19 Top Fuel-Efficient SUVs in Canada: Hybrid & Gas-Only Models

Hybrids:

• Ford Escape PHEV
• Lexus NX 350h
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
• Toyota Venza
• Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Gas-only:

• Toyota Corolla Cross FWD
• Hyundai Kona 2.0L FWD
• Chevrolet Trailblazer 1.3L FWD
• Volkswagen Taos FWD
• Honda CR-V FWD

7-Seater SUVs:

• Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD
• Kia Sorento Hybrid/PHEV
• Lexus RX 450hL
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

4x4 SUVs:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
• Jeep Wrangler 4xe
• Subaru Crosstrek (AWD)
• Subaru Forester (AWD)
• Ford Bronco Sport (4x4)

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle right now, chances are good there’s at least one SUV or crossover on your shopping list. SUVs of all sizes have become some of Canada’s most popular models, thanks to their practicality and ample cargo space. Automakers have responded by adding new and, in many cases, smaller models to their SUV lineups – including compact SUV offerings that sip fuel rather than guzzle it.

In the past, choosing an SUV would have been a serious concern if good fuel economy figured highly in your purchase decision. But modern SUVs and crossovers have evolved significantly since they began dominating sales charts. Many incorporate fuel-saving technologies that give them much better fuel efficiency than the truck-based gas-guzzlers of old, resulting in impressive fuel efficiency even in vehicles that can carry the whole family.

To illustrate that, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the most fuel-efficient SUVs (i.e. the best gas mileage SUVs) you can buy today. We’ve split our rankings into multiple categories: one for gas-electric hybrid SUVs, another for conventional gas-only models, plus additional sections highlighting the most fuel-efficient 7-seater SUV models and the most fuel-efficient 4x4 SUVs. All models are ranked according to their combined (city/highway) fuel consumption ratings as listed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in its EnerGuide – a measure of each vehicle’s average fuel economy under standardized testing.

Note that some of the hybrids listed here are also available as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that offer some all-electric driving range. Where applicable, we’ve mentioned those versions’ capabilities (such as their electric range in kilometres), but we’ve focused on regular hybrid operation to present the most affordable fuel-efficient choices available in the SUV marketplace. Fully electric vehicles (BEVs) can eliminate gas use altogether – and thus skip the gas pump entirely – but here we’re concentrating on fuel-efficient vehicles that still use gasoline, so you won’t see any battery electric vehicles on this list.

Hybrid SUVs and Crossovers

1. Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid FWD – 5.8 L/100 km

Ford Escape PHEV | Photo:jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 2.5 L four-cylinder + electric motor / CVT / FWD
Price: $41,499 – Ford Escape PHEV

The new-for-2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is our most fuel-efficient SUV, boasting an impressive fuel efficiency rating of just 5.8 L/100 km combined. This fuel-efficient compact SUV pairs a 2.5 L four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor (via a CVT) for a total of 200 hp. The Escape’s plug-in hybrid variant bumps output to 221 hp and provides about 60 km of electric-only driving range, yet it boasts impressive fuel efficiency equal to the regular Ford Escape Hybrid model. In fact, the Escape PHEV has the same combined hybrid fuel consumption as the standard Escape Hybrid. When running in EV mode, it’s rated at a stellar 2.2 Le/100 km, delivering huge fuel savings and helping drivers cut down on fuel costs. Front-wheel drive is the only configuration for the Escape PHEV (unlike the conventional Escape Hybrid, which offers AWD), but if you can live without all-wheel drive, this SUV will reward you with the best hybrid fuel consumption in the segment and serious fuel cost savings.

2. Lexus NX 350h – 6.0 L/100 km

Lexus NX 350h | Photo: Lexus

Powertrain: 2.5 L four-cylinder + two electric motors / CVT / AWD
Price: $56,415 – Lexus NX 350h

For 2022, Lexus launched an all-new second-generation NX as the upscale brand’s compact crossover model. The NX 350h makes our list as the only luxury model here, thanks to its impressive fuel economy rating of 6.0 L/100 km combined from a well-sorted hybrid system. A 2.5 L four-cylinder gasoline engine plus two electric motors (through a CVT and standard all-wheel drive) work together to produce a combined 240 hp. The redesigned NX also offers a plug-in hybrid version (the NX 450h+), and while that one is more powerful, its hybrid fuel consumption isn’t as frugal. (In other words, the regular NX 350h actually gets better fuel efficiency than the plug-in once you factor out the battery.) As a bonus for Canadian buyers, the 2022 Lexus NX is built right here in Cambridge, Ontario. Overall, the NX 350h proves you can have a luxury hybrid SUV that delivers excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort or performance.

3. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – 6.0 L/100 km

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Photo: Toyota

Powertrain: 2.5 L four-cylinder + electric motors / CVT / AWD
Price: $36,505 – Toyota RAV4 LE Hybrid

Toyota offers its ever-popular RAV4 compact SUV in both conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants (the latter carries the Prime designation). In both cases, all-wheel drive is standard – traction is delivered to the rear wheels by a dedicated second electric motor, meaning the RAV4 Hybrid effectively uses hybrid technology with two electric motors. With a combined 302 hp on tap, the RAV4 Prime is not only efficient but also Toyota’s quickest-accelerating four-door vehicle. It also achieves an electric energy consumption rating of just 2.5 Le/100 km in EV mode. The more affordable RAV4 Hybrid is less powerful (219 hp) and has no plug-in capability, but it’s still plenty quick and returns the same 6.0 L/100 km combined. Either of the RAV4’s gas-electric options is a good choice for smoother, quieter performance compared to the gas-powered counterpart, along with significantly better fuel efficiency. Importantly, the RAV4 Hybrid models provide this excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing the RAV4’s trademark practicality – you still get a roomy interior with ample cargo space. (Fun fact: the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime are built in Ontario, and this fuel efficient vehicle is one of the best-selling SUVs in Canada.)

4. Toyota Venza – 6.1 L/100 km

Toyota Venza | Photo: Toyota

Powertrain: 2.5 L four-cylinder + electric motors / CVT / AWD
Price: $42,550 – Toyota Venza LE

Next on our list of fuel-efficient SUVs is the Toyota Venza, a stylish near-luxury crossover that shares its underpinnings and standard hybrid drivetrain with the RAV4 Hybrid. (The Venza uses Toyota’s proven hybrid technology to achieve a thrifty 6.1 L/100 km combined.) There’s no Prime plug-in version of the Venza, but its conventional hybrid system still delivers a combined 219 hp and a relaxed, comfortable drive. Despite a sleek profile reminiscent of the sporty Jaguar F-Pace, the Venza isn’t about drag races – it prioritizes efficiency and comfort. Reflecting its upscale position in Toyota’s lineup, the Venza comes well-equipped with features like a power liftgate and wireless phone charging, and it offers an optional panoramic glass roof you can switch from clear to frosted at the press of a button. Overall, the Venza stands out as a fuel-efficient and refined choice for those who want a bit of luxury with their impressive fuel economy.

5. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – 6.4 L/100 km

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Photo:VanderWolf Images - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 1.6 L turbo four-cylinder + electric motor / 6-speed automatic / AWD
Price: $43,399 – Hyundai Tucson N-Line Hybrid

Rounding out our hybrid SUV list is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, part of a dramatic redesign that introduced electrified powertrains to Hyundai’s compact SUV for the first time. The standard Tucson Hybrid employs a 1.6 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 227 hp, while Hyundai also offers a Tucson Plug-In Hybrid that boosts output to 261 hp and provides about 53 km of electric-only driving range. Notably, unlike most hybrid SUVs (which use CVTs), the Tucson Hybrid features a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission – giving it a more familiar driving feel and smoother shifts. The Tucson Hybrid is rated at 6.4 L/100 km combined, and if you upgrade to the Tucson PHEV, it’s rated at an equivalent of 2.9 Le/100 km when running in EV mode. That showcases just how impressive fuel economy can be in hybrid mode if you keep the battery charged. With its bold styling and tech-packed interior, the Tucson Hybrid proves you don’t have to compromise on features to get excellent fuel efficiency in a practical SUV.

Honourable mention: Kia Niro Hybrid – 4.4 L/100 km

Kia Niro Hybrid | Photo: jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 1.6 L four-cylinder + electric motor / 6-speed dual-clutch automatic / FWD
Price: $33,520 – Kia Niro L Hybrid

We’d be remiss not to mention the Kia Niro Hybrid, which actually tops the crossover segment with a superb 4.4 L/100 km combined fuel consumption rating. The Niro is a subcompact crossover (closer in size to a tall wagon) with seating for five, and it achieves this stellar efficiency using a 1.6 L hybrid system shared with the Hyundai Ioniq. However, the Niro Hybrid is front-wheel drive only and has more in common with a hatchback than a traditional SUV, which is why it didn’t make our main hybrid-SUV rankings. For drivers who don’t need all-wheel drive or high ground clearance, the Niro Hybrid remains one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles you can buy in Canada – it truly boasts impressive fuel efficiency. (Kia also offers the Niro as a plug-in hybrid and as a fully electric vehicle for even greater fuel savings, if you’re looking to minimize gasoline use.)

