What Used SUVs Are Good on Gas?
If you’re looking for a used SUV, space, comfort, aesthetics, and reliability are qualities that often come to mind.
SUVs are not known for having the best fuel economy in comparison to sedans, but it’s important to get the most bang for your buck when you are shopping around for a sports utility vehicle.
If you are in the market for a used SUV, look for a vehicle with the best fuel economy. But what SUVs get the best gas mileage?
Used SUVs with the best gas mileage are the 2015-2016 Subaru Crosstreks, the 2016 Mazda CX-5, the 2013 Kia Sportage, and 2013-2016 Toyota Rav4s. The fuel economy of these cars ranges from 22 to 26 miles per gallon in the city and 31 to 34 miles per gallon on the highway.
Each of the vehicles mentioned above is known for their top-of-the-line fuel economy, but there are also other qualities that give these SUVs high marks.
2015-2016 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek gets 23-26 MPG in the city and 31-34 MPG on the highway, which is one of the very best fuel economies for an SUV thus far.
Some of the reasons that people look for a less thirsty gas tank is for the sake of the environment and to cut costs on vehicle ownership.
If you are interested in a more affordable SUV, then the 2015-2016 Subaru Crosstrek is a great option for you.
Not only will you be saving money on your fuel bill, but you will also be saving money on the total price of the car.
When the car was brand new, it cost about $22,500 with an $850 destination charge, which is priced very reasonably for a brand new car.
In fact, US News and World Report named the Crosstrek as the #6 most affordable compact SUV in all of 2016.
They even gave the SUV a 9.1 rating out of 10 for the total cost of ownership.
Over time, the value of cars declines, so the Subaru Crosstrek becomes even more affordable every year.
Another reason why the Subaru Crosstrek was rated so highly was due to their safety tests.
In both 2015 and 2016, the Crosstrek was given scores that exceeded a 9.
The rest of the ratings on this SUV (including the critics rating, performance, and interior) were given recent scores that fell within the 7.3-7.7 rating for both 2015 and 2016.
However, it’s important to note that this compact SUV did not receive the best reliability score in 2015 or 2016.
Customers also complained that the transmission gave out on them early or that the sound system was too noisy.
Another drawback is that the 4-cylinder engine has 148 horsepower, which isn’t very powerful.
Even with these negative reviews, people still rave about the other great qualities of the car, such as the comfortable ride, off-roading capabilities, and generous dealer accessories.
2016 Mazda CX-5
In 2016, the Mazda CX-5 was highly regarded for its fuel economy, affordability, and safety.
In the city, this SUV gets 24-26 miles per gallon in the city and 30-35 miles per gallon on the highway.
Thanks to the Skyactiv technology, the Mazda CX-5 was engineered to have the most logistical and dynamic vehicle possible.
The frame of the car was built with light, yet durable materials in order to create better fuel economy.
Not only does the Skyactiv feature on this vehicle make it more fuel-efficient; it provides the car with more advanced engine technology including:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
With these brand-new features, not only will you get a more fuel-efficient vehicle, you will get more safety features.
In fact, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 had a 9.3 out of 10 safety rating from US News and World Report and a 4 out 5 safety rating on Kelley Blue Book.
With these high ratings for the Mazda CX-5, you should definitely consider this SUV as your next vehicle.
2013 Kia Sportage
The 2013 Kia Sportage is also another great option because of its great fuel efficiency, reliability, and overall affordability.
In the city, this SUV gets 20-21 miles per gallon and on the highway, it gets 25-30 miles per gallon.
Of course, in comparison to the other vehicles on this list, this doesn’t have the overall best fuel economy.
However, this car was given the highest rating for its reliability score with a 4 out of 5 rating on US News and World Report.
On Kelley Blue Book, a majority of customers have given the Kia Sportage a 5 out of 5 rating.
Many customers applaud the reliability, low maintenance, and smooth ride.
Customers have also complained about the blind spots and system malfunctions of the Kia Sportage, but overall, the car has an excellent following and reviews.
2013-2016 Toyota Rav4
Throughout 2013 and 2016, the Toyota Rav4 boasts fuel efficiency amongst other SUVs in its class.
In the city, the Rav4 gets 22-24 miles per gallon and on the highway it gets 29 to 31 miles per gallon.
In 2016, Toyota also released a hybrid option that allows the vehicle to get 34 miles per gallon in the city!
Not only is the Rav4 an eco-conscious car, but it has also held great value over the years.
The original price of the car was around $24,000-$32,000 (which is extremely competitive pricing for SUVs), and now you can find Rav4’s for about $20,000-$25,000.
Of course, this can depend on the condition and location of the vehicle.
If you are in the market for an SUV, you are probably looking for a car that’s big enough to fit you and your passengers.
Even though this car is only a 2-row, 5-seat car, it still has lots of room for cargo.
In fact, it was regarded as one of the highest cargo capacities that leads its class by US News and World Report.
The cargo capacity includes 73.4 cubic feet of room in the back, and you can still fold the rear row of seats for additional space.
If you are looking for an SUV with great gas mileage and a lot of cargo space, you should definitely consider checking out a used Toyota Rav4.
