Top Five SUVs for Fuel Economy as Fuel Prices Soar

Drivers in the UAE are looking for more fuel-efficient SUVs as local and global prices soar.

While some motorists have abandoned petrol and opted for electricity, others are trying to make money even further without breaking the bank at the gas station.

Starting this month the Super 98 and Special 98 cost Dh4.15 and Dh4.03 per liter, respectively. For the June diesel also costs Dh4.14 per liter and the E-plus Dh3.96.

But with cutting-edge engines and recent laws forcing manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint, there are options for fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers on the road.

Here we take a look at the most economical, family-friendly vehicles for the money-saving buyer.

Toyota C-HR Hybrid

Car reviewers across the world say switching to the hybrid Toyota C-HR pays big dividends in terms of fuel economy.

The Toyota C-HR was initially available with a series of petrol engines only but it has since crossed into the hybrid category, which helps to cut fuel costs for owners.

With a 1.8 liter four-cylinder petrol engine, the vehicle is also equipped with a small electric motor which is connected to the main engine.

Giving you 24 kilometres per litre, the front-wheel-drive motor has an energy monitor too, which shows you exactly how the power is being produced — either via the engine, the electric motor or a mixture of the two.

If you are looking to buy this model, it will set you back by about Dh87,000.

Ford Puma EcoBoost

The Ford Puma EcoBoost comprises hybrid technology but will not drive solely on electric power.

In contrast, the electric motor supports the gasoline engine when needed and provides additional power and up to 20 percent better acceleration. The engine, which is equipped with a one-liter EcoBoost engine, also uses regenerative braking technology to recharge the battery, which helps improve the vehicle’s fuel economy.

The Puma maxes out at 23km per litre and you should expect to pay in the region of Dh115,000 for a new model.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro comes with a lithium-ion polymer battery that works in tandem with a permanent magnet electric motor and a traditional petrol engine.

The petrol engine is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder model. Paired with its electric motor, the Niro can go from 0 to 100kph in about 11 seconds.

With a smaller engine than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, this vehicle promises a good fuel economy for its size, maxing out at 23km per litre. In the UAE, a Kia Niro can be picked up for about Dh95,000.

Toyota Corolla Cross

As you might have guessed from the name, this is a crossover SUV.

With a new two-litre hybrid engine, it brings a combination of power and low carbon dioxide emissions. While it does not feel as seamless to drive as other SUVs, it does turn in great fuel efficiency.

When equipped with front-wheel-drive, the vehicle can do about 14km per litre on the road.

The Corolla Cross is the first model globally to use the brand’s new fifth generation self-charging, fully hybrid electric system. Toyota says the power-train provides more “torque and electric power, greater efficiency and increased driving pleasure”.

A basic model will cost about Dh110,000.

With input from The National