Gas-Only Fuel-Efficient SUV Models

1. Toyota Corolla Cross FWD – 7.3 L/100 km

Toyota Corolla Cross | Photo: Toyota

Powertrain: 2.0 L four-cylinder (169 hp) / CVT / FWD
Price: $28,580 – Toyota Corolla Cross L FWD

On the gasoline-only side of the ledger, the new-for-2022 Toyota Corolla Cross jumps to the top of the fast-growing subcompact SUV class for fuel efficiency. The Corolla Cross is Toyota’s first small utility model aimed at mass-market buyers (the brand’s other subcompact, the C-HR, is less practical inside and doesn’t offer AWD). The Corolla Cross gets 169 hp from a 2.0 L four-cylinder borrowed from the Corolla sedan and hatchback, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and yields the best gas mileage at 7.3 L/100 km combined; you can option all-wheel drive for extra traction, but the added weight and drag will cost you a bit more at the pump. (Only the FWD model qualifies for the top spot on this list.) With its efficient powertrain, the Corolla Cross proves that a roomy, affordable SUV can also be a fuel-efficient vehicle.

2. Hyundai Kona 2.0L FWD – 7.4 L/100 km

Hyundai Kona | Photo: be free - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 2.0 L four-cylinder (147 hp) / CVT / FWD
Price: $26,749 – Hyundai Kona Essential FWD

The Hyundai Kona vaulted into the subcompact SUV race in 2018, quickly becoming one of the segment’s most popular vehicles. A 2024 update gave the Kona styling that’s still distinctive but a bit more mature than the original’s funky look. One of the Kona’s most appealing characteristics is its strong value: the starting price is about $2,000 less than that of the Toyota Corolla Cross. Under the hood, the base engine is a 2.0 L four-cylinder (it forgoes direct injection), so performance is modest at 147 hp. But the upside of that simple engine is a combined fuel consumption of 7.4 L/100 km in the FWD model. Like Toyota, Hyundai offers AWD as an option on the Kona, but if you want the best efficiency, stick with front-drive. The FWD Kona delivers great fuel economy and fuel savings at the pump, proving you don’t need hybrid tech to get better fuel efficiency in a compact SUV.

3. Chevrolet Trailblazer 1.3L FWD – 7.6 L/100 km

Chevrolet Trailblazer | Photo: Chevrolet

Powertrain: 1.3 L turbocharged three-cylinder (155 hp) / CVT / FWD
Price: $27,899 – Chevrolet Trailblazer LT FWD

In 2021, Chevrolet expanded its small SUV lineup with the Trailblazer, which joined the Trax at the entry level. (The Trax is a bit cheaper, but it’s also less efficient and due to be phased out.) The Trailblazer offers a pair of turbocharged three-cylinder engines, and somewhat counterintuitively, the more powerful of the two is also the more economical. The 1.3 L turbo triple (155 hp) posts the best fuel consumption figures when paired with front-wheel drive and a CVT – earning a rating of 7.6 L/100 km combined. The base Trailblazer engine is a 1.2 L turbo three-cylinder that is slightly less efficient and considerably less potent, so it doesn’t take the crown. Notably, you can also get the Trailblazer 1.3T with AWD, which swaps the CVT for the segment’s only 9-speed conventional automatic. That AWD model offers more traction and even a low-range first gear for light off-road use, but it won’t be as thrifty on fuel. For the most fuel efficient SUVs in this class, the front-drive Trailblazer is one to keep high on your list.

