Introduction
When SUVs are mentioned what goes to mind for most people are large cars, rugged looks, all-terrain tires, superior ground clearance, and large, powerful, and gas-guzzling engines. Long gone are those days! With the emergence of new technologies and crossover SUVs manufacturers have been able to manufacture SUVs with small, efficient, and powerful engines, but also utilize turbochargers. that provide an extra oomph, increase the motor speed, and reuse carbon dioxide for a much cleaner planet. Here we will take a look at some of the SUVs with good records of efficiency, please follow through.
TOYOTA Yaris cross
The Toyota Yaris Cross is a subcompact crossover SUV built by Toyota.
Exterior
The exterior looks of the Yaris Cross is a cross-breed of cues from the Yaris and other Toyota SUVs, with additional distinctive styling.
Fuel Efficiency
TOYOTA YARIS CROSS 2022
The 2022 Yaris Cross comes fitted with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder powerplant in a hybrid (M15-FXE) or petrol (M15-FKS). The hybrid system produces a combined 114 hp while the petrol-only option produces 118 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid model’s fuel efficiency is rated at 27 km/L while the petrol model is rated at 18 km/L.
Interior
The interior has plenty of soft-touch and comfortable material neatly arranged, solidly screwed together, and feels great. The driving position is high with good outward visibility, and the seats are comfortable. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard. There are plenty of cubby storage options and its 400-liter boot can be extended by folding flat its 40/20/40 rear split seats.
GR Sport
The Yaris Cross GR Sport is a sport-grade version of the Yaris Cross inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) team with unique exterior and interior features and tuned-up suspensions for better handling.
Price
The MSRP of the Toyota Yaris Cross ranges between US$28,000 and US$40,000. At Be Forward, a used model costs between US$12,520 and US$43,000 as of August 2023. Others The Yaris Cross is available in 2WD (standard) and AWD drivetrains. The AWD variant features an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD-i) system only on the hybrid models which works by utilizing a powered rear axle. This axle supplies power to the rear wheels during acceleration or when extra traction is needed.
BMW X1
BMW X1 is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV built by BMW.
Exterior
The styling of the X1 is smart and lustrous with a contemporary design. Its face features LED headlights with angel eyes DRLs and BMW’s signature kidney grille. Its compact yet muscular body is well-proportioned and adorned with sharper lines that give the car an athletic and sporty appearance.
Fuel Efficiency
BMW X1 2016 and 2023
The 2016 and 2023 X1s share similar powerplants, only that the engines were retuned and improved as the years progressed. The powerplants include a turbocharged 1.5-liter I3 petrol engine in a plug-in hybrid (B38A 15M0) or petrol-only (B38A), a mild hybrid system with a 2.0-liter (B48) I4 petrol, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter (B37) I3 or twin-turbo 2.0-liter (B47) I4 diesel. These engines transfer power to the front wheels or all wheels via a seven-speed DCT or eight-speed automatic transmission. Their average fuel consumption ranges between 11 km/L and 17 km/L with the 2WD diesel model being the most efficient and the 2.0-liter AWD being the worst performer.
Interior
The second-generation (2016) and above X1 models offer a spacious cabin with roomier seating, an SUV-like driving position, an improved cargo area, and a high-quality cabin, with plenty of soft-touch finishes. Standard features include a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, HD and satellite radio, four USB ports, Bluetooth, and a seven-speaker stereo.
Space
The 2023 X1 has a spacious cabin, enough to accommodate five adults comfortably. The cargo is 727 liters with second-row seats in place and 1619 liters with the seats folded flat.
GR Sport
The X1 Sport is one of four (SE, Sport, xLine, and M Sport) available trims. Its standard features are Sport front seats, exclusive sport front and rear bumpers, front underbody protection, colored trim and stitching on the instrument cluster, LED ambient lighting, and 18-inch Sport alloy wheels.
Price
The MSRP of the 2023 X1 ranges between US$38,900 and US$58,200. Be Forward prices of used 2023 models range between US$35,980 and US$40,870 as of August 2023.
Battery
The X1 PHEV has a full electric range is about 90 km and it is powered by a 14.2 kWh Li-ion battery.
