Which 2016 Subcompact SUVs Have the Highest MPG Ratings?

By Brian Wong

July 6, 2016

CARS.COM — Subcompact SUVs are the smallest of the bunch and they’re highly desired by car shoppers for several reasons: They’re city friendly like a subcompact car, but they offer more cargo room and an elevated ride height that many drivers enjoy. Though they be but little, they are practical, as Shakespeare might say.

Related: Eight Guilt-Free SUVs

Subcompact SUVs also have the best overall fuel economy of the segment. For 2016, the average EPA combined rating for subcompact SUVs is 28.2 mpg, which beats the 25.4 combined mpg average for compact SUVs by nearly 3 mpg. That subcompact average should increase for the 2017 model year with the introduction of the Kia Niro hybrid, which is targeting a 50 mpg EPA combined rating.

The top five subcompact SUVs with the best EPA combined ratings are (ratings shown are city/highway/combined mpg):

1. Honda HR-V: 28/35/31

2. Mazda CX-3: 29/35/31

3. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: 30/34/31

4. Buick Encore: 28/34/30

5. Nissan Juke: 28/34/30

Check out the list below (sorted alphabetically) to see all the 2016 subcompact SUVs and their EPA-estimated mpg ratings (and fuel types). The figure listed below are the highest-rated mpg configuration for that model. Fuel-economy ratings can vary by trim and powertrain choice.