The small SUVs with the best fuel economy

The small SUV segment is hotly contested in the Australian new car market, and fuel efficiency is one big selling point for carmakers looking to stand out.

There’s a wide range of small SUVs with different powertrains currently on sale in Australia. Which has the best fuel economy?

We’ve gathered the data, using claimed combined fuel economy figures provided by manufacturers, to find out.

These are the cars within the small SUV under $45k category in the VFACTS sales charts published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

We’ve also measured based on the variant with the best fuel economy in the range, as some trim or powertrain options may see the figures quoted here increase slightly.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

It’s no surprise a hybrid-powered car features at the top of this list, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the most efficient of the bunch.

Sipping just 1.9L/100km on the combined cycle thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, this small SUV is very efficient when you’re able to keep its lithium-ion battery pack charged.

It’s worth noting however when you can’t charge the battery, that claimed fuel economy figure can be a long way off.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
MORE: Everything Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Hyundai Kona

We have to open this analysis with another caveat – fully electric version of the Kona does exist, but we are only featuring cars with an internal combustion engine (and therefore the need for fuel) on this list. Stay tuned for an electric-only article.

The new Kona hybrid averages a claimed 3.9L/100km, which offsets its relatively small 38L fuel tank.

Pricing ranges from $36,000 before on-road costs to $46,500 before on-roads, and more than a few buyers have been tempted, with 11,183 sold across all powertrains in 2023.

The Kona is backed by Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Hyundai Kona
MORE: Everything Hyundai Kona

Toyota C-HR

Toyota has brought the C-HR into 2024 with a new, hybrid-only generation of the quirky crossover.

Prices are up: second generation cars start at $42,990 before on-road costs. All variants are more efficient, consuming 4.0 or 4.1L/100km.

New cars are also equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay.

The C-HR is covered by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Toyota C-HR
MORE: Everything Toyota C-HR

Honda HR-V

Honda also employs hybrid technology to maximise the efficiency of its HR-V, which drinks 4.3L/100km in e:HEV L guise.

Like other hybrids here the HR-V commands a price premium relative to base petrol variants, listed at $47,000 before on-road costs.

For the money you get wireless Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, a heated seated steering wheel, and a boot with 304L capacity.

Missing from the HR-V e:HEV is a spare wheel, which has been omitted in favour of a tyre repair kit.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Honda HR-V
MORE: Everything Honda HR-V

Toyota Corolla Cross

The Toyota Corolla Cross has the smallest fuel tank of any car on this list, but makes up for that with a competitive fuel economy figure.

Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with either one or two electric motors, the Corolla Cross Hybrid makes do with a 36L fuel tank.

The jacked up Corolla Cross Hybrid will set you back a minimum of $35,500 before on-road costs, while top specification all-wheel drive variants are closer to $50,000 before on-roads.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Toyota Corolla Cross
MORE: Everything Toyota Corolla Cross

Haval Jolion

The Haval Jolion is among the most popular options in this segment, with 11,252 sold last year.

While base models are on the cheaper end of the small SUV market, hybrid variants relevant to this list start at $36,990 before on-road costs.

The Jolion Hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, producing system outputs of 139kW of power and 375Nm of torque.

It’s good for 5.0L/100km, which is less than some rivals, but a larger 55L fuel tank ensures similar range between refills.

All hybrids are equipped with 360-degree cameras, synthetic leather trim, and heated front seats.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Haval Jolion
MORE: Everything Haval Jolion

Nissan Qashqai

The Qashqai is the first car on this list that requires a minimum of 95 RON premium petrol.

Nissan’s e-Power technology propels the most efficient version of the Qashqai – a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine has no direct link to the front wheels, instead acting as a generator to recharge the small lithium-ion battery pack or feeding the motor more directly through an inverter under heavier load.

It makes for a unique driving experience, although those with experience driving other e-Power models will be familiar with the quirks.

The 2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power costs $51,590 before on-road costs.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Nissan Qashqai
MORE: Everything Nissan Qashqai

Skoda Kamiq

You won’t find any electric drive motors under the skin of the Skoda Kamiq, but it manages to be the most efficient pure internal-combustion engine (ICE) car on this list, consuming 5.4L/100km.

The powertrain responsible for that figure is a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which requires a minimum of 95 RON unleaded petrol, paired with the Volkswagen Group’s trademark DSG.

A facelift model is on the way, so pricing has been slashed to $32,990 drive-away for the Run-Out edition of Skoda’s most popular car.

The Kamiq is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, equalling the best in this segment.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Skoda Kamiq
MORE: Everything Skoda Kamiq

Suzuki Vitara

The current generation Suzuki Vitara has been around for a while, but it’s still competitive in the fuel economy stakes.