TOYOTA C-HR
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover SUV built by Toyota.
Exterior
The exterior is cheeky with a striking sporty look. The 2023 model features a two-toned paint finish, C-shaped automatic headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Fuel Efficiency
TOYOTA C-HR 2019
The 2019 model came fitted with either a turbocharged 1.2-liter (8NR-FTS) or a PHEV pairing a 1.8-liter (2ZR-FXE) engine with motors with a fuel consumption rate of 17km/L and 26km/L respectively. Power is transferred to the wheels via a six-speed manual, CVT, or eCVT transmission.
TOYOTA C-HR 2022
The 2022 C-HR PHEV pairs a 2.0-liter (M20A-FXS) with motors. The fuel consumption rating of this engine is 21 km/L respectively. Power to the front wheels is sent via an eCVT transmission. 4WD is available.
Interior
The cabin is stylish. It features a slim-line dash with a nice-looking analog instrument cluster and a center console that points towards the driver. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard.
Space
The C-HR has enough space to accommodate two tall adults at the front and medium-sized at the rear. Cubby options are basic, with its 538-liter cargo area being average, but it can be maximized to 1047 liters.
GR Sport
The GR Sport is a more sporty-looking version of the C-HR. Notable exterior features include a larger front grille, a deeper rear bumper, 19-inch alloy wheels, lowered suspensions, a stiffened frame, GR-branded brake calipers, and a swooping black roof line. Inside you are treated with Alcantara GR sports branded seats, leather-covered gear shift, aluminum pedals, and GR symbols on seat backs and start button.
Nightshade Edition
There is a Nightshade Edition of the C-HR introduced in 2021. It differs in its exclusive exterior color patterns that blend a black roof with either Blizzard Pearl, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, or Supersonic Red. Other features that are in black color include a fabric interior with gunmetal trim, lug nuts, door handles, chin spoiler, badges, and 18” alloy wheels.
Price
The MSRP of the 2022 C-HR ranges between US$23,800 and US$27,300. At Be Forward used 2020 and above models’ prices range between US$14,390 and US$24,080.
Battery
The C-HR PHEV comes fitted in either a Lithium-Ion or Nickel-metal Hydride battery fitted in the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter models respectively. The maximum range on battery-only is 66 kilometers.
MAZDA CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact crossover SUV built by Mazda
Exterior
Exterior features include a wide grille flanked by narrow headlights that collectively give the vehicle a pretty aggressive look with creases on the sides that add some sportier looks.
Fuel Efficiency
MAZDA CX-3 2016 & 2021
From 2016 through to 2021, the CX-3 has been offered with one of four Skyactiv powerplants. A 1.5-liter I4 petrol (F-P5) or diesel (S5-DPTS/R) with a fuel efficiency rating of 17 km/L and 30 km/L respectively. Other engines are the 2.0-liter (PE-VPS) I4 petrol and 1.8-liter (DPTS/R) I4 diesel with a fuel efficiency rating of 15 km/L and 19 km/L respectively. These engines transfer power to the wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Interior
The cabin is neat and simple, with comfortable and supportive seats, and enough leg and headroom. Standard features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, round air vents, and a huge central instrument cluster. Storage options include a large enough boot and plenty of smaller storage spaces.
GR Sport
The CX-3 GT Sport comes with an aero kit (side skirts with bumper extensions, and subtle silver inserts), a gloss black roof spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The cabin is treated with a Nappa leather trim that extends from the seats to the dashboard and doors and finished off with striking contrasting stitching.
Price
The MSRP of the 2021 CX-3 ranges between US$20,700 and US$22,200. At Be Forward prices of used 2016 to 2021 CX-3 range between US$6300 and US$15,680 as of August 2023.
Others
The CX-3 was discontinued in some markets with its place taken by the CX-30. The major difference between the CX-3 and the CX-30 is that the CX-3 is slightly smaller in size and since the CX-30 is newer, it also comes with better amenities and tech.
VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (VW)
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV built by Volkswagen.
