It’s a great time to buy an SUV or crossover in 2025 thanks to the huge range of options on sale. There really is something for everyone, and that includes those who want to save a dime at the gas station. Gone are the days when ‘sports utility vehicle’ used to mean an uneconomical V8 and poor fuel economy.
The appeal of the economical SUV lies in its ability to haul, transport, go anywhere, and travel from A to B on a drop of fuel if needed. Your own results may vary, but these are the most economical crossovers and SUVs that don’t rely on hybrid technology or any other gimmicks to achieve the best fuel economy. Just remember that towing or liberal use of the throttle will still result in a significant decrease in fuel consumption rating.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the manufacturers. Fuel economy ratings are courtesy of the EPA.
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The Most Economical Compact SUV: Nissan Kicks Play
Combined Fuel Economy: 33 MPG
- Make
-
Nissan
- Model
-
Kicks
- 0-60 MPH
-
9.0 Seconds
- Segment
-
Subcompact SUV
Revived for another year, the previous-generation Nissan Kicks is sold alongside the new Kicks in just one trim, despite previous reports that it wouldn’t be sold in the US. While it wears the old styling inside and out, the Kicks Play is useful for those looking to spend their money on one of the cheapest crossovers on sale with the best fuel economy rating as a bonus. The engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that is sometimes criticized for its lack of power, but its fuel efficiency makes up for its lack of meaningful acceleration. Front-wheel drive is standard with no option for all-wheel drive, meaning the Kicks Play is most suited to its primary mission of affordable and economical transport. It makes 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet.
Nissan Kicks: EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
|
Combined MPG |
City MPG |
Highway MPG |
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
33 MPG |
31 MPG |
36 MPG |
$1,450 |
This model starts at just $21,520, which is some $300 less than the new model which, while notably improved in most areas, receives an EPA-rated fuel economy rating of 30-31 MPG combined depending on the drivetrain (all-wheel drive is available for the new Kicks). Other reasons to choose the new Kicks are its refreshed styling, larger dimensions which improve space, a more powerful 2.0-liter engine (141 horsepower), and upgraded interior with an optional 12.3-inch infotainment system.
2025 Nissan Kicks: Feature Highlights
As an affordable entry-level crossover, the feature list is limited for the Kicks Play, which is based on the ‘S’ trim situated at the bottom of the range in 2024. Some features like an Android Auto / Apple CarPlay-compatible, 7-inch infotainment system are acceptable but lag behind some of the competition, including Nissan’s own 2025 Nissan Kicks which has an optional 12.3-incher. The Kicks Play does come with cruise control, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, remote keyless entry with push-button start, and air conditioning. Practicality is on point with various storage areas and a tailgate that opens high for ease of loading.
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The Most Economical Compact SUV: Nissan Rogue
Combined Fuel Economy: 33 MPG
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.5-liter 3-cylinder
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
201 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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225 lb-ft
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
30/37/33 mpg
Like the Nissan Kicks Play, the most economical Nissan Rogue is also front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive setup is optional. The latter decreases economy by 2 MPG on all fronts, an acceptable compromise if four-wheel traction is necessary. Once again, like the Play, a CVT transmission is standard. This model is sold above the Kicks and below the more expensive Pathfinder and starts from $28,590.
Nissan Rogue: EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
|
Combined MPG |
City MPG |
Highway MPG |
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
33 MPG |
30 MPG |
37 MPG |
$1,450 |
Under the hood, however, is a 1.5-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder that develops 201 horsepower; more than the Kicks, but the Rogue is also heavier. The engine uses variable-compression technology that has been seen in other Nissan models, which allows it to vary its compression ratio and optimize efficiency and performance. In the US, the Rogue is a strong seller, but there is currently no hybrid version in Nissan’s lineup, like in other markets such as Europe. A PHEV (plug-in hybrid) variant is expected later this year.
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2025 Nissan Rogue: Feature Highlights
The cheapest version of the Rogue offers the least equipment as expected – at the bottom of the lineup, the following features are included as standard:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlamps
- Cloth trim
- 8-inch infotainment display
- Cruise control
- Keyless entry/push-button start
Higher trims allow access to many desirable features and are worth paying for, for those who value the extra comfort/safety features. These include heated seats, a larger 12.3-inch display, larger wheels (up to 19 inches), a power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and much more. Even the base model comes with Nissan’s safety suite of features that includes blind spot monitoring, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert.
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Runner-Up: Toyota Corolla Cross
Combined Fuel Economy: 32 MPG
- Base Trim Engine
-
2L Dynamic Force I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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10-speed automatic/CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
169 HP @6600 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
151 lb.-ft. @ 4400 RPM
At 32 MPG combined, the Toyota Corolla Cross is almost as economical as the first two models from Nissan. This is another model that manages to be extremely efficient despite not utilizing any hybrid hardware or batteries, relying instead on just a small, modest, and frugal engine. Under its hood is a simple 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that musters 169 horsepower, sending its power to the front wheels via a CVT ‘box.
That will sound familiar to those who have driven a Corolla sedan that shares the same specs, but the benefit of the Corolla Cross is its optional all-wheel drive. Choosing the latter lowers the economy rating slightly to 30 MPG combined. A hybrid is also available (like the Corolla sedan) with up to 42 EPA-rated MPG combined, but it starts from $28,500, up $4,500 from the non-hybrid Cross’ basic price.
Toyota Corolla Cross: EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
|
Combined MPG |
City MPG |
Highway MPG |
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
32 MPG |
31 MPG |
33 MPG |
$1,500 |
A Toyota Corolla Cross offers a slightly different ride height, ground clearance, and cargo volume to the Corolla sedan, which starts from $22,000. Cargo volume goes up from about 18 cubic feet to 24 cubic feet. These characteristics, along with the optional all-wheel drive, make it a desirable alternative to the car, but otherwise, it is just as utilitarian and affordability-focused with little in the way of luxury.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross: Feature Highlights
That doesn’t mean that higher trim levels don’t boost the Corolla Cross’ relative level of comfort and luxury. Standard is an eight-inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring, which does look a little small by modern standards but fits in with the Cross’ affordable nature. A seven-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, leatherette seating, a 10-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat, and much more are available on higher trims.
Practicality is not forgotten with various storage areas dotted around and there are four cupholders – an essential feature for many – that go up to a total of six for the highest trim. That’s it for practicality, with the Corolla Cross mainly offering a slightly larger, slightly more spacious, and SUV-like driving position to differentiate it from the standard Corolla, as well as its all-wheel drive setup that’s optional. In base trim, luxury is not the dish of the day and the engine is also known for providing relaxed performance. This won’t come as a surprise to anyone and, as an affordable, no-fuss crossover, the Corolla accomplishes its mission on all fronts, including providing exceptional fuel economy.
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