Not long ago, we looked into the most fuel-efficient vehicles of 2013 and assumed that a crossover or two would make the list. Sadly, none qualified — not even any hybrids. With their tall stance and greater weight, crossovers and SUVs simply aren't as fuel efficient as cars, but their utility and spaciousness still put them on car shoppers' lists. That said, there are plenty of thrifty choices among today's crop of crossovers. Click through to see the most fuel-efficient crossovers and SUVs of 2013, according to Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy ratings, and ready your family truckster shopping list before you hit the dealerships.
25 mpg combined (22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway)
The Tuscon offers two 4-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter 165-horsepower and a 2.4-liter 176-horsepower, and both are rated at 25 mpg combined. In fact, the 2.4-liter, which is standard on higher-line trims, is more efficient on the highway, with ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined when paired with front-wheel drive. That allows buyers to opt for a $20,000 base trim or a loaded $26,000 Limited and still get the same fuel economy. We like the value the Tucson offers, but many competitors offer more space, greater power, sportier dynamics and better refinement.
25 mpg combined (22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway)
The Tuscon offers two 4-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter 165-horsepower and a 2.4-liter 176-horsepower, and both are rated at 25 mpg combined. In fact, the 2.4-liter, which is standard on higher-line trims, is more efficient on the highway, with ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined when paired with front-wheel drive. That allows buyers to opt for a $20,000 base trim or a loaded $26,000 Limited and still get the same fuel economy. We like the value the Tucson offers, but many competitors offer more space, greater power, sportier dynamics and better refinement.
2013 Nissan Rogue
25 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway)
The Nissan Rogue is one of the older vehicles on this list and hasn't had a significant update since it was released as a 2008 model. It's also louder than most of the other entries and rides a bit harder, too. On a positive note, it offers plenty of cargo versatility, including a fold-flat front passenger seat that allows longer items such as surfboards to fit. The 2.5-liter 170-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is rather coarse, but we are impressed that this older vehicle still stands up to today's fuel-economy expectations.
The Nissan Rogue is one of the older vehicles on this list and hasn't had a significant update since it was released as a 2008 model. It's also louder than most of the other entries and rides a bit harder, too. On a positive note, it offers plenty of cargo versatility, including a fold-flat front passenger seat that allows longer items such as surfboards to fit. The 2.5-liter 170-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is rather coarse, but we are impressed that this older vehicle still stands up to today's fuel-economy expectations.
2013 Audi Q5 Hybrid
26 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway)
Introduced this year, the Q5 Hybrid is Audi's first hybrid. It combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter 211-horsepower base engine with a 54-horsepower electric motor for a total output of 265 horsepower. Fuel economy increases by 3 mpg overall compared with the base 2.0-liter, and zero to 60 mph is slightly quicker at 6.8 seconds. At $50,900, the Q5 Hybrid is expensive, but it's well-equipped, fun to drive and refined, and it carries the cachet of the increasingly popular Audi brand.
Introduced this year, the Q5 Hybrid is Audi's first hybrid. It combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter 211-horsepower base engine with a 54-horsepower electric motor for a total output of 265 horsepower. Fuel economy increases by 3 mpg overall compared with the base 2.0-liter, and zero to 60 mph is slightly quicker at 6.8 seconds. At $50,900, the Q5 Hybrid is expensive, but it's well-equipped, fun to drive and refined, and it carries the cachet of the increasingly popular Audi brand.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox
26 mpg combined (22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway)
The Equinox is a midsize crossover that competes most directly with compact crossovers. Its 2.4-liter 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine also makes it as efficient as most compact crossovers, delivering a combined 26 mpg when it has front-wheel drive. The larger size gives it more cargo space, and a sliding rear seat provides plenty of rear legroom. On the downside, the Equinox is loud, and its interior materials aren't as rich as more recently designed Chevrolets.
The Equinox is a midsize crossover that competes most directly with compact crossovers. Its 2.4-liter 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine also makes it as efficient as most compact crossovers, delivering a combined 26 mpg when it has front-wheel drive. The larger size gives it more cargo space, and a sliding rear seat provides plenty of rear legroom. On the downside, the Equinox is loud, and its interior materials aren't as rich as more recently designed Chevrolets.