Exterior
Standard exterior features include LED headlights, DRLs, and taillights, body-colored side mirrors, creases on the sides, roof rails, a shark fin antenna, rear spoiler, and alloy wheels.
Fuel Efficiency
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2018 and 2023
Available powertrains on the 2018 and 2023 Tiguan include a 1.4-liter (TSI 150), 1.5-liter (TSI 150) and 2.0-liter (TSI 245) I4 petrol engines or a 2.0-liter (TDI150) I4 diesel. There’s also a PHEV that pairs the turbocharged 1.4-liter TSI I4 engine with motors with an electric range of 45 kilometers. The fuel efficiency rating of these engines is 13km/L, 18km/L, 14km/L, 21km/L, and 64km/L respectively. Power to the wheels is transferred via a six-speed automatic/manual, seven-speed DSG, and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Interior
The cabin is spacious with comfortable and supportive seats with enough room for even the tallest passenger. There are plenty of storage options too, door pockets, a center bin under the armrest, a couple of cup holders, and a glove box. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and sat-nav is standard.
Sport
The Tiguan R is a performance-based version of the Tiguan with exterior features such as a pumped-up body kit, 21-inch alloy wheels, and quad exhaust pipes, while on the inside you find R badging all over the place, sports seats, and neat blue and grey upholstery. Under the hood, the Tiguan R is fitted with a 2.0-litre engine with 320hp and 310 lb-ft.
Price
The MSRP of 2023 Tiguan ranges between US$27,000 and US$37,700. At Be Forward, a used 2023 Tiguan has a price range of US$22,800 and US$36,700, while the R-line is US$51,600 as of August 2023.
Others
According to J. D. Power, the 2023 Tiguan has a predicted reliability total of 73 out of 100. The J.D. Power predicted reliability is rated at 91-100 means Best, 81-90 means Great, 70-80 means Average, and 0-69 means Fair (below average).
TOYOTA Harrier
Toyota Harrier is a mid-size crossover SUV built by Toyota.
Exterior
The front end features a black plastic cover in place of the grill, slim Bi-LED headlights, LED DRLs, a large bumper with a large air intake, and a chrome strip running the width of the car. At the rear, a bar of glossy LED lights runs across with the reverse lights mounted beneath the bumper. On the sides, you find body-colored wing mirrors with LED signals and welcome lights.
Fuel Efficiency
TOYOTA Harrier 2022
The 2022 Harrier is fitted with a 2.0-liter (M20A-FKS) as standard with a PHEV that pairs a 2.5-liter (A25A-FXS) with motors available. These engines send power to the front wheels via a CVT or eCVT transmission. Their average fuel consumption rate is 15km/L and an electric-only range of 93 km. An AWD drivetrain that uses motors to drive the rear wheels is available on the hybrid model.
TOYOTA Harrier 2015
The 2015 model is fitted with a 2.0-liter (3ZR-FAE) I4 as standard and a hybrid system pairing a 2.5-liter (2AR-FXE) with motors. These engines send power to the wheels via a CVT or eCVT transmission. These engines have an average fuel consumption of 16 km/L and 21 km/L respectively.
Interior
The interior of the 2022 Harrier is well-built with a touch of luxury and attention to detail. Seats are supportive and comfortable, the driver-focused cockpit features a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a 7.0-inch TFT color multi-information display placed between the analog instruments. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard.
Price
At Be Forward, prices for a used 2022 to 2023 Harrier range between US$19,820 and US$72,600 as of August 2023.
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I am a car enthusiast and experienced freelance car writer with over 5 years in automotive journalism. Recognized for delivering engaging and informative content across diverse websites and blogs, prominently featured on platforms like BE FORWARD. A passion for cars, coupled with a proven track record of insightful articles, showcasing a deep understanding of the industry.
With over 5 years of writing expertise in the automotive domain, I specialize in comprehensive coverage of car-related topics. My portfolio spans engaging reviews, up-to-date news, and in-depth features, showcasing a versatile understanding of the automotive landscape. This experience reflects my commitment to delivering insightful content that captivates readers across a broad spectrum of car enthusiasts and general audiences.
My favorite car is the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort on and off-road.
