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10 Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs - Subaru Crosstrek, Forester Are Still Among The Best

Check out the ten most fuel-efficient non-hybrid small SUVs for 2022. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester score number one and three best.

Maybe you aren't ready to pull the trigger and buy a new all-electric vehicle or even a hybrid model yet. It's still an excellent time to buy a gas-powered model because fuel efficiency is improved on small SUVs. If having an all-wheel-drive vehicle is important to you, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and 2022 Forester are the number one and three most fuel-stingy small SUVs according to Consumer Reports' latest extensive fuel-economy tests.

Having an SUV with all-wheel-drive usually means you have to sacrifice fuel economy, but it's not valid with the Crosstrek and Forester. Subaru uses direct injection on its four-cylinder Boxer engines for efficiency, and the automaker also uses the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic, which also contributes to getting better mileage.

2022 Subaru Forester, 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
photo credit: 2022 Forester - Boise Subaru

Consumer Reports recently ranked all small SUVs and found the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V LX tie for number one among non-hybrid models.

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V LX get 29 combined mpg and 20/39 city/highway mpg in CR's testing. But the HR-V LX tested is front-wheel-drive, not all-wheel-drive. Consumer Reports tested the Subaru Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter engine, which comes standard with all-wheel-drive.

2022 Subaru Forester, 2022 Subaru Crosstrek

What is the 2022 Crosstrek 2.5-liter engine fuel mileage?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with the new 2.5-liter Boxer engine comes with 30 more horsepower and gets an EPA estimated fuel mileage of 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2022 Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine gets an EPA estimated 28/33 mpg and 30 combined mpg.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek comes in five trim levels for U.S. customers. The base trim is priced from $23,570, Premium ($24,720), Sport ($27,920), Limited ($29,420) and Crosstrek Hybrid ($37,895). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

After the Crosstrek, the Toyota Corolla Cross ranks second with 28/21/35 mpg. The 2021 Subaru Forester, also with standard all-wheel-drive, is the number three small SUV in fuel mileage with 28 combined mpg and 20/38 city/highway mpg. Honda CR-V EX is number four with 28/20/37.

They are followed by the Kia Seltos S (28/20/35), Toyota RAV4 XLE (27/19/38), Mazda CX-30 Preferred (27/18/37), Mercedes-Benz GLA (27/17/40), Nissan Rogue Sport SV (26/19/34), and Hyundai Tucson SEL (26/18/35).

What is the 2022 Forester fuel mileage?

The refreshed 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV comes with standard all-wheel drive and gets an EPA estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine powers the Forester.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Forester?

The 2022 Subaru Forester gets a modest price increase and comes in six trim levels; The base Forester starts at $26,320, Premium ($29,320), Sport ($30,890), Limited ($33,000), new Wilderness ($33,945), and Touring ($36,420). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

What sets the 2022 Crosstrek and Forester apart?

Crosstrek and Forester offer excellent fuel economy, cargo space, top safety scores, all-weather capability, and affordability. Both come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

The Base and Premium Crosstrek subcompact SUV trims come with X-Mode for all-weather and off-pavement capability. The Sport and Limited trims feature a dual-function X-Mode for severe weather and all-terrain ability.

The 2022 Forester Base and Premium trim also come with X-Mode, and the Sport and Wilderness trim levels feature the dual-function X-Mode.

The most fuel-efficient non-hybrid small SUVs for 2022 include the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and 2022 Subaru Forester. They are the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid small SUVs with all-wheel-drive.

You Might Also Like: New 2022 Subaru Crosstrek 2.5L Vs. 2.0L - The Best Pick Is Not Always More Power

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru