Running an off-roader or SUV was once an expensive affair, but an increase in cost-conscious buyers together with legislation has seen the development of considerably more economical options. As this top 10 demonstrates, the most frugal SUVs available return at least 60mpg today – even in some all-wheel drive models.
1. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV
The spacious mid-sized Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV offers a truly impressive 148mpg, coupled with very green CO2 emissions of 44g/km. These numbers mean you'll be exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge – and you'll even get a £5,000 grant to put towards the asking price. The car's battery can power the vehicle’s electric motors for up to 32 miles – one of the key reasons the Outlander offers such great fuel economy. After the 32 miles has been covered the petrol unit kicks in, delivering around 50mpg in its own right. For those who drive only short distances, you may never have to use a drop of petrol again!
Price: £33,304 - £45,054+
2. Nissan Qashqai
The UK-designed and built Qashqai comes with a 1.5-litre diesel engine that delivers an astonishing fuel economy figure of 74.3mpg – a figure so low it bags you free road tax. The most recent edition boasts snazzier looks than the outgoing model and offers even more space. Numerous storage cubby holes and spaces make this a great vehicle for families.
Price: £18,265 - £28,500
3. Fiat Panda 4x4 Hatchback
Despite boasting four-wheel drive – normally a petrol-thirsty feature – the Fiat Panda 4x4 hatchback still boasts a purse-pleasing 67.5mpg and emissions of just 125g/km. The off-road capability means the Panda is good both on and off the road. There isn't a great deal of space, but you can still squeeze four grown-ups inside – if they're good friends.
Price: £10,575 - £17,225
4. Suzuki SX4 S-Cross SUV
While this car's exterior is unlikely to get your heart-racing, its fuel economy figures just might. With 67.2mpg and emissions of only 110g/km, the diesel model is a great option for the cost- and environmentally-aware. While low speed journeys can be a little rough, motorway trips are smooth. A little cramped in the back.
Price: £13,999 - £23,549
5. MINI Countryman hatchback
The MINI Countryman hatchback retains much of what makes a standard MINI so much fun to drive, while providing a higher driving position and a lot more space. Boasting 64mpg, it's clear that the car's SUV-like nature hasn't detracted from its green credentials. And with 350-litres of boot space, it's a family-friendly option, too.
Price: £17,105 - £30,240
6. Volvo XC60 SUV
A car with a fuel economy figure of 62.8mpg is impressive enough today, but the fact the XC60 SUV attained this figure before many other SUV manufacturers, makes it all the more impressive. Emissions are correspondingly low, at 117g/km. But the real attraction of this Swedish wonder is the spacious interior, excellent ride comfort, and of course, Volvo's benchmark-setting safety features.
Price: £31,660 - £39,890
7. BMW X1 SUV
The two-wheel-drive EfficientDynamics version of the X1 may not be as much fun to drive as the petrol model due to heavy steering in urban settings, but it does deliver 62.8mpg and emit an impressive 119g/km of carbon dioxide. A number of rivals outclass the X1 in terms of price and cabin space.
Price: £24,230 - £33,540
8. Mazda CX-5 SUV
Thanks to its fast, fun nature, the CX-5 has had praise heaped upon it by many in the UK's motoring press. But its credentials in the realm of fuel economy are also impressive, returning 61.4mpg and emissions of just 119g/km in its most economical form. Mazda's SkyActiv technology has balanced fuel economy with driving pleasure exceedingly well; even the most frugal version can hit 60mph in under 10 seconds.
Price: £22,295 - £30,595
9. Skoda Yeti SUV
The Yeti has received a number of accolades, not least of which are those from high profile driver satisfaction surveys. Like the wares of its parent company Volkswagen, the Yeti offers high build-quality and plenty of storage. Thanks to a great VW engine, the 4x4 Outdoor model returns a fuel economy figure of 61.4mpg and emissions of just 119g/km.
Price: £17,000 - £27,290
10. Toyota RAV4 SUV
The original RAV4 offered more in the way of handling than later incarnations, but what buyers get now is a safer, more pragmatic and more economical car. In its most frugal 2.0-litre diesel version, the RAV4 delivers an impressive 57.6mpg and emits 127g/km of CO2. Fellow Japanese offerings such as the Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan Qashqai are arguably more prudent choices, although the RAV4 does come with some great as-standard equipment.
Price: £22,795 - £30,155
Breakdown Cover from 
