Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs Recommended by Consumer Reports

Smart buying decisions can be tough. Especially when you are looking to make the most of your dollar with a fuel-efficient SUV that although is not the size of its bigger brothers, can still hold its own when it comes to SUV utility needs for owners.

Related article: Toyota Dominates Consumer Reports’ Best Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000

Compact SUVs’ Growing Popularity 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.  

And while fuel economy is a big plus toward rating their compact SUV vehicle choices, CR analysts also based the selections with an eye toward attractive Overall Scores earned, based on owner satisfaction, reliability and the inclusion of desired safety features that SUV owners want and expect, in new vehicles today.

That said, here is a summary of 11 top choices among new model compact SUVs you should be looking for as a smart fuel-efficient purchase that CR analysts state, “...scored well in Consumer Reports’ Road tests, have average or better predicted reliability ratings, and get 28 mpg overall or better.”

Related article: Consumer Reports’ Top-Rated Hybrid Vehicles

RELIABLE AND FUEL-EFFICIENT COMPACT SUVS

1. Honda CR-V Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $32,400 - $39,100

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

Rated #1 of 24 Compact SUVs

2. Subaru Forester 2023

Price Range:  $26,395 - $36,795

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg

Rated #2 of 24 Compact SUVs

3. Lexus NX Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $41,955 - $57,805

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

Rated #1 of 24 Luxury compact SUVs

4. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $31,350 - $44,760

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

Rated #4 of 24 Compact SUVs

5. Toyota RAV4 Prime 2023

Price Range:  $43,090 - $46,960

CR MPGE:  Overall 72 / City 74 / Hwy 71 mpge

Rated #6 of 24 Compact SUVs

6. Kia Sportage Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $27,490 - $43,190

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

Rated #7 of 24 Compact SUVs

7. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $28,275 - $39,530

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

Rated #9 of 24 Compact SUVs

8. Toyota Corolla Cross 2023

Price Range:  $23,610 - $31,065

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

Rated #3 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

9. BMW X1 2023

Price Range:  $39,100

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

Rated #1 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

10. Lexus UX 2023

Price Range:  $35,340 - $44,170

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

Rated #3 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

11. Ford Escape Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $28,000 - $40,500

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

Rated #15 of 24 Compact SUVs

For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle’s features, please visit the Consumer Reports website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research. Furthermore, you can also use this site’s search engine to find past reviews of many of the models at no cost to you.

And finally...

For more about CR-recommended new models to consider, here are a few selections to help you find the right car for you:

• Best Cars for Teens Recommended by Consumer Reports
• Best Hybrid Cars for Under $35,000 Per Consumer Reports Advice
• Consumer Reports Top Choices for Best SUVs Under $40,000

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News 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 @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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