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Experts and owners don’t always agree about cars, trucks, and SUVs. These are some fuel-efficient used compact SUVs that didn’t resonate with owners but generally had high scores from experts. The good news is that most of these sport utility vehicles still have plenty to offer buyers, including good safety scores.

The 2017 Honda HR-V is a fuel-efficient used compact SUV that owners weren’t satisfied with

Fuel-efficient used compact SUV like the Honda HR-V photographed here
The 2017 Honda HR-V | Honda

Consumer Reports picked the 2017 Honda HR-V as one of the best fuel-efficient used compact SUVs. It managed to get 29 mpg for fuel economy, which received the green choice accolade. Both the road test and reliability scores came in high. The HR-V is practical and affordable, but it has room for improvement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave this Honda SUV a five-star safety score on the overall crash test.

Some of the reliability trouble areas that gave owners a headache include the transmission and drive system. Only one area of owner satisfaction received high scores: the 2017 Honda HR-V’s style. Honda could improve the driving experience, comfort, and value. 47% of owners would buy again, which is pretty low for the segment.

Price Range:  $17,275 – $20,650

The 2017 Mazda CX-3 is another fuel-efficient used compact SUV

While the 2017 Mazda CX-3 is a popular SUV, owners didn’t seem pleased with it. Consumer Reports says the CX-3 is “quick, nimble, fun to drive,” but the tight interior detracts from the positives. Even though it has room for five, the front seat isn’t very roomy, and the back is better suited for children. The owner reported mpg came in at 30 overall. Testers also found that the rear visibility is compromised, even with a backup camera. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave this Mazda SUV the Top Safety Pick Plus award.

Owners reported that the driving experience, comfort, and value could all be improved. The owner satisfaction for the CX-3 during this time did not net many positive results. While it is a fuel-efficient used compact SUV, only 42% of owners would buy the 2017 CX-3 again.

Price Range:  $16,650 – $20,000

Don’t overlook the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport has a composed ride, quiet cabin, and 26 mpg overall. While it is a subcompact SUV, which means it isn’t big on space, it still has a comfortable cabin. Consumer Reports suggests finding one with a Premium package, which will add Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM). 2018 Rogue Sport SUVs came with more safety features. Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA scored this Nissan SUV in its safety tests.

The usual reliability trouble sports like the engine, transmission and drive system were not issues for the 2017 Rogue Sport. Owners report not being satisfied with the vehicle’s value, but the styling was fine. 49% of Nissan Rogue Sport owners would buy the SUV again.

Price Range:  $17,125 – $20,125

The three fuel-efficient used compact SUVs on this list look good on paper but don’t deliver in the long run. Try locating a higher trim level with more safety features if you happen upon one of these SUVs.

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Staff Writer

Amanda Cline

Amanda Cline is an avid fan of Formula 1 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2021. A Southwest Floridian, she easily and often finds automotive events to attend in the Tampa, Orlando, and Miami areas.
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s in English Literature and a Master’s in Technical Communication. Combining her editorial and digital media expertise, Amanda served as a content creator for FanSided and now provides our readers with a variety of automotive subject matter like pickup trucks and SUVs, including valuable consumer advice.

Amanda closely follows many F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Her all-time favorite author is Shel Silverstein.