4. Volkswagen Taos FWD – 7.6 L/100 km

Volkswagen Taos | Photo: VW

Powertrain: 1.5 L turbocharged four-cylinder (158 hp) / 8-speed automatic / FWD
Price: $29,795 – Volkswagen Taos Trendline FWD

The Volkswagen Taos happens to be the brand’s first-ever subcompact crossover. Significantly, the Taos effectively replaces the VW Golf in North America as the company’s least-expensive vehicle with hatchback cargo access. The Taos draws power from a 1.5 L turbo four-cylinder making 158 hp and 184 lb·ft of torque. You’ll get the Taos’s best fuel economy in front-wheel-drive form, which comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and earns a rating of 7.6 L/100 km combined. Opting for 4Motion AWD swaps in a 7-speed dual-clutch (DSG) gearbox and incurs a slight fuel consumption penalty. While the Taos ties the Trailblazer for combined efficiency, the Chevy managed a slightly better city rating, so it grabbed the higher spot. Even so, the Taos FWD is right up there among Canada’s best gas mileage SUVs, giving buyers a roomy cabin and European driving feel without burning much fuel.

5. Honda CR-V FWD – 7.7 L/100 km

Honda CR-V Trailsport | Photo: jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 1.5 L turbocharged four-cylinder (190 hp) / CVT / FWD
Price: $40,111 – Honda CR-V LX FWD

Introduced for 2022, the sisth-generation Honda CR-V is nearing the end of its life cycle, but its entry-level LX FWD configuration is still efficient enough to make our list of Canada’s thriftiest gas SUVs. The CR-V LX with front-drive posts a combined rating of 7.8 L/100 km, putting it neck-and-neck with the RAV4. If you want more features than the base LX offers, you’ll have to move up to a trim that includes AWD and sacrifice some fuel economy along the way. However, the LX FWD is already nicely equipped for an affordable model – it comes with heated front seats, push-button start, and a suite of Honda Sensing safety assists. (Honda also builds the CR-V for Canada in Alliston, Ontario, supporting Canadian jobs.) Fuel-efficient vehicles like the CR-V show that even a roomy, family-friendly SUV can deliver decent efficiency.

Honourable mention: Toyota RAV4 LE FWD – 7.7 L/100 km

Toyota RAV4 FWD | Photo: Toyota

Powertrain: 2.5 L four-cylinder (203 hp) / 8-speed automatic / FWD
Price: $33,555 – Toyota RAV4 LE FWD

The Toyota RAV4’s base front-wheel-drive configuration ties the Honda CR-V FWD for a 7.7 L/100 km combined rating, but it just misses the cut because the RAV4 is a hair less efficient in city driving. Still, we couldn’t leave this fuel-efficient, Canadian-made SUV off the list because of a technicality. Predictably, the RAV4 posts its best gas mileage with FWD. Toyota gives you a couple of choices in front-drive RAV4s, offering the RAV4 LE and XLE trims without AWD. The LE comes with heated front seats, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and a suite of advanced safety features. The XLE builds on that with a power driver’s seat, sunroof, alloy wheels, dual-zone A/C, and passive keyless entry. If you don’t need traction on all four wheels, the FWD RAV4 is one of the most fuel efficient SUVs in the country – and if you do want AWD, Toyota’s hybrid versions of the RAV4 (listed above) will let you have it with impressive fuel economy to boot.

Most Fuel-Efficient 7-Seater SUVs

Moving up to a larger, three-row SUV with seating for seven (or more) usually means sacrificing some fuel efficiency. The added weight and size of a 7-seater typically lead to higher fuel consumption and lower average fuel economy compared to compact models. However, a few seven-passenger SUVs manage to buck the trend with shockingly good mileage. Below, we highlight the top fuel-efficient 7-passenger SUVs you can buy. (We’ve included both hybrid and gas options, but no diesels – diesel engines have all but vanished from new SUVs in Canada.) These picks prove that you can haul the whole family and still enjoy impressive fuel efficiency. All figures are NRCan combined ratings, and we’ve noted where hybrid technology gives an extra boost.

1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD – 6.7 L/100 km

Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Photo: Jan Kliment - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 2.5 L four-cylinder + electric motors / CVT / AWD
Price: $50,510 – Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE AWD

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the king of efficiency among seven-seat SUVs, with a combined rating of just 6.7 L/100 km. This midsize crossover uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system (a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine plus electric motors and a CVT) to produce a total of 243 hp driving all four wheels. That’s plenty of power to move the Highlander’s three rows of seating, and it manages this level of fuel efficiency without compromising on space or utility – the Highlander still offers ample cargo space and can seat seven or eight passengers comfortably. For perspective, the gas-powered V6 Highlander is rated around 10–11 L/100 km combined, so the hybrid delivers significant fuel savings over its gas-only counterpart. In fact, this Toyota boasts perhaps the best hybrid fuel consumption you’ll find in any midsize three-row SUV. With the Highlander Hybrid, families can enjoy a roomy, reliable vehicle and excellent fuel efficiency at the same time.

