Crossovers are a popular alternative to larger gas-guzzling SUVs. They are more fuel efficient, but they still offer a fair amount of room. They often achieve (combined) fuel economy ratings (fuel economy means fuel efficiency) between 20-30 MPG.
If you need the extra space, but don’t have the money to pay for it, a crossover is a great option. If you don’t need the extra space, it’s cheapest to opt for a smaller car (such as a sedan) which can easily get well over 30 MPG.
All prices are in US Dollars, and fuel efficiency ratings are combined. Combined fuel efficiency ratings are the most relevant to consumers, as they factor in both highway and city driving. The fuel efficiency ratings were obtained from fueleconomy.gov.
2015 Lexus NX 300h
Lowest MSRP: $39,720.
Fuel Efficiency: 33 MPG.
Drivetrain: Hybrid 2.5L, 4-cylinder, FWD.
0-60 MPH time: 9.1 seconds (that’s not bad for a luxury SUV).
Owning a hybrid is almost like having your cake and eating it too (where fuel efficiency is concerned). If you want a car which is roomy, quick, luxurious, AND fuel efficient, a hybrid is the way to go. The 2015 Lexus NX 300h’s 33 MPG is certainly decent for a vehicle of its caliber.
Image obtained with thanks from Toyota.
Image obtained with thanks from Toyota.
2016 Honda HR-V 2WD LX.
Lowest MSRP: $19,915.
Fuel Efficiency: 31 MPG.
Drivetrain: 1.8L, 4-cylinder, 2WD.
Honda is no stranger to making fuel-efficient vehicles. Compared even to the smaller Chevy Trax, the Honda HR-V crossover takes the cake with 31 MPG, and 58.8 cubic feet of cargo room.
Image obtained with thanks from Honda.
2016 Chevy Trax
Lowest MSRP: $20,300.
Fuel Efficiency: 29 MPG.
Drivetrain: 1.4L, 4-cylinder, FWD.
The 2016 Chevy Trax is a cheaper alternative to the 2016 Chevy Equinox, which has an MSRP starting at $22,100 for the 4-cylinder, 1.4L model. If you’re looking for a relatively cheap SUV, and don’t need oodles of space (it has 48.4 cubic feet of cargo room), this may be the one for you.
Image obtained with thanks from Chevrolet.
2016 Ford Escape
Lowest MSRP: $23,100.
Fuel Efficiency: 26 MPG.
Drivetrain: 1.6L, 4-cylinder, FWD.
This isn’t quite as efficient as the Chevrolet Trax, but that may be due to the fact that it has a larger (and likely more powerful) engine. If you think you need the AWD model, you can choose that option without guilt, as it is only 1 MPG less than the FWD.
Image obtained with thanks from Ford.
Image obtained with thanks from Ford.
