In Canada, SUVs remain among the most popular vehicle choices. Whether for family trips or daily commuting, SUVs provide practicality and space. While many buyers worry about SUVs being “gas guzzlers,” today’s market offers plenty of fuel-efficient SUVs. These are great not only when shopping for new models but also when comparing used cars — helping you with saving gasoline and lowering your long-term ownership costs.
This guide, based on Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) EnerGuide official combined fuel ratings (city + highway), covers 19 of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in Canada, including:
- 🔋 Hybrid SUVs
- ⛽ Gas-only SUVs
- 👨👩👧👦 7-Seater SUVs
- 🛻 4×4 SUVs
We also include a used car valuation guide to help you choose the right used SUV and ensure you get the best deal possible.
1. Hybrid SUVs (Best for Saving Gasoline)
- Ford Escape PHEV – 5.8 L/100km (about 60 km EV range, 2.2 Le/100km in EV mode)
- Lexus NX 350h – 6.0 L/100km (luxury compact SUV with AWD)
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – 6.0 L/100km (practical and high resale value)
- Toyota Venza – 6.1 L/100km (upscale styling and comfort)
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – 6.4 L/100km (1.6T engine + motor, well-equipped)
⭐ Honorable Mention: Kia Niro Hybrid – 4.4 L/100km (technically a crossover, but extremely efficient)
👉 Why it matters: Hybrid SUVs are the best choice for saving gasoline in daily city driving, and they hold their value well in the used car market.
2. Gas-Only Fuel-Efficient SUVs (Budget-Friendly, Easier Maintenance
- Toyota Corolla Cross FWD – 7.3 L/100km
- Hyundai Kona 2.0L FWD – 7.4 L/100km
- Chevrolet Trailblazer 1.3L FWD – 7.6 L/100km
- Volkswagen Taos FWD – 7.6 L/100km
- Honda CR-V FWD – 7.7 L/100km
(Honorable mention: Toyota RAV4 LE FWD – 7.7 L/100km)
👉 Why it matters: These gas-only SUVs don’t require hybrid batteries, making them more common in the used cars market and easier to maintain while still offering decent mileage.
3. 7-Seater Fuel-Efficient SUVs (Family-Friendly and Fuel-Saving)
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD – 6.7 L/100km
- Kia Sorento Hybrid / PHEV – 6.7 L/100km (PHEV ~51 km EV range)
- Lexus RX 450hL – 7.9 L/100km
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – 9.0 L/100km hybrid / 3.6 Le/100km electric
⭐ Honorable Mention: Toyota Sienna Hybrid (7–8 seats, MPV) – 6.5–6.7 L/100km
👉 Why it matters: 7-seater SUVs usually sacrifice efficiency, but these models prove you can carry the whole family and still focus on saving gasoline.
4. 4×4 / True AWD SUVs (Off-Road Capability + Saving Gasoline)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe – 4.2 Le/100km (10.0 L/100km in hybrid mode)
- Jeep Wrangler 4xe – 4.8 Le/100km (11.7 L/100km in hybrid mode)
- Subaru Crosstrek (AWD) – 7.9 L/100km
- Subaru Forester (AWD) – 8.2 L/100km
- Ford Bronco Sport (4×4) – 8.9 L/100km
👉 Why it matters: These SUVs balance rugged capability with fuel efficiency, unlike older “gas-hungry” 4x4s. Perfect for Canadians who want traction and saving gasoline.
Used SUV Buying & Valuation Guide
When shopping for used cars, especially used SUVs, fuel efficiency directly affects your long-term costs. Follow these three steps:
1. Define Needs & Fuel Standards
- City commuting → Hybrid SUVs (e.g., RAV4 Hybrid, Escape PHEV)
- Family trips → 7-Seaters (e.g., Highlander Hybrid, Sorento)
- Snow/Off-road → AWD/4×4 (e.g., Forester, Bronco Sport)
2.Do a Proper Used Car Valuation
- Check market value (Canadian Black Book)
- Request a CARFAX Canada report
- Review mileage, service records, accident history, and rust/paintwork
- Compare with official fuel consumption to ensure true saving gasoline performance
3. Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Factor in not just purchase price, but also taxes, insurance, maintenance, and fuel savings. Many hybrids pay back their premium within 3–5 years.
Conclusion
Whether you’re buying new or exploring used cars, today’s SUV market offers plenty of options that are practical and saving gasoline. With hybrids, efficient gas-only models, 7-seaters, and 4x4s available, you can find an SUV that meets your needs without overspending at the pump. Pair this with a proper used car valuation, and you’ll secure a reliable used SUV that fits your lifestyle and budget.
- 🚗 Browse Our Used SUVs for Sale
- 💰 Get Your Instant Used Car Valuation
- 📞 Contact Us to Book a Test Drive
👉 At YST Auto Sales, we provide transparent listings, professional inspections, and accurate used car valuation services — helping you buy and sell with confidence while saving gasoline.