Getting an SUV originally meant sacrificing fuel economy for the sake of practicality. Even if it had the range, the SUVs of yore would suck down gallon after gallon of fuel, leaving you with a huge bill at the pump. Not anymore. The recent influx of smaller compact and subcompact SUVs with modern engines has introduced a host of offerings that are nearly as efficient as their low-slung counterparts. Wondering which compact SUVs get over 30 mpg? Keep reading for 14 of the best compact SUVs that get 30 mpg or better on the highway, not including hybrid models.
2020 Mazda CX-5 – up to 25/31 mpg city/highway
Essentially the driver’s choice among SUVs that get over 30 mpg, the Mazda CX-5 handles well and provides plenty of smiles behind the wheel. Its svelte styling allows it to stand out, especially in Mazda‘s signature Soul Red Crystal exterior color. The CX-5’s well-appointed interior also feels a class above its own thanks to high-quality materials and plenty of sound insulation.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox – up to 26/31 mpg
When equipped with the base 1.5-liter turbo-four, the Chevrolet Equinox is an SUV that gets over 30 mpg even with all-wheel drive. On higher-end models, the Equinox also comes with niceties like heated and ventilated front seats, a massive panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats, making it a great road trip vehicle.
2020 Nissan Rogue Sport – up to 25/32 mpg
The Nissan Rogue Sport gives you plenty of space and flexibility in a package that remains city-friendly. Should you want to take the Rogue Sport on the open road, you’ll be happy to know that it’s a 30-mpg SUV regardless of drivetrain combination, making it a viable long-distance cruiser.
2020 Hyundai Kona – up to 28/32 mpg
If you’re after a sporty, fun-to-drive subcompact SUV, the Hyundai Kona has your name on it. Even with its available turbocharged engine, the Kona has the range to get you to faraway places without stopping too many times. Its agile handling complements its power, making it a great all-around option if you’re looking for a 30-mpg SUV that’s well suited for the city or the open road.
2020 BMW X1 – up to 24/33 mpg
Sporty yet practical, the BMW X1 satisfies your sensible and emotional sides, making it a great all-around 30-mpg SUV regardless of whether you choose front- or all-wheel drive. With a 228-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four, the X1 also has plenty of power on tap to go with its solid fuel economy.
2020 Mini Countryman – up to 26/33 mpg
Quirky and filled with personality, the Mini Countryman stands out for its style and fun-to-drive character. It’s also a subcompact SUV that gets 30 mpg or higher on the highway, giving it respectable range for long drives, even in its more powerful S guise with all-wheel drive.
2020 Nissan Rogue – up to 26/33 mpg
Despite its age, the Nissan Rogue remains a popular 30-mpg SUV because of its practicality. It’s also one of only a handful to offer some form of semi-autonomous driving tech in the form of ProPilot Assist. That means the Rogue can take some of the workload off the driver by assisting you with steering, centering the vehicle, and even braking when you come up on a slow-moving vehicle.
2020 Subaru Forester – up to 26/33 mpg
Despite its evolutionary styling, the Subaru Forester has grown into one of the most well-rounded vehicles in its segment. Even with all-wheel drive standard, it’s an SUV that gets over 30 mpg that can go the distance before needing to refuel. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Forester can also go farther off-road than most compact SUVs.
2020 Ford Escape – up to 27/33 mpg
The Ford Escape is a 30-mpg SUV with a feature that makes it unique in its class: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with output that rivals larger four-cylinder competitors. Should you opt for the available 2.0-liter turbo-four with all-wheel drive, the Escape still offers over 30 mpg on the highway despite the added power.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek – up to 27/33 mpg
Think of the Subaru Crosstrek as the subcompact SUV for the modern adventurer. It can fit anywhere, it’s comfortable to drive every day, and capable enough that it can tackle more challenging trails better than many car-based SUVs with its standard all-wheel-drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Even with the six-speed manual transmission on the base model, the Crosstrek is still a 30-mpg SUV, so you don’t sacrifice range if you row your own gears.
2020 Honda HR-V – up to 28/34 mpg
When asking which compact SUVs get over 30 mpg, it should come as no surprise that two options from Honda are among the answers you get. Currently the smallest SUV in Honda’s lineup, the Fit-based HR-V excels in sensibility. With its Magic Seats, the Honda HR-V‘s interior is cavernous, making it the ultimate city-friendly hauler. To make the package even more enticing, the Honda HR-V is an SUV that gets over 30 mpg regardless of whether you opt for front- or all-wheel drive.
2020 Honda CR-V – up to 28/34 mpg
No other vehicle defines its segment better than the benchmark-setting Honda CR-V. Not only is it an SUV that gets over 30 mpg, it’s also spacious, comfortable, and it handles respectably. Thanks to its punchy yet efficient 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo-four, the Honda CR-V is one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the market.
2020 Toyota RAV4 – up to 28/35 mpg
Since moving to the TNGA-K platform and getting the 203-hp 2.5-liter I-4 paired to an eight-speed automatic, the Toyota RAV4 is now one of the most efficient entries in its segment. Even in its off-road-oriented TRD Off-Road trim, the RAV4 is one of the best compact SUVs for highway driving because it sips fuel at a miserly rate.
2020 Lexus UX 200 – up to 29/37 mpg
Currently the smallest and most attainable Lexus SUV you can get, the UX 200 is also an SUV that gets over 30 mpg thanks to its efficient powertrain. Just make sure it’s just you and one other person, though, because the rear seats are cramped and cargo space is minimal with four or five passengers