You can get into a base Vitara for under $30,000 before on-road costs. It comes with the most efficient engine in the range, a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder engine producing 86kW of power and 156Nm of torque.

Base models come with a manual transmission, which can be hard to find in modern SUVs, and Suzuki has also kept weight down at 1165kg.

Suzuki Australia covers its range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Suzuki Vitara
MORE: Everything Suzuki Vitara

Suzuki S-Cross

The S-Cross uses a different formula to produce near identical fuel economy numbers to its Suzuki sibling.

A 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder features under the bonnet of the S-Cross, giving it extra power without improving efficiency.

It’s a bigger, more expensive car than the Vitara, starting at $39,990 drive-away, but it has been a slower seller with 598 cars delivered in 2023.

Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants are available.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Suzuki S-Cross
MORE: Everything Suzuki S-Cross

Renault Arkana

Renault Australia has confirmed a hybrid Arkana is on the way, but until then buyers can only opt for a turbocharged four-cylinder that drinks 6.0L/100km.

The current Arkana is priced between $37,500 before on-road costs and $45,000 before on-roads, and comes standard with a 4.2-inch digital driver’s display, wireless phone charging and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Boot space measures in at 353L.

All cars from the French manufacturer are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Renault Arkana
MORE: Everything Renault Arkana

Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 is the second-best selling car in this segment, behind the MG ZS.

Sat between the CX-3 and CX-5 in Mazda’s SUV range, the CX-30 is now only available with petrol power after the mild-hybrid variant was axed from the line-up.

Entry-level examples consume 6.3L/100km, and operate on 91 RON unleaded petrol.

Standard features include a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, 8.8-inch infotainment system and satellite navigation.

The base G20 Pure is price at $33,140 before on-road costs.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Mazda CX-30
MORE: Everything Mazda CX-30

Volkswagen T-Roc

If you’re after a small SUV with performance credentials, the T-Roc R is on the shortlist. However, the CityLife and Style variants get the nod when it comes to efficiency.

A fuel economy figure on 6.3L/100km is claimed for T-Rocs with the 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine, which produces 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque.

The T-Roc is on the podium for boot space in this segment with 445L.

Prices start at $36,890 before on-road costs, and all cars sold are covered by Volkswagen’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Volkswagen T-Roc
MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Roc

Peugeot 2008

Peugeot sold 329 examples of the 2008 last year, making it the lowest volume car in this segment.

Born and built in France, the 2008 is among the more expensive small SUV options, starting at $38,945 before on-road costs.

That money gets you a 1.2-litre turbocharged three cylinder engine with 96kW and 230Nm, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Boot space measures 434L with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1467L with them folded.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Peugeot 2008
MORE: Everything Peugeot 2008

Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek line-up can be separated into five variants and two powertrains, the most efficient of which is the e-Boxer hybrid.

All variants feature Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system and a standard Lineartronic CVT automatic, but the hybrid is a $3600 jump over the base model, starting at $38,590 before on-road costs.

Standard equipment includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging.

Top-spec examples have an electric sunroof, upgraded sound system, and leather-accented seat trim.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Subaru Crosstrek
MORE: Everything Subaru Crosstrek

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is one of a handful of cars on this list with an opening price under $30,000 before on-road costs, and has the most boot space of any car in the segment.

However, it doesn’t rank so highly on fuel efficiency, with a consumption figure of 6.9L/100km in 2.0-litre naturally aspirated guise.

Every Seltos is sold with Kia’s standard seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Kia Seltos
MORE: Everything Kia Seltos

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is the sole diesel-powered option to feature on this list.

Only available in the flagship Compass Trailhawk, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel averages 6.9L/100km and produces 125kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

The Trailhawk will set you back $59,100 before on-road costs, and comes equipped with a full-size spare wheel, Falken all-season tyres, and off-road suspension to tackle rugged terrain.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Jeep Compass
MORE: Everything Jeep Compass

MG ZS

The cheapest car here is the MG ZS, priced from $23,990 before on-road costs, but the more efficient ZST is a little dearer at $26,990 before on-roads.

It comes with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a claimed fuel economy of 6.9L/100km for CVT-equipped cars.

The ZST is sold with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and has a four-star ANCAP safety rating.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a MG ZS
MORE: Everything MG ZS

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi models top and tail this list, with the ASX sitting below its rivals from a fuel economy perspective.

The ASX has a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that consumes an average of 7.6L/100km.

Its fuel tank is the biggest here at 63L, however, for longer range on the highway.

Automatic transmission variants, which are more economical than the manual, kick off at $26,740 before on-road costs.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Mitsubishi ASX
MORE: Everything Mitsubishi ASX