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Smart car shopping 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: Best Hybrid Cars Under $35,000 Consumer Reports Update for the New Year
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.
“Many of these models have our Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions…Though we tested the all-wheel-drive versions of these, our recommendation extends to the less-expensive two-wheel-drive versions (if offered),” stated CR analysts.
That said, here is a summary of 3 Toyota models that made Consumer Reports’ 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
TOYOTA’S DEPENDABLE AND FUEL-EFFICIENT COMPACT SUVS
Toyota RAV4 Prime 2024
Price Range: $43,690 - $47,560
CR MPGE: Overall 72 / City 74 / Hwy 71 mpge
#2 of 27 Compact SUVs
Predicted reliability: 84/100
Predicted owner satisfaction: 4/5
According to CR analysts, the NX 350h hybrid is the best version of the NX line. Their road tests found that not only is the gas mileage remarkable at 38 mpg overall, but it also possesses features and functions that are an improvement over the gas-only NX model.
Such as:
- A larger infotainment touchscreen that replaced the fussy touchpad.
- Responsive handling is responsive (but not sporty) providing a ride that is firm yet absorbent.
- An impeccable cabin described as “snazzy,”
- Safety features that include AEB with pedestrian detection, highway speed AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard.
Cons of the RAV4 Prime:
- A narrow interior with limited outward visibility.
- A suboptimal shifter feel.
- Low center dash vents that blow on the driver’s elbows.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
Owner reported MPG: N/A
While CR analysts currently do not have the data from their customer surveys on what owners of the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid are finding, CR road tests have found that, “…it returned an impressive 41 mpg and is much more enjoyable to drive and live with than the regular Corolla Cross,” which possess the 196-hp, 2.0 liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain compared to a 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT in the regular Cross model.
Safety features include AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW come standard on the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Smaller in size than the RAV4, CR analysts also noted that the Corolla Cross Hybrid:
- Suffers from excessive engine noise during even moderate acceleration.
- Possesses ride and handling described as “competent, but unremarkable.”
- Has a simple interior that feels a bit stripped-down, but has a fairly roomy rear seat area.
“The hybrid version of Toyota’s Corolla Cross subcompact SUV has more power and refinement and much better fuel economy than the conventional model. As such, we think the $2,000 or so extra that it costs to get the hybrid (which comes standard with all-wheel drive) over the regular model is well worth it, and makes it the no-brainer choice between the two,” recommends Consumer Reports.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $28,475 - $39,780
CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 41 mpg
#8 of 27 Compact SUVs
Predicted reliability: 66/100
Predicted owner satisfaction: 4/5
In the Consumer Reports newsletter, CR analysts state, “In our tests of the hybrid version of the RAV4, we found that it felt energetic, with the electric drive producing immediate and quiet motivation from a standstill. A bonus is that it delivers an impressive 37 mpg overall. The RAV4 is responsive in corners, and it remains under control even when pushed.”
However, this model is not without its cons that include:
- A noisy engine that hurts the driving experience.
- A rugged styling that compromises its interior space.
- Safety features with both AEB pedestrian detection and highway speed AEB that are standard; however, BSW and RCTW are optional.
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.
For more Consumer Reports-related articles to consider, here are a few selections for your consideration to help you find the right car for you:
- 10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends Update
- Popular Toyota SUV Gets a Thumbs Down from Consumer Reports
- Consumer Reports Most Reliable New Midsized SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
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 “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
COMING UP NEXT: Best Used Cars Under $15,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports
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