Top 20 Most Fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021
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| Photo: KnowInsiders |
SUVs have traditionally earned high marks for power and versatility, but they haven’t been known for delivering many miles to the gallon. However, today’s SUV’s sport improvements in efficiency and design that can yield even better fuel economy ratings than sedans.
We have included the top 20 fuel-efficient SUV models from 2021, based on the EPA's fuel cost calculations for owners who drive 15,000 miles annually. Although there are plenty of all-electric and plug-in SUVs with higher fuel efficiency ratings, we have included only gasoline-powered or hybrid models here.
We have added their U.S. News overall rating to help you compare these different models. Our ratings may change as more information becomes available, so refer to each SUV’s individual page for the most current data.
Keep reading to see the most fuel-efficient SUVs in 2021.
1. 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,050 | MPG: 41 city / 38 highway | $28,650
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Excellent fuel efficiency and its high-end interior keep the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid near the top of our Hybrid and Electric SUV ranking. It also won our 2021 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for the Money award for its compelling combination of quality and value.
Powered by a punchy four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, the RAV4 Hybrid is quick and poised. Its sleek five-passenger cabin comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the Entune infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen.
Available advanced safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning.
2. 2021 Ford Escape
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,050 | MPG: 44 city / 37 highway | $24,885
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| Photo: Cars US News |
With its impressive fuel efficiency ratings, excellent predicted reliability rating, and spacious interior, the Ford Escape ranks high on our list of compact SUVs. The Escape is powered by a three-cylinder engine that delivers sufficient power for driving around town. An optional turbo-four makes 250 horsepower.
Despite its use of lower-quality plastics, the Escape’s interior feels comfortable and has plenty of room to seat five people. You will find Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen starting with the mid-grade SE trim.
All models come with advanced safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane keeps assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
3. 2021 Toyota Venza
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,100 | MPG: 40 city / 37/ highway | $32,470
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New for 2021, the Toyota Venza is a hybrid crossover with a comfortable cabin and exceptional ride quality. The Venza draws 219 horsepower from a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Its suspension easily absorbs bumps in the road to maintain a smooth ride.
The Venza’s cabin feels surprisingly upscale, with upper trims providing padded leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. It seats five people, but four may be a better fit due to the limited legroom in the back. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Toyota's Entune infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen.
Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
4. 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,100 | MPG: 40 city / 35 highway | $30,560
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The Honda CR-V Hybrid has an upscale cabin and plenty of cargo room. A 212-horsepower four-cylinder engine that's paired with two electric motors comes standard. Standard all-wheel drive helps the CR-V Hybrid keep planted around corners and deliver a smooth ride.
Its five-passenger cabin boasts supportive seats and plenty of room for suitcases or shopping bags. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a dated infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control are standard.
5. 2021 Nissan Kicks
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,250 | MPG: 31 city / 36 highway | $19,500
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The Nissan Kicks sports a handsome cabin and a small footprint that makes maneuvering around narrow streets and parking spots easy. The Kicks is equipped with a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Like others in its class, the Kicks will get you around town, but it suffers from sluggish acceleration.
Inside, the Kicks features a stylish cabin adorned with upscale materials, as well as a surprisingly roomy cargo hold. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. The Kicks is equipped with an infotainment system and a 7-inch touch screen that is dimly lit and hard to see at times.
All models come with forwarding collision warning, pedestrian detection, and forward and reverse automatic emergency braking.
6. 2021 Nissan Rogue
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,400 | MPG: 27 city / 35 highway | $25,750
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Fully redesigned for 2021, the new Nissan Rogue boasts more features, as well as better steering and suspension. The Rogue struggles to get up to speed with its 181-horsepower four-cylinder, but the base engine delivers sufficient power once it gets going.
The Rogue’s five-passenger interior is roomy and has a generous amount of cargo room. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen.
All models come with a host of standard safety features, including forwarding collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and forward and reverse automatic emergency braking.
7. 2021 Hyundai Kona
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,400 | MPG: 28 city / 32 highway | $20,500
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The Hyundai Kona, a finalist for our 2021 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money award, tops our subcompact SUV ranking for its comfortable ride and handsome cabin. Its four-cylinder engine and small size make the Kona a good fit for driving around town. Upgrade to the turbo-four for more power and faster acceleration.
The Kona’s five-passenger cabin boasts plenty of elbow room for front-seat passengers, but adults sitting in the back may feel cramped. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen.
The Kona earned good safety scores and comes with advanced features such as forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
8. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,400 | MPG: 28 city / 33 highway | $22,245
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Equipped with standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Crosstrek produces a smooth ride even on rough terrain or in bad weather. Its standard four-cylinder engine feels sluggish, but its more potent, optional four-cylinder engine delivers a decent 182 horsepower.
The Crosstrek is roomy inside, with comfortable seating for five people. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch screen come in all models.
The Crosstrek scored well in crash and rollover tests. Shoppers can add advanced safety features such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
9. 2021 Honda HR-V
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,400 | MPG: 28 city / 34 highway | $21,220
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With its impressive fuel-efficiency ratings and small stature, the Honda HR-Vis a practical subcompact SUV. The HR-V’s 141-horsepower four-cylinder engine has sufficient power to get around town, but it can take a while to gain speed.
The HR-V seats five people, but the sloping roofline cuts headroom for rear-seat passengers. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch touch screen come standard starting with the mid-tier V Sport trim.
