What Are the 7 Most Affordable and Fuel-Efficient Small SUVs?

When you don’t want to see the numbers on the gas pump spin like a slot machine, you’ll want to drive one of the most fuel-efficient small SUVs in the market. Besides, when the numbers stop, you have to pay. You don’t get paid, even if you spin all 7’s at the pump. All seven of these SUVs are hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, so you’re not wasting time waiting for the batteries to recharge like you would with an EV.

Could the Ford Escape Hybrid be the fuel-efficient small SUV for you?

Red 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid Posed on a Field with Fog
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid | Ford

The Ford Escape Hybrid is a small SUV that makes a fitting change for traditional sedan drivers. If you used to love to drive the family sedan around, you’ll like what the Escape Hybrid brings to the market. According to Edmunds, this SUV delivers a low starting price and the fuel economy you desire.

Starting Price: $28,030

Fuel Mileage: 44 city/37 hwy mpg

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a popular option for fuel savings

A gray 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE compact SUV model driving through a city near glass skyscrapers
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivers rugged good looks while offering you one of the most fuel-efficient small SUVs in the market. This attractive vehicle has a large cabin to offer up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo room while also making room for the bags of cash you’ll save at the gas pump.

Starting Price: $29,075

Fuel Mileage: 41 city/38 hwy mpg

Plug your Ford Escape in and enjoy some all-electric driving

The 2022 Ford Escape driving in the downtown area
The 2022 Ford Escape | Ford

Your affordable small SUV could have some electric charging but still offer the benefits of the gasoline engine. The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid delivers 37 miles of electric driving while returning the fuel mileage you want when using the gasoline engine.

Starting Price: $33,085

Fuel Mileage: 40 mpg combined, 37 miles of all-electric driving range

Trust the Honda CR-V Hybrid to be the fuel-efficient small SUV you want to drive

A red 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid driving in the mountains
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid | Honda

The Honda CR-V is one of the market’s most popular models; adding a hybrid powertrain only makes it better. This family-friendly SUV offers up to 68.7 cubic feet of cargo room, an affordable price, and the fuel mileage you desire.

Starting Price: $31,610

Fuel Mileage: 40 city/35 hwy mpg

The plug-in version of the Toyota RAV4 is the Prime model

A 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime small SUV parked in front of a building
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime | Toyota

If you’re after a plug-in hybrid SUV that looks great and offers you nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo room, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is the right small SUV to drive. This model is fuel-efficient and versatile, but it’s one of the most expensive vehicles on our list.

Starting Price: $39,800

Fuel Mileage: 38 mpg combined, 42 miles of all-electric driving range

Is the Hyundai Tucson PHEV the right plug-in hybrid small SUV for you?

Front angle view of red 2023 Hyundai Tucson
2023 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

The Hyundai Tucson PHEV delivers 33 miles of electric driving, an attractive style, and up to 66.3 cubic feet of cargo room. This small SUV is one of the most fuel-efficient models, and it could work great for your family’s daily driving needs.

Starting Price: $34,900

Fuel Mileage: 35 mpg combined, 33 miles of all-electric driving range

Maybe the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is the right fuel-efficient small SUV for you?

A white Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV is parked outdoors.
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru

If you want a small SUV that’s as close to the size of a sedan as you can get, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is what you want to drive. This SUV has a plug-in hybrid layout and 43.1 cubic feet of cargo room, which makes it the smallest vehicle on our list.

Starting Price: $35,845

Fuel Mileage: 35 mpg combined, 17 miles of all-electric driving range

Which affordable fuel-fuel efficient small SUV should you buy?

A 2022 Ford Escape driving in the woods
The 2022 Ford Escape | Ford

When price and fuel savings are your top priority, the Ford Escape Hybrid makes the most sense. You won’t worry about a plug-in hybrid system, and it delivers the best fuel economy numbers for the lowest starting price.

Next, check out the comparison of maintenance costs between gas and diesel pickups, or learn more about some of the most fuel-efficient small SUVs in the video below:

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