2. Kia Sorento Hybrid (and PHEV) – 6.7 L/100 km

Kia Sorento Hybrid | Photo: Kia

Powertrain: 1.6 L turbo four-cylinder + electric motor / 6-speed automatic / AWD (Hybrid)
Price: $45,645 – Kia Sorento EX Hybrid (approx.)

Kia’s Sorento is a midsize SUV that offers three-row seating in a slightly more compact footprint than some competitors, and in hybrid form it achieves fuel economy on par with the Highlander. A 1.6 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with hybrid assist gives the Sorento Hybrid a combined 227 hp, routed through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Sorento Hybrid earns a combined rating of about 6.7 L/100 km, delivering excellent fuel economy for a seven-seater. Kia also offers the Sorento as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – that version bumps power to 261 hp, comes standard with all-wheel drive, and provides about 51 km of electric driving range. Notably, the Sorento PHEV’s gasoline fuel consumption in hybrid mode is similar to the regular hybrid’s when the battery is depleted. Thanks to its efficient powertrain, the Sorento is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class without the premium price tag of some rivals. It’s a great choice for families who want three rows and impressive fuel economy, but don’t want to jump to a full-size SUV.

3. Lexus RX 450hL – 7.9 L/100 km

Lexus RX 450h | Photo: Lexus

Powertrain: 3.5 L V6 + electric motors / CVT / AWD
Price: $77,550 – Lexus RX 450hL Base

Lexus offers a three-row variant of its popular RX hybrid, dubbed the RX 450hL, and it sneaks into our list with a respectable 7.9 L/100 km combined rating. The “L” model stretches the RX to fit a small third-row seat, expanding capacity to 6 or 7 passengers (depending on whether you opt for second-row captain’s chairs). Under the hood, the RX 450hL runs a 3.5 L V6 paired with Lexus’s Hybrid Drive system and two electric motors, delivering a combined 308 hp through a smooth CVT and standard AWD. While its fuel economy isn’t quite as stellar as the smaller Highlander or Sorento hybrids, the RX 450hL still achieves impressive fuel efficiency for a luxury SUV of its size and weight. Plus, it treats occupants to a premium interior, a quiet ride, and Lexus’s renowned build quality and reliability. Notably, the RX hybrid (including the 450hL) is built in Cambridge, Ontario. If you’re looking for a bit of luxury in your 7-seater SUV without a huge fuel bill, the RX 450hL is a compelling choice.

4. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – 9.0 L/100 km (gas) / 3.6 Le/100 km (electric)

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Photo: VanderWolf Images - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 2.4 L four-cylinder + twin electric motors / Single-speed direct drive / AWD
Price: $48,698 – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES S-AWC

Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is a unique offering: it’s a crossover that combines seven-passenger seating with plug-in hybrid capability and true all-wheel-drive traction. The latest Outlander Plug-In Hybrid uses a 2.4 L gasoline engine plus twin electric motors (one driving each axle) for a combined 248 hp. In hybrid mode, it’s rated at 9.0 L/100 km combined, but the big appeal is its electric capability – the Outlander PHEV can drive about 61 km on battery power alone, during which it achieves an outstanding 3.6 Le/100 km. Real-world results will depend on how often you charge and the type of driving you do, but if you plug in regularly, this SUV can deliver impressive fuel economy and substantial fuel savings. It’s worth noting that the Outlander’s third row is very small (really only for occasional use), but currently it’s the only 7-seat SUV in Canada that lets you drive in fully electric mode. That distinction – along with its fuel-efficient performance in hybrid driving – makes the Outlander PHEV a standout for eco-conscious families who need more than five seats.

