior isn't as plush as in other VWs</li>
	<li dir="ltr">SEL and R-Line trims too pricey</li>
</ul>

Hatchback

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

ARONA

Real MPG Average&nbsp;46.7mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;35.6mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;43.9mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;60.7mpg

Seat's smallest SUV impresses with tidy handling and the fact that, despite its small size, it's actually roomier inside than many rivals. The 1.0-litre petrol engine you get here provides plenty of pep, and as our testing shows, it should cost very little to run. Interior quality is so-so, though, and rivals have more flexible rear seats.

Read our full review of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/arona/hatchback/review/n117">Seat Arona</a>&nbsp;or see our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/seat/arona/hatchback/deals">Seat Arona deals</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

9: Seat Arona 1.0 TSI

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Tidy handling</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Roomier than many rivals</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">So-so interior quality</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Top trims are too pricey</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Rivals have more flexible rear seats</li>
</ul>

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

MOKKA X

Real MPG Average&nbsp;47.0mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;42.4mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;42.6mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;56.9mpg

Now replaced by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/mokka/hatchback/review/n17360">Vauxhall Mokka</a>, the Mokka X wasn't the most practical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-small-suvs-2023/n17050">small SUV</a>&nbsp;when it was on sale,&nbsp;nor was it the best to drive. However,&nbsp;this diesel-engined version made partial amends for that by&nbsp;costing&nbsp;relatively little to run if you were covering enough miles to justify its purchase. There are a good number of examples on the used market if you're tempted, with prices starting from around £6000.

Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/mokka-x/hatchback/used-review/n960">used Vauxhall Mokka X review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

8: Vauxhall Mokka X 1.6 CDTi 136

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Well equipped</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Fashionable styling</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Ride and refinement below par</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Rivals are more comfortable</li>
</ul>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

2008

Real MPG Average&nbsp;47.3mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;39.4mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;42.9mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;60.5mpg

The 2008 will turn heads thanks to its striking looks, and it backs those up with real substance. It's classy and practical inside, plus every version comes with a decent amount of kit. The 1.2-litre petrol engine in this version is thoroughly recommendable because it balances peppy performance with relatively low running costs.

Read our full review of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/2008/estate/review/n110">Peugeot 2008</a>&nbsp;or see our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/peugeot/2008/estate/deals">Peugeot 2008 deals</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

7: Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 130

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Classy interior</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Decent ride comfort</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Punchy, frugal petrol engines</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">More expensive than mainstream rivals</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Relatively heavy depreciation</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Driving position won't suit everyone</li>
</ul>

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

KONA

Real MPG Average&nbsp;47.4mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;63.7mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;39.7mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;52.0mpg

This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a>&nbsp;version of the Kona – which has since been replaced – is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, producing&nbsp;a total of 139bhp when they work together. That makes for punchy performance and the ability to drive around town for short distances using electric power alone. The Kona Hybrid is also an efficient choice, returning upwards of 47mpg in our real-world tests&nbsp;and an impressive 63.7mpg in town.

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/used-review/n18075">used Hyundai Kona review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

6: Hyundai Kona Hybrid 1.6 GDi

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Decent performance</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Generous kit</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Good infotainment</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Bumpy ride on 18in wheels</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Not very practical</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Auto braking not standard</li>
</ul>

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

VITARA

Real MPG Average&nbsp;47.7mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;40.2mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;43.6mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;59.8mpg

We economy&nbsp;tested this generation of the&nbsp;Vitara&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-small-suvs-2023/n17050">small SUV</a>&nbsp;before it was replaced with the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/vitara/4x4/review/n76">Suzuki Vitara</a> (which&nbsp;arrived in 2019), but there are plenty of examples to be found on the used market. As well as offering low running costs, the model impresses with peppy performance and a spacious interior.

Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/vitara/4x4/used-review/n882">used Suzuki Vitara review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

5: Suzuki Vitara 1.6 petrol

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Good driving manners</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Spacious and practical interior</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">High emissions on some petrol models</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Diesel engines can be noisy</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Some of the trim feels flimsy</li>
</ul>

TAIGO

Real MPG Average&nbsp;50.5mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;41.6mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;45.8mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;62.5mpg

Think of the Taigo as being like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-cross/estate/review/n19039">VW T-Cross</a>&nbsp;but with an extra dose of style, courtesy of its coupé-like roofline. It's even more efficient, too, with this version's 1.0-litre petrol engine returning more than 50mpg overall in our tests. Elsewhere, the Taigo is comfortable over most surfaces and has a spacious interior.&nbsp;