2013 Ford Escape
26 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 26 mpg highway)
Anyone who owned the last Escape wouldn't recognize the 2013 model. The new Escape is roomier, sportier and more refined than its predecessor. The most fuel-efficient combination is the turbocharged 1.6-liter 178-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with the 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. However, the much quicker turbocharged 2.0-liter 240-horsepower engine is rated only 1 mpg lower, and that would be our choice. Watch the options, though, as pricing escalates quickly.
Anyone who owned the last Escape wouldn't recognize the 2013 model. The new Escape is roomier, sportier and more refined than its predecessor. The most fuel-efficient combination is the turbocharged 1.6-liter 178-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with the 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. However, the much quicker turbocharged 2.0-liter 240-horsepower engine is rated only 1 mpg lower, and that would be our choice. Watch the options, though, as pricing escalates quickly.
2013 GMC Terrain
26 mpg combined (22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway)
The Terrain is GMC's version of the Chevrolet Equinox, and despite its blocky design it gets the same 26 mpg combined. Those who want the best mileage should opt for the 2.4-liter 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. An available 3.6-liter 301-horsepower V6 provides far more power, but it costs buyers 6 mpg overall. The Terrain also offers the more refined Denali trim for those who can afford to spend about $35,000.
The Terrain is GMC's version of the Chevrolet Equinox, and despite its blocky design it gets the same 26 mpg combined. Those who want the best mileage should opt for the 2.4-liter 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. An available 3.6-liter 301-horsepower V6 provides far more power, but it costs buyers 6 mpg overall. The Terrain also offers the more refined Denali trim for those who can afford to spend about $35,000.
2013 Honda CR-V
26 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway)
With a 2.4-liter 185-horsepower 4-cylinder engine under the hood, the Honda CR-V isn't exactly fast, but it does do several things quite well. It rides smoothly, has plenty of space inside and offers good value for the money. Available all-wheel drive provides all-weather security, but for the best fuel economy, buyers should choose front-wheel drive. Honda's excellent reputation for reliability and resale value makes the CR-V a wise choice for young families.
With a 2.4-liter 185-horsepower 4-cylinder engine under the hood, the Honda CR-V isn't exactly fast, but it does do several things quite well. It rides smoothly, has plenty of space inside and offers good value for the money. Available all-wheel drive provides all-weather security, but for the best fuel economy, buyers should choose front-wheel drive. Honda's excellent reputation for reliability and resale value makes the CR-V a wise choice for young families.
2013 Jeep Compass
26 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway)
The Compass is a Jeep Patriot in a different skin, so it suffers from the same issues, namely rough engines, hard-plastic interiors and a general lack of refinement. But it also offers 4-wheel-drive systems that are more advanced than most in the class. Like the Patriot, the most fuel-efficient Compass teams the 2.0-liter 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. If you'd like a smaller Jeep, we recommend waiting for the new Cherokee due later this year.
The Compass is a Jeep Patriot in a different skin, so it suffers from the same issues, namely rough engines, hard-plastic interiors and a general lack of refinement. But it also offers 4-wheel-drive systems that are more advanced than most in the class. Like the Patriot, the most fuel-efficient Compass teams the 2.0-liter 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. If you'd like a smaller Jeep, we recommend waiting for the new Cherokee due later this year.
2013 Jeep Patriot
26 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway)
With its Dodge Caliber roots, the Jeep Patriot is far less refined than most of its competitors. However, it does offer Jeep's requisite off-road capability, which gives it a leg up on the competition for true active-lifestyle buyers. However, for the best fuel economy, customers must choose the gruff 2.0-liter 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
With its Dodge Caliber roots, the Jeep Patriot is far less refined than most of its competitors. However, it does offer Jeep's requisite off-road capability, which gives it a leg up on the competition for true active-lifestyle buyers. However, for the best fuel economy, customers must choose the gruff 2.0-liter 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
2013 Subaru Outback
26 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway)
The Outback combines the attributes of a midsize car and an SUV. Its car-based roots make it pleasant to drive, and its wagon body style provides ample space for people and cargo. A new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine improves fuel economy by 2 mpg combined, when paired with the continuously variable automatic transmission, while also adding more low-end torque. Efficient and carlike, the Outback is the cure for the common SUV.