Honourable mention: Toyota Sienna Hybrid (Minivan) – 6.5–6.7 L/100 km

Toyota Sienna Hybrid | Photo: Felix Mizioznikov - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 2.5 L four-cylinder + electric motors / CVT / FWD or AWD
Price: $47,650 – Toyota Sienna LE FWD

If your passenger-hauling needs outweigh your desire for SUV styling, the Toyota Sienna is worth a look. It’s not an SUV – the Sienna is a minivan – but it earns a mention because it’s a hybrid-only vehicle that seats 7 or 8 and achieves a remarkable 6.5 L/100 km (FWD) to 6.7 L/100 km (AWD) combined. That makes it the most fuel-efficient family hauler on the market. The trade-off is a less rugged image and no off-road capability, but you’ll get excellent fuel efficiency and van-level space in return. The Sienna’s hybrid technology delivers about 245 hp, and while it won’t win drag races, it will definitely save you money at the gas pump compared to any similarly sized gas model SUV. With its cavernous interior and ample cargo space, the Sienna Hybrid offers an unbeatable combination of seating capacity and fuel economy – just in case you’re willing to drive a minivan in exchange for fuel cost savings that will make your wallet happy.

Most Fuel-Efficient 4x4 SUVs

Rugged 4x4 SUVs (with four-wheel drive and serious off-road hardware) are not typically known for great gas mileage. Boxy shapes, hefty frames, and heavy-duty all-wheel-drive systems usually result in higher fuel consumption for the sake of capability. However, even in this category, automakers are starting to introduce hybrid technology and other innovations to improve efficiency. Below, we highlight the most fuel-efficient 4x4 SUVs on the market today (excluding any diesel SUVs, since diesel 4x4s are now virtually absent in Canada). These picks deliver genuine off-road ability along with better fuel efficiency, so you can venture off the beaten path without guzzling fuel like the 4x4s of old.

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe – 4.2 Le/100 km (10.0 L/100 km hybrid)

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | Photo: jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 2.0 L turbo four-cylinder + electric motor / 8-speed automatic / 4x4
Price: $78,395 – Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Base

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a midsize SUV that proves even rugged 4x4s can go green. This plug-in hybrid version of Jeep’s flagship SUV pairs a 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor and battery, resulting in a combined 375 hp and 470 lb·ft of torque – plenty for serious off-road excursions. It comes with Jeep’s Quadra-Trac II® active 4x4 system and can even be driven in full-electric mode for a limited distance. Officially, the Grand Cherokee 4xe is rated at 4.2 Le/100 km combined when you factor in electric driving, or about 10.0 L/100 km in hybrid mode once the battery is depleted. That’s a massive improvement over its gas-only V6 or V8 gas-powered counterparts. With roughly 40–50 km of all-electric range, the 4xe can cover most average commutes on battery power alone, delivering fuel efficiency unheard of in a traditional 4x4 SUV. Yet it remains every bit a Grand Cherokee – comfortable, capable, and loaded with tech. It’s a trail-capable vehicle that lets you enjoy nature while burning far less gas than you’d expect for a Jeep, giving you the best of both worlds.

2. Jeep Wrangler 4xe – 4.8 Le/100 km (11.7 L/100 km hybrid)

Jeep Wrangler 4xe | Photo: julied - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 2.0 L turbo four-cylinder + electric motor / 8-speed automatic / 4x4
Price: $59,995 – Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe brings the iconic off-roader into the plug-in hybrid era. It remains every bit a Trail Rated machine – with solid axles, ample ground clearance, and a low-range transfer case – but now it can also run on electric power. The Wrangler 4xe’s setup is similar to the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s: a 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor integrated into an 8-speed automatic, driving a traditional part-time 4x4 system (with 4Hi/4Lo modes). Combined output is 375 hp. The Wrangler 4xe carries an official rating of 4.8 Le/100 km when leveraging its 17 kWh battery for about 40 km of electric driving. Once the battery is depleted and it’s operating as a regular hybrid, fuel consumption averages around 11.7 L/100 km – still a huge improvement for a Jeep Wrangler. That may not sound ultra-efficient in absolute terms, but considering that the gas-only Wrangler can easily exceed 13–14 L/100 km in everyday use, the 4xe gives this off-road icon a welcome boost in fuel economy. As a bonus, you can crawl silently on the trails in electric mode, enjoying the outdoors without the sound (or fumes) of a gas engine. For adventurers who want to tread a bit lighter (literally and figuratively), the Wrangler 4xe is a game-changer.