Shoppers can add plenty of advanced safety equipment to their HR-V, including forwarding and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot camera.
10. 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,400 | MPG: 29 city / 33 highway | $27,000
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11. 2021 Mazda CX-3
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,400 | MPG: 29 city / 34 highway | $20,790
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The Mazda CX-3 delivers an engaging ride and athletic performance on the road. It boasts a posh cabin but suffers from limited passenger and cargo room. Its standard 148-horsepower four-cylinder engine can even feel exhilarating once it gets up to speed.
Inside, the CX-3 features a modern design, high-quality materials, and comfortable seating for five people. However, passenger space can feel tight in the back seats. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen.
Advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, day and night pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning are standard.
12. 2021 Kia Seltos
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,400 | MPG: 29 city / 34 highway | $21,990
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The all-new Kia Seltos has more passenger and cargo room than you would expect from a subcompact SUV. Its standard four-cylinder engine is sufficient for city driving. But if you need more power on your daily commute, opt for the Seltos’ 175-horsepower turbo-four.
The subcompact SUV showcases a roomy, attractive cabin with comfortable seating for five people. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an easy-to-use infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen.
The Seltos has a long list of available safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, lane departure warnings, and speed limit recognition.
13. 2021 Subaru Outback
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,450 | MPG: 26 city / 33 highway | $26,795
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The Subaru Outback is a family-friendly wagon with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The Outback draws power from a standard 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine. For more zip, upgrade to its 260-horsepower turbo. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a host of specialized driving modes, and standard all-wheel drive, the Outback is capable of light off-roading.
The Outback boasts supportive seating for five people within its handsome cabin. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and the Starlink infotainment system with two 7-inch touch screens. Standard advanced safety features include rear-seat reminder, adaptive cruise control, and forward automatic emergency braking.
14. 2021 Subaru Forester
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,450 | MPG: 26 city / 33 highway | $24,795
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The Subaru Forester compact SUV boasts one of the largest cargo holds in its class. The Forester is equipped with a 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel-drive that enable the crossover to handle off the pavement.
Even with its mix of quality materials and hard plastics, Forester’s cabin maintains an upscale look. The cabin has plenty of passenger room to seat five people comfortably. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch screen. Lane keep assist, lead vehicle start alert, and lane departure warning are standard.
15. 2021 Chevrolet Trax
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,550 | MPG: 31 city / 26 highway | $21,400
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The Chevrolet Trax is a practical choice for city drivers: small, fuel-efficient, and easy to maneuver. However, its 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine feels underpowered and slow. All-wheel drive is available.
Despite its mix of plastics and quality materials, the five-passenger Trax has a stylish interior. Although the seats could use more cushioning, passengers will find plenty of room in its cabin. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen. Shoppers can add advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
16. 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,550 | MPG: 26 city / 31 highway | $23,800
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Thanks to its impressive reliability rating and fuel economy, the Chevrolet Equinox places near the top of our compact SUV ranking. Its base 170-horsepower turbocharged engine works well for daily driving but accelerates at a sluggish pace. Shoppers can upgrade to a 252-horsepower turbocharged engine.
The Equinox has a roomy cabin with a mixture of soft-touch materials and hard plastics. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touch screen come standard.
All models come with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and Chevrolet’s Teen Driver system which lets you control the car’s speed and audio volume for secondary drivers.
17. 2021 Ford EcoSport
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,550 | MPG: 27 city / 29 highway | $19,995
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With its small footprint and impressive fuel efficiency ratings, the Ford EcoSport subcompact SUV is built for city driving. Its 123-horsepower engine has enough power to scoot around town, but it is slow.
The five-passenger EcoSport is a more comfortable ride for just four adults. A Wi-Fi hot spot is standard. Shoppers must upgrade for features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen. Available advanced safety features include blind-spot monitoring and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
18. 2021 Nissan Rogue
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,400 | MPG: 27 city / 35 highway | $25,750
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| Photo: Cars US News |
Fully redesigned for 2021, the new Nissan Rogue boasts more features, as well as better steering and suspension. The Rogue struggles to get up to speed with its 181-horsepower four-cylinder, but the base engine delivers sufficient power once it gets going.
The Rogue’s five-passenger interior is roomy and has a generous amount of cargo room. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen.
All models come with a host of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and forward and reverse automatic emergency braking.
19. 2021 Toyota C-HR
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,450 | MPG: 27 city / 31 highway | $21,545
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| Photo: Cars US News |
If you need a reliable car for city driving but do not need a lot of room, the Toyota C-HR may be the right fit. Smooth and composed on pavement, the subcompact SUV runs on a 144-horsepower four-cylinder engine good for driving around town. However, the CH-R can feel sluggish to accelerate and struggle to pass vehicles on the highway.
The C-HR's cabin seats five people, but its sloping roofline cuts into headroom for passengers in the rear seats. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen.
Standard safety features include road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
20. 2021 Buick Encore
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,600 | MPG: 25 city / 30 highway | $23,200
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| Photo: Cars US News |
The Buick Encore earns strong safety and reliability ratings and sports an attractive cabin equipped with plenty of features. As with other cars on this list, its 138-horsepower turbocharged engine is well-suited to daily driving but can be slow to gain speed. Its small footprint makes it easy to maneuver around tight corners. Shoppers can add all-wheel drive.
The Encore’s stylish interior seats five people, but four adults may be a better fit. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, and the IntelliLink infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen.
Shoppers can add advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and front and rear parking sensors.
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