The Outback combines the attributes of a midsize car and an SUV. Its car-based roots make it pleasant to drive, and its wagon body style provides ample space for people and cargo. A new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine improves fuel economy by 2 mpg combined, when paired with the continuously variable automatic transmission, while also adding more low-end torque. Efficient and carlike, the Outback is the cure for the common SUV.
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
27 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway)
Mitsubishi's sales have faded in recent years, and vehicles such as the Galant and Eclipse have been discontinued. However, Mitsubishi has had a modicum of success with the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a compact crossover that is attractive, maneuverable and fuel-efficient. With only 148 horsepower on tap, though, it's pretty slow. To get the 27 mpg combined rating, buyers must opt for the 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Mitsubishi's sales have faded in recent years, and vehicles such as the Galant and Eclipse have been discontinued. However, Mitsubishi has had a modicum of success with the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a compact crossover that is attractive, maneuverable and fuel-efficient. With only 148 horsepower on tap, though, it's pretty slow. To get the 27 mpg combined rating, buyers must opt for the 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
2014 Subaru Forester
27 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway)
The Forester is redesigned for 2014 and gets much more fuel-efficient in the process. The combined EPA rating rises from 23 mpg to as high as 27 mpg for the base 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine. While that engine is basically the same as last year, the new Forester gets the mileage boost thanks to changes in aerodynamics and a switch to electric-assist power steering. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter 250-horsepower 4-cylinder also improves by 3 mpg to 24 mpg combined.
The Forester is redesigned for 2014 and gets much more fuel-efficient in the process. The combined EPA rating rises from 23 mpg to as high as 27 mpg for the base 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine. While that engine is basically the same as last year, the new Forester gets the mileage boost thanks to changes in aerodynamics and a switch to electric-assist power steering. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter 250-horsepower 4-cylinder also improves by 3 mpg to 24 mpg combined.
2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i
28 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway)
BMW isn't usually associated with fuel economy, but its new X1 crossover goes easy on gas while delivering decent power. To get the best fuel economy, buyers must choose the sDrive28i variant, which comes with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter 241-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. The X1 is smaller and lighter than its bigger sibling, the X3, and it sits lower, giving it even more of BMW's characteristic "ultimate driving machine" dynamics.
BMW isn't usually associated with fuel economy, but its new X1 crossover goes easy on gas while delivering decent power. To get the best fuel economy, buyers must choose the sDrive28i variant, which comes with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter 241-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. The X1 is smaller and lighter than its bigger sibling, the X3, and it sits lower, giving it even more of BMW's characteristic "ultimate driving machine" dynamics.
2013 Buick Encore
28 mpg combined (25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway)
The Encore is a tiny crossover with a small, 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out a modest 138 horsepower. While the Encore is not quick, it sips gas. To achieve the top rating, buyers should choose front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive drops the overall rating by 2 mpg. Otherwise, the Encore is a quiet, smooth-riding and fun-to-drive subcompact crossover that still manages to offer good space for couples or empty-nesters.
The Encore is a tiny crossover with a small, 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out a modest 138 horsepower. While the Encore is not quick, it sips gas. To achieve the top rating, buyers should choose front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive drops the overall rating by 2 mpg. Otherwise, the Encore is a quiet, smooth-riding and fun-to-drive subcompact crossover that still manages to offer good space for couples or empty-nesters.
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
28 mpg combined (25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway)
The XV Crosstrek's 8.7 inches of ground clearance qualify it as a crossover, but it is really just a raised Impreza hatchback. That's not a bad thing. Like the Impreza, the Subaru XV Crosstrek offers a lot for a reasonable price: all-wheel drive, accomplished driving dynamics, space for up to five and excellent fuel economy. Buyers must choose the continuously variable automatic transmission for best fuel economy, but a manual transmission is also offered. A recently announced hybrid powertrain will make it the most fuel-efficient crossover at 31 mpg combined.
