One of the biggest stories in the auto business over the last couple of years has been the mass migration of motorists trading in their passenger cars for burlier-looking crossover SUVs. These tall wagons afford roomier interiors with added cargo space over same-size passenger cars, and have the advantage of easier ingress and egress and a more commanding view of the road, given a taller ground clearance. Plus, crossovers offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) for added safety and security, though it’s really only considered essential for those living deep within the Snow Belt.
But while today’s car-based crossover SUVs are more well-mannered and sophisticated than the truck-based behemoths that preceded them, they’re still not quite as fuel efficient as comparable sedans. This is due largely to their added curb weight (especially when fitted with AWD) and their inherently less-aerodynamic exteriors.
For the benefit of budget-minded buyers who may be trading in their sedans and coupes for crossover SUVs, we’re highlighting the 10 most fuel-frugal conventionally powered SUVs for 2018 in the accompanying slideshow. All of them are either compact or subcompact models, and beat the national new-car average of 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Best of all, they’re estimated to save an owner at least $3,500 over a five-year ownership period, compared to the average 2018 vehicle (based on 15,000 miles driven per year at current fuel prices).
Where multiple powertrains are offered, we’re noting which deliver the most-affordable fuel costs. Note that we’re excluding versions powered by turbodiesel engines from the list, primarily due to the added cost of diesel fuel, which at this writing averages about 50 cents more a gallon than regular unleaded.
And keep in mind that a vehicle’s real world fuel economy depends on more than just the hardware under the hood. Physical factors like trip length, traffic conditions, terrain, temperature, and the weather all affect a car’s mileage, as does mounting accessories like roof racks and cargo carriers that hamper a vehicle’s aerodynamics. Lead-footed acceleration, heavy braking, high-speed driving, excessive idling, towing, and engaging four-wheel-drive also negatively impact a motorist’s mileage.
