These are some of the most economical used SUVs

SUVs have a reputation as being big gas-guzzlers and have even been the subject of environmental campaigns and protests.

But most modern-day SUVs can be impressively efficient, aided further by a range of hybrid models being available. SUVs also come in all shapes, with a variety of smaller, more economical vehicles on sale as well.

So if you’re looking for an economical and efficient used SUV, what models should you look at? Here are some top choices.

BMW X5 xDrive45e

A large SUV like the BMW X5 might be the last thing you’d imagine when it comes to an efficient SUV. However, thanks to the availability of a plug-in hybrid, it can be surprisingly economical. BMW introduced a powertrain known as the ‘xDrive45e’ in 2019 and it’s this version that you should choose.

While using a 3.0-litre petrol engine, which isn’t all that efficient on its own, it features a large 24kWh battery that allows for up to 54 miles of electric miles from a charge. Though BMW’s claimed 235mpg figure is unlikely to be achieved, if you plug in this SUV regularly and complete most of your miles on electric, there’s scope for very low running costs. You can pick up a 2020 model from around £40,000, which is a lot of money, but half what a brand-new model would cost.

Ford Puma

If you’re looking for a smaller SUV which you don’t need to worry about charging, it’s worth taking a look at the Ford Puma. This compact crossover is based on the Fiesta, and nearly all models you’ll see for sale use a 1.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine, which offers surprisingly strong performance, while Ford also claims more than 50mpg.

The Puma is great to drive, and despite a relatively compact footprint, offers a great deal of interior space, with a cool feature being a deep under-boot floor storage area that Ford calls a ‘MegaBox’. Given that the Puma is now one of the UK’s most popular new cars, there are loads of used examples for sale, with starting prices from £14,000 for a three-year-old example.

Peugeot 2008

If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable to buy, it’s worth taking a look at the Peugeot 2008. Available with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, the French firm claims up to 70mpg from the latter. It’s worth noting these figures are based on the older fuel efficiency testing cycle, however, this compact SUV is still known for being cheap to run.

We’d skip the 1.4-litre diesel and go for the larger 1.5- and 1.6-litre models instead. Peugeot’s 1.2-litre ‘PureTech’ petrol engine is also a good choice if you’d rather not opt for a diesel. The first-generation 2008 was launched in 2013, with used examples now available from around £4,500.

Volkswagen T-Roc

Volkswagen offers a wide range of SUVs, but if you’re shopping with fuel economy in mind, we’d recommend a look at the T-Roc crossover. It’s not the smallest SUV that Volkswagen makes, but remains fairly compact and is easy to drive around town with lofty driving position and great visibility.

If fuel economy is a priority, we recommend the 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines, which are ideal for those doing lots of longer journeys. Both of these are more than capable of getting 60mpg, while 4x4 versions can be had too, though expect slightly worse fuel economy from these. The T-Roc holds its value very well, so prices for a 2018 car start from around £13,500.

Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is an ideal option for those wanting something fuel-efficient, with three different powertrains available depending on your preference. With a choice of a frugal diesel, hybrid and impressive plug-in hybrid available, depending on your use case; the diesels will be best for those doing lots of longer trips, while the hybrids are ideal for shorter, more urban driving.

To get this expansive range of versions, it’s the stylish third-generation Kuga you will need, introduced in 2020. This model looks the part and also comes generously equipped. Prices start from around £17,000 for a Kuga of this age.

Volvo XC90 T8

If you want a seven-seat SUV that’s efficient, the choices are fairly slim. However, if you’re able to take full advantage of a plug-in hybrid’s benefits, we recommend taking a look at the Volvo XC90 T8. It’s one of only a handful of hybrid SUVs that come with three rows of seats too.

The XC90 T8 is a hugely practical and luxurious SUV that’s ideal for families while getting all of Volvo’s latest and greatest technology. The T8’s electric range is only around 25 miles, but if you drive predominantly local miles, you can still majorly benefit. Prices start from around £27,000 for a 2016-registered example.

Dacia Duster

Dacia has built an enviable reputation on its cars’ value for money, and that’s not only on the price of the vehicles but also the low running costs. That applies to the Dacia Duster too, the firm’s rugged 4x4.

When equipped with the 1.5-litre ‘Blue dCi’ diesel engine, Dacia claims more than 55mpg, while a 4x4 version is even available if you want more go-anywhere ability. The Duster does hold its value impressively well, so you’ll need around £10,000 for a second-generation example, introduced in 2018.

Kia Niro

If you’re ready to choose an electrified SUV, the Kia Niro is perfectly positioned as it’s available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and also an EV. Introduced in 2016, it was one of the first cars to be offered with such a wide choice of powertrains.

If you’re able to have easy access to charging, the plug-in models make sense, but if not even the regular self-charging hybrid version can manage around 60mpg in careful driving. Used Niro prices start from around £12,000, and examples might still be covered by Kia’s seven-year warranty. If not, the AA offers a broad choice of used car warranties.

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota is known for its wide range of hybrid models, which feature in almost every new car it sells. If you’re looking for a particularly efficient hybrid SUV, we highly recommend the Yaris Cross, which is able to return more than a claimed 60mpg, but more could be possible in steady urban driving.

The Yaris Cross wasn’t introduced until 2021, so prices are still on the high side – they start from around £20,000 – but if you want to own something newer, it’s a great choice. This Toyota is roomier than you might expect and it should also offer bulletproof reliability.

Seat Tarraco

Seat was a relatively late entry to the SUV market, but quickly built a desirable range of models. Sitting at the top of its line-up is the Tarraco – a seven-seater that is perfect for larger families.

It’s stylish to look at, well-built inside and also surprisingly good to drive for an SUV of this size. With a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine under the bonnet, it can also be more fuel efficient than you might expect, with more than 50mpg possible on extended journeys. You’ll pay from around £16,500 for a 2019-registered Tarraco.

Prices correct at time of publication [10/2023].