The XV Crosstrek's 8.7 inches of ground clearance qualify it as a crossover, but it is really just a raised Impreza hatchback. That's not a bad thing. Like the Impreza, the Subaru XV Crosstrek offers a lot for a reasonable price: all-wheel drive, accomplished driving dynamics, space for up to five and excellent fuel economy. Buyers must choose the continuously variable automatic transmission for best fuel economy, but a manual transmission is also offered. A recently announced hybrid powertrain will make it the most fuel-efficient crossover at 31 mpg combined.
2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
28 mpg combined (28 mpg city / 28 mpg highway)
With three rows of seats and a 28 mpg combined rating, the Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient way to carry up to seven people. It mates a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a pair of electric motors — one on each axle — to provide electric-assisted all-wheel drive. And with 231 horsepower on tap, it's pretty quick. Prices start at a tick above $40,000, so it's not cheap, but the Highlander Hybrid is a well-rounded family-oriented crossover.
With three rows of seats and a 28 mpg combined rating, the Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient way to carry up to seven people. It mates a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a pair of electric motors — one on each axle — to provide electric-assisted all-wheel drive. And with 231 horsepower on tap, it's pretty quick. Prices start at a tick above $40,000, so it's not cheap, but the Highlander Hybrid is a well-rounded family-oriented crossover.
2014 Mazda CX-5
29 mpg combined (26 mpg city / 35 mpg highway)
Mazda's SkyActiv philosophy looks for efficiencies throughout a vehicle to reduce weight and therefore improve both fuel economy and sportiness. The CX-5 is the first full expression of that philosophy, and the result is the sport sedan of crossovers. For best fuel economy, opt for the 2.0-liter 155-horsepower engine with the 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The new-for-2014 2.5-liter 184-horsepower 4-cylinder would also make this list with a rating of 27 mpg combined.
Mazda's SkyActiv philosophy looks for efficiencies throughout a vehicle to reduce weight and therefore improve both fuel economy and sportiness. The CX-5 is the first full expression of that philosophy, and the result is the sport sedan of crossovers. For best fuel economy, opt for the 2.0-liter 155-horsepower engine with the 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The new-for-2014 2.5-liter 184-horsepower 4-cylinder would also make this list with a rating of 27 mpg combined.
2013 Nissan Juke
29 mpg combined (27 mpg city / 32 mpg highway)
The Juke's small package gives it a sporty driving character, exemplary fuel economy and sprightly acceleration. The turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is most efficient when paired with the continuously variable automatic transmission, although we prefer the 6-speed manual, which is rated at 28 mpg combined. Space is tight and the looks are odd, but the Juke is a fun, efficient car for singles and young couples.
The Juke's small package gives it a sporty driving character, exemplary fuel economy and sprightly acceleration. The turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is most efficient when paired with the continuously variable automatic transmission, although we prefer the 6-speed manual, which is rated at 28 mpg combined. Space is tight and the looks are odd, but the Juke is a fun, efficient car for singles and young couples.
2013 Lexus RX 450h
30 mpg combined (32 mpg city / 28 mpg highway)
With an EPA fuel-economy rating of 30 mpg combined, the Lexus RX 450h is the most fuel-efficient crossover available today. The reason is the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, which teams a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a pair of electric motors for a total system output of 295 horsepower. That much power means the RX 450h is pretty quick, with zero to 60 mph arriving in 7.4 seconds. Combine that power and fuel efficiency with a quiet, comfortable cabin and a smooth ride, and the RX 450h is one well-rounded family hauler.
Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experiencetoMSN,andcurrently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.
With an EPA fuel-economy rating of 30 mpg combined, the Lexus RX 450h is the most fuel-efficient crossover available today. The reason is the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, which teams a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a pair of electric motors for a total system output of 295 horsepower. That much power means the RX 450h is pretty quick, with zero to 60 mph arriving in 7.4 seconds. Combine that power and fuel efficiency with a quiet, comfortable cabin and a smooth ride, and the RX 450h is one well-rounded family hauler.
Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experiencetoMSN,andcurrently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.
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