3. Subaru Crosstrek (AWD) – 7.9 L/100 km

Subaru Crosstrek | Photo: Jan - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 2.0 L four-cylinder (152 hp) / CVT / AWD
Price: $29,695 – Subaru Crosstrek 

Not all 4x4s need to be truck-based brutes – Subaru’s cars prove that. The Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover with standard full-time AWD, and it achieves a very impressive 7.9 L/100 km combined. The Crosstrek is essentially a ruggedized hatchback (it’s based on the Impreza platform) fitted with a lifted suspension and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The base engine is a 2.0 L non-turbo flat-four making 152 hp, and when paired with the optional CVT automatic, it sips fuel at rates that rival some FWD-only vehicles. Subaru doesn’t market the Crosstrek as a hardcore off-roader, but with 220 mm of ground clearance and X-Mode traction control, it can tackle light trails and snowy cottage roads with ease. The key is that it does so while delivering fuel efficiency that’s better than many FWD crossovers. At 7.9 L/100 km, the Crosstrek ranks among the most fuel efficient SUVs with true AWD capability. (Subaru did offer a Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid in the U.S. with even lower consumption, but it was very limited production and not officially sold in Canada.) If you want a practical runabout with a touch of off-road flair and great gas mileage, the Crosstrek deserves a look.

4. Subaru Forester (AWD) – 8.2 L/100 km

Subaru Forester Wilderness | Photo: Jan - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 2.5 L four-cylinder (182 hp) / CVT / AWD
Price: $33,495 – Subaru Forester Convenience

The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV with standard AWD that has long been a sensible choice for Canadian drivers – and fuel efficiency is part of its appeal. The current Forester uses a 2.5 L naturally aspirated flat-four (182 hp) paired with a CVT, and in base trim it achieves a combined rating of 8.2 L/100 km. That’s a strong number for a roomy crossover that comes with full-time AWD and 220 mm of ground clearance. The Forester isn’t a boulder-bashing 4x4, but its generous ride height and smart AWD system give it confident capability on unpaved roads, muddy trails, or through heavy snow. The Wilderness edition even adds all-terrain tires and skid plates for more adventure. What’s remarkable is that even with this go-anywhere readiness, the Forester’s fuel economy remains comparable to many smaller, front-drive SUVs. Subaru’s focus on efficiency (using features like direct injection and weight-saving design) pays off here. If you need a practical SUV with true AWD and decent light off-road chops – and you want to keep fuel bills low – the Forester is a tough act to beat.

5. Ford Bronco Sport (4x4) – 8.9 L/100 km

Ford Bronco Big Bend | Photo: jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com

Powertrain: 1.5 L turbo three-cylinder (181 hp) / 8-speed automatic / 4x4
Price: $38,014 – Ford Bronco Sport Base

The Ford Bronco Sport is a city-friendly crossover that wears the legendary Bronco name – and while it’s not as extreme as the truck-based Bronco, it does a good job balancing off-road capability with fuel efficiency. The Bronco Sport comes standard with a 1.5 L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine making 181 hp, an 8-speed automatic, and a smart 4x4 system with GOAT modes (Goes Over Any Terrain). In base trim with the 1.5 L engine, it’s rated at 8.9 L/100 km combined. That’s impressive given the Bronco Sport’s boxy shape and trail-ready hardware. It’s significantly more efficient than bigger 4x4s like the Toyota 4Runner or Ford Bronco (which use 2–3 times as much fuel in real-world conditions). The Bronco Sport’s platform is shared with the Escape, so it benefits from car-like unibody construction and a lightweight drivetrain, which contribute to its relatively fuel-efficient performance. At the same time, it has features like all-terrain tires (in Badlands trim), underbody shielding, and a locking rear differential to tackle terrain that would stop a typical crossover. For drivers who want a little taste of adventure without paying a big penalty at the pump, the Bronco Sport is a compelling option – truly a blend of fuel-efficient SUV and Bronco-inspired fun.

By carefully choosing among these models – whether you need a small runabout, a family-sized SUV with ample cargo space, a 7-seater people-mover, or a trail-capable 4x4 – you can enjoy impressive fuel economy and save money on fuel without sacrificing the benefits of an SUV. Each of the vehicles above demonstrates that fuel-efficient vehicles come in all shapes and sizes. With options ranging from hybrids to efficient gas engines (and even plug-in hybrids with substantial electric range), today’s SUV shopper has more choices than ever to achieve fuel savings and lower their environmental footprint.

Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop

If you’re considering a new or used fuel-efficient SUV, getting pre-approved for financing should be your first step. Pre-approval saves you time at the dealership, gives you a clear picture of your budget, and helps you focus on the vehicles that truly fit your needs. With Canada Drives, you can get pre-approved online in minutes, so you’re ready to drive away in a vehicle that delivers the fuel cost savings and peace of mind you’re looking for.