Read our full review of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/taigo/hatchback/review/n23908">VW&nbsp;Taigo</a>&nbsp;or see our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen/taigo/hatchback/deals">VW Taigo deals</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

4: Volkswagen Taigo 1.0 petrol

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Comfortable ride</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Surprisingly spacious interior</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Cheap running costs</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Rivals are more fun to drive</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Interior quality could be better</li>
	<li dir="ltr">No adjustable lumbar support</li>
</ul>

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

YARIS CROSS

Real MPG Average&nbsp;51.2mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;74.6mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;40.8mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;58.5mpg

Having four driven wheels is a rarity in the small SUV sector, but the Yaris Cross is one of the few that offers it, making it a good choice if you&nbsp;live in a rural area where&nbsp;slippery road conditions are likely to be encountered. Usually such set-ups bring&nbsp;an economy penalty, and while that is still true of the Yaris Cross, that penalty it brings is a lot smaller than most.

Read our full review of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris-cross/estate/review/n23440">Toyota Yaris Cross</a>&nbsp;or see our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/toyota/yaris-cross/estate/deals">Toyota Yaris Cross deals</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

3: Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 AWD petrol

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Pretty efficient</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Lofty driving position</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Uncluttered dashboard is easy to use</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Could be more spacious in the back seats</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Vocal engine when accelerating</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Not as fun to drive as the Ford Puma</li>
</ul>

IGNIS

Real MPG Average&nbsp;59.9mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;51.3mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;53.3mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;74.8mpg

This version of the Ignis is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild hybrid</a>, so its engine receives&nbsp;small amounts of electrical assistance to help out at lower speeds, but the car can't move using electric power alone. The result is a supremely economical&nbsp;small SUV&nbsp;that returned an impressive 74.8mpg on rural roads during our tests.

Read our full review of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/review/n17225">Suzuki Ignis</a>&nbsp;or see our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/deals">Suzuki Ignis deals</a>&gt;&gt;

2: Suzuki Ignis K12D 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Good fuel economy</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Spacious for a small car</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Generous equipment</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Ride can be fidgety</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Vague steering</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Poor infotainment system</li>
</ul>

Real MPG Average&nbsp;60.1mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;103.3mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;45.5mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;70.5mpg

Toyota's smallest SUV isn't just the most economical car in this class – it's the most economical car we've tested in any class. That accolade comes thanks largely to its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a>&nbsp;system, which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, enabling the Yaris Cross to travel&nbsp;on&nbsp;electric power alone&nbsp;some of the time. If you drive mainly&nbsp;in town, where you can make the most of this set-up, you should see a drastic reduction in your fuel bills compared with a standard combustion-engined car.

Read our full review of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris-cross/estate/review/n23440">Toyota Yaris Cross</a>&nbsp;or see our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/toyota/yaris-cross/estate/deals">Toyota Yaris Cross deals</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

1: Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 petrol

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Very efficient</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Lofty driving position</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Uncluttered dashboard is easy to use</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Could be more spacious in the back seats</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Vocal engine when accelerating</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Not as fun to drive as the Ford Puma</li>
</ul>

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Real MPG Average&nbsp;38.5mpg&nbsp;| Town&nbsp;28.6mpg&nbsp;| Motorway&nbsp;36.8mpg&nbsp;| Rural&nbsp;49.9mpg

The Q2 is a desirable&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">small SUV</a>&nbsp;with a classy interior and tidy handling, but while the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine you get here is pleasantly punchy, it will cost you more to run than most rivals.

Read our full review of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q2/estate/review/n120">Audi Q2</a>&nbsp;or see our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi/q2/estate/deals">Audi Q2 deals</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

And the least efficient: Audi Q2 35 TFSI petrol

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Classy and user-friendly interior</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Tidy handling</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Slow depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">More expensive than some rivals</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Mini Countryman is more practical</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Firm ride with 19in alloys</li>
</ul>

<hr />
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<h2>Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">Best small SUVs</a> &gt;&gt;</h2>

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Running costs that won’t break the bank </li> <li>Generous kit</li> <li>Pokey engine and tidy handling</li> <li>Spacious interior</li> <li>Boot big enough to cope with family life</li></ul>

The car-buying public has fallen in love with small SUVs, or crossovers as they’re often called, with thousands turning away from conventional hatchbacks in favour of something that rides that little bit higher.

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