The lesser of two evils: Fuel-saving (gasp) SUVs

It's hard to argue that SUVs can be environmentally friendly. However, there are SUVs and then there are SUVs... There are the big, bulky behemoths that usually have lousy mpg ratings, but then we have newer offerings and crossovers that are finally scoring some improvements in their behavior which, in this case, refers to mileage. In part, these mprovements have arrived because of the switch to unibody construction instead of the traditional body-on-frame.

So here's a list (from our friends at Auto-News) that shows the best fuel- (and money-) saving SUVs (well, mostly CUVs) that you can buy in Europe. Most of the models are also available in the United States, albeit without diesel options. Most of the models have Diesel Particulate Filters (RPF) as standard, although the source doesn't publish CO₂ emission figures.

Continue reading for the list

	l/100 km	MPG	Engine size	HP	0 to 60 mph (s)	Price (EUR)
Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 D LS 4WD 5-Seats RPF	7.4	31.98	2.0 l	150	10.6	29,300
Land Rover Freelander Td4 E RPF	7.3	32.42	2.2 l	151	11.7	30,900
Peugeot 4007 HDi FAP 155 Tendance	7.2	32.87	2.2 l	156	9.9	31,900
Citroen C-Crosser 2.2 HDi FAP Tendance	7.2	32.87	2.2 l	156	9.9	33,590
KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDi LX 4WD RPF	7.1	33.33	2.0 l	140	12	27,150
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi GLS 2WD RPF	7.0	33.81	2.2 l	155	11.3	31,790
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi VGT GLS 2WD RPF	7.0	33.81	2.0 l	140	11.1	25,290
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 DI-D Inform RPF	6.9	34.3	2.0 l	140	10.8	28,990
Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D 4x4 RPF	6.6	35.86	2.2 l	136	10.5	28,520
Jeep Compass 2.0 CRD Sport	6.5	36.41	2.0 l	140	11	26,390
Honda CR-V 2.2i-CTDi Comfort RPF	6.5	36.41	2.2 l	140	10.3	29,400
BMW X3 2.0d RPF	6.5	36.41	2.0 l	177	8.9	37,900
Suzuki Jimny 1.5 DDiS Club	6.1	38.79	1.5 l	86	17	16,500
Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi visia 4x2	5.4	43.82	1.5 l	106	12.2	21,140