Consumer Reports on Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs

A recent Consumer Reports newsletter urges smart car shopping decisions based on reliability and fuel efficiency. The automotive analysts showed that compact SUV models can hold their own against their bigger brothers when it comes to fulfilling owners' SUV needs, especially when it comes to making the most of your dollars spent on a new SUV.

Compact SUVs are Popular with Shoppers

Fortunately, consumers are discovering that compact SUVs can fit the bill in both fuel efficiency and utility as evidenced by the growing popularity of compact SUVs recently announced in a Consumer Reports newsletter.

"Compact SUVs are the most popular models on the market, thanks to their attractive combination of small-car efficiency and station wagon utility. According to Kelley Blue Book, in 2023 the Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling vehicle that wasn't a pickup truck, coming in at fourth overall, with the Honda CR-V close behind as the sixth best-selling vehicle. Plus, compact SUVs make up seven of the 10 most popular vehicles on ConsumerReports.org," states today's newsletter.

Related article: I Almost Bought the Wrong 2024 RAV4

What Are The Advantages of Buying a Compact SUV over a Larger SUV?

Buying a compact SUV over a larger SUV comes with several advantages: In a word “lower”. For example, with a compact SUV you can expect:

• Lower fuel costs: Compact SUVs tend to have smaller engines, making them more fuel-efficient than larger SUVs―especially for drivers who frequently commute or drive long distances.
• Lower new-car prices: Regarding SUVs, a smaller vehicle translates to a smaller price tag.
• Lower maintenance costs: Smaller engines with lighter components are less expensive and less complicated to maintain and repair.
• Lower insurance premiums: It's a fact that the higher-end a vehicle is, the more you will have to pay for auto coverage.
• Lower stress: Smaller SUVs help alleviate road stress, whether driving in traffic or finding a parking space.
• Lower carbon impact: Compact SUVs typically produce fewer emissions than larger SUVs, making them eco-friendly for environmentally conscious consumers.
• But not lower expectations: Compact SUVs today come with the same abilities as larger SUVs when it comes to wanting a model with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capabilities and many of the same safety features car owners want today.

That said, here is a summary of the selected compact SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports that they say are those "…hybrid and conventional compact SUVs that scored well in Consumer Reports' road tests, have average or better predicted reliability ratings, and get 28 mpg overall or better."

Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs

1. Toyota RAV4 Prime 2024

Price Range: $43,690 - $47,560

CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 29 / Hwy 39 mpg

#1 of 33 Compact SUVs

2. Subaru Crosstrek 2024

Price Range: $25,195 - $32,195

CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 41 mpg

#1 of 11 Subcompact SUVs

3. Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $39,690 - $44,190

CR MPG: Overall 31 / City 27 / Hwy 34 mpg

#3 of 33 Compact SUVs

4. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2024

Price Range: $32,575 - $45,450

CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 29 / Hwy 40 mpg

#6 of 33 Compact SUVs

5. Honda CR-V Hybrid 2024

Price Range: $34,050 - $40,200

CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 31 / Hwy 38 mpg

#7 of 33 Compact SUVs

6. Lexus NX Hybrid 2024

Price Range: $41,955 - $57,805

CR MPG: Overall 38 / City 37 / Hwy 39 mpg

#2 of 28 Luxury compact SUVs

7. Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid 2024

Price Range: $38,725 - $45,450

CR MPG: Overall 31 / City 27 / Hwy 34 mpg

#9 of 33 Compact SUVs

8. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2024

Price Range: $28,220 - $31,405

CR MPG: Overall 41 / City 34 / Hwy 47 mpg

#2 of 11 Subcompact SUVs

9. Kia Sportage Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $28,590 - $44,190

CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 31 / Hwy 39 mpg

#11 of 33 Compact SUVs

10. BMW X1 2024

Price Range: $40,500 - $49,900

CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 19 / Hwy 41 mpg

#1 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

11. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2024

Price Range: $28,475 - $39,780

CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 41 mpg

#12 of 33 Compact SUVs

12. Lexus UX 2024

Price Range: $35,540 - $44,370

CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 42 mpg

#2 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

13. Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid 2024

Price Range: $40,500

CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 40 mpg

#21 of 33 Compact SUVs

14. Ford Escape Hybrid 2024

Price Range: $28,000 - $40,500

CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 30 / Hwy 38 mpg

#24 of 33 Compact SUVs

15. Toyota Corolla Cross 2024

Price Range: $23,860 - $31,405

CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 21 / Hwy 35 mpg

#4 of 11 Subcompact SUVs

16. Kia Seltos 2025

Price Range: $24,590 - $31,090

CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 35 mpg

#5 of 11 Subcompact SUVs

For additional articles related to Consumer Reports News about how to save money when buying a new car or having a car repaired, here are three useful ones for your consideration:

• Cheap Cars That New Car Shoppers Are Buying Today Recommended by Consumer Reports
• Best SUVs Under $30,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports
• Secret Warranties That Can Get Your Car Fixed for Free

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWritesfor daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

Image source: Deposit Photos