Real MPG: most efficient SUVs

Real MPG Average 60.1mpg | Town 103.3mpg | Motorway 45.5mpg | Rural 70.5mpg

The Toyota Yaris Cross is a longer, wider SUV version of the Toyota Yaris small hatchback, competing with the likes of the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq. It’s a hybrid, which uses a combination of a 1.5-litre engine and an electric motor to improve economy and performance. It’s not only the most economical SUV we’ve tested – it's the thriftiest car, full stop.

Real MPG Average 59.9mpg | Town 51.3mpg | Motorway 53.3mpg | Rural 74.8mpg

Don't be fooled by its small size, because the tiny Suzuki Ignis is deceptively spacious inside. Even though it's not much bigger than many city cars, it’s roomy enough to accommodate four adults in comfort. Its peppy 1.2-litre petrol engine uses mild hybrid technology to add some extra oomph at low engine speeds. However, some rivals offer more in the way of driver engagement.

Real MPG Average 55.2mpg | Town 50.0mpg | Motorway 48.8mpg | Rural 69.1mpg

The Renault Kadjar is no longer on sale new, but the diesel version is worth seeking out if you’re after a frugal secondhand family SUV. Although it shares its underpinnings with the previous-generation Nissan Qashqai, it beats that model for efficiency. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is a good option because delivers its power smoothly and has plenty of pull from low revs.

Other plus-points of this family-friendly SUV include a big boot and plenty of standard equipment, even in the lowest trim level. Used prices start from around £8000.

Real MPG Average 51.9mpg | Town 47.2mpg | Motorway 46.4mpg | Rural 63.5mpg

The second-generation Nissan Qashqai remains a standout choice in the family SUV market; indeed, it was our overall Car of the Year in 2014. These days, you can pick up a used example for as little as £7000. And you'll be getting a whole lot of SUV for that money, because the Qashqai is comfortable, practical and – if you choose one equipped with this punchy 1.5-litre diesel engine – pleasingly frugal.

Real MPG Average 51.4mpg | Town 43.9mpg | Motorway 46.0mpg | Rural 65.8mpg

The Kia Sportage (2016-2021) makes a great used buy because it's practical and inexpensive to buy, and many are still covered by Kia's seven-year warranty. The most popular diesel-engined Sportage with UK buyers was the 114bhp 1.7-litre – and this is also the most economical choice. That’s great news because it means there are plenty of used examples to choose from. Prices start from £10,500.

Real MPG Average 50.5mpg | Town 41.6mpg | Motorway 45.8mpg | Rural 62.5mpg

If you’re after a coupé SUV that won’t break the bank to buy or own, the Volkswagen Taigo should be on your shopping list. It has a comfy ride, a surprisingly spacious interior and the prospect of low running costs if you choose the lower-powered of its 1.0-litre petrol engines. In our test, the 94bhp Taigo managed 45.8mpg on the motorway and upwards of 62mpg on faster country roads.

Real MPG Average 50.2mpg | Town 47.3mpg | Motorway 44.1mpg | Rural 61.7mpg

The Seat Ateca isn’t just great to drive and attractive to look at, it’s also impressively spacious, well equipped and competitively priced compared with its Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan rivals. The punchy yet frugal 1.6-litre diesel engine is no longer available in a new Ateca, having been replaced by a 2.0-litre variant as part of a mid-life update, but you can find examples on the used market.

Real MPG Average 48.3mpg | Town 41.6mpg | Motorway 43.2mpg | Rural 61.4mpg

This model was replaced by a newer Mazda CX-5 in 2017, but as our real-world figures show, the previous-generation car can still be a very frugal choice if you buy used – and the good news there is that prices start from just over £10,000. It's well kitted out and nicely made inside, and there's plenty of space for your family and all of their luggage. It's good to drive, too.

Real MPG Average 47.7mpg | Town 40.2mpg | Motorway 43.6mpg | Rural 59.8mpg

Even in the crowded small SUV market, the Suzuki Vitara makes a lot of sense, especially if you stick with the cheaper trim levels, which represent the best value for money. It's spacious and fuel efficient, but rivals have nicer interiors and the infotainment system on entry-level versions is quite basic. The 1.6-litre petrol engine is responsive and economical, but is no longer available from new; it's been replaced by a 1.4-litre mild hybrid unit.

Real MPG Average 47.4mpg | Town 63.7mpg | Motorway 39.7mpg | Rural 52.0mpg

The previous-generation Kona is available with petrol, hybrid or electric power. The Hybrid version is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor that makes it quicker than the petrol from a standstill. To save on fuel, it can drive on electric power alone at low speeds for short distances. All trim levels offer plenty of standard equipment and an easy-to-use infotainment system.