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2024's Most Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs: Real-World MPG Tested

2025 Compact SUV Fuel Efficiency Face-Off: Hybrid vs Gas Models Tested | MotorVero

2025 Compact SUV Fuel Efficiency Face-Off

compact SUV MPG

Real-World MPG Results: Hybrids Dominate but Gas Models Impress

After 250 miles of Texas Hill Country testing, we reveal which compact SUVs deliver the most miles per gallon

The Competitors

We tested seven 2025 model year compact SUVs (plus one 2024) representing the most popular choices in this segment:

2017 Buick Cascada Image
2017 Buick Cascada

$18495

Gas

83815 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)

2023 Tesla Model Y Image
2023 Tesla Model Y

$37391

electric

15121 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

2024 Genesis G70 Image
2024 Genesis G70

$54454

Gas

1568 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)


2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE

37.9 MPG

Powertrain: 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid (219HP)
Rank: 1st overall

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring

36.5 MPG

Powertrain: 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid (204HP)
Rank: 2nd overall

2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited

2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited

33.6 MPG

Powertrain: 1.6L Turbo hybrid (231HP)
Rank: 3rd overall

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2025 Subaru Forester Sport

2025 Subaru Forester Sport

31.2 MPG

Powertrain: 2.5L 4-cyl (180HP)
Rank: 4th overall

2025 Nissan Rogue Platinum

2025 Nissan Rogue Platinum

30.8 MPG

Powertrain: 1.5L Turbo 3-cyl (201HP)
Rank: 5th overall

2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature

2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature

28.1 MPG

Powertrain: 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (256HP)
Rank: 6th overall

2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ

2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ

27.6 MPG

Powertrain: 1.5L Turbo 4-cyl (175HP)
Rank: 7th overall

2017 Cadillac ATS Image
2017 Cadillac ATS

$19565

Gas

26281 mi

Fair Deal   Fair

4 (5)

2023 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron Image
2023 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron

$39651

electric

14310 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro Premium Plus Image
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro Premium Plus

$20998

87523 mi mi

Fair Deal   Fair

0 (5)


Key Findings

Metric Result Implications
Hybrid Advantage 35.3 MPG average vs 29.4 MPG gas 20% better efficiency justifies $1,500-$3,000 premium
RAV4's Surprising Lead 1.4 MPG better than newer CR-V Hybrid Toyota's mature hybrid system still class benchmark
Gas Model Standout Forester beats Rogue by 0.4 MPG Subaru's AWD efficiency shines despite no hybrid option
Performance Tradeoff CX-5 Turbo sacrifices 3.1 MPG for 55HP Sporty drivers pay ~$150/year extra in fuel

Our Real-World Testing Methodology

To ensure fair, comparable results across all vehicles:

  • 250-mile route through Texas Hill Country with mixed terrain
  • 45 mph average speed (per Rogue's computer)
  • Premium fuel used in all vehicles (even if not required)
  • Climate control set to 72°F on Auto mode
  • Normal drive mode (no Eco or Sport settings)
  • Driver rotation to account for individual styles
  • Pump-calculated MPG verified at same station
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What These Numbers Mean for Buyers

For Fuel-Conscious Shoppers

Top Pick: RAV4 Hybrid
Annual Savings*: $300 vs gas average
Payback Period: 3-5 years

For Performance Buyers

Consider: CX-5 Turbo
MPG Penalty: 3.1 below segment average
Benefit: 25% more power than hybrids

For Budget-Minded Drivers

Best Value: Forester
Price Advantage: $10,400 less than Rogue
Efficiency: Best non-hybrid MPG

2024 Honda Prologue Image
2024 Honda Prologue

$40948

electric

2943 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

2011 BMW 1 Series 128i Image
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i

$6176

Gas

158183 mi

Good Deal   Good

5 (5)

Chrysler Pacifica Touring L FWD Image
Chrysler Pacifica Touring L FWD

$19375

Gas

93184 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)


*Based on 15,000 miles/year and $3.50/gallon premium fuel

The Efficiency Verdict

Our testing confirms three key truths about today's compact SUV market:

  1. Hybrids deliver tangible savings - The 6-10 MPG advantage over gas models translates to $300-$500 annual fuel cost reductions
  2. Gas engines have caught up - Five of seven tested SUVs broke 30 MPG, making even "less efficient" options respectable
  3. There's an SUV for every priority - Whether you value maximum MPG (RAV4), balanced performance (CR-V), or affordable efficiency (Forester), the segment delivers

While the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid remains the undisputed fuel economy champion, the narrow gaps between competitors prove that buyers no longer need to sacrifice capability or driving enjoyment for efficiency. With most models now delivering 30+ MPG in real-world conditions, the compact SUV segment offers something for every type of driver.

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Motorveroben

Last Updated On May, 29-2025

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