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The Kia Telluride has been booming in popularity since it debuted in 2019, but if it’s fuel economy you’re after, these SUVs are much wiser options.
SUVs are fast becoming the go-to option for single-car families in the United States and across the world, so automakers are working round the clock to ensure they are as fuel-efficient as possible. Also, gas prices are hitting all-time highs, so customers are interested in economical vehicles now more than ever.
For the 2022 Telluride, Kia sacrifices fuel efficiency for style, comfort, and practicality. The EPA-estimated gas mileage of the 2022 Kia Telluride is 21 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway). These fuel economy estimates are nowhere near the best out there, so you don't have to settle for the Kia Telluride if low gas mileage is a deal-breaker for you. Excluding hybrids and all-electric models, here are 10 SUVs that consume less gas than the Kia Telluride.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is taller than a typical compact hatchback, and it's available in three trim levels—L, LE, and XLE. All 2022 Corolla Cross models are fitted with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. They also share a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The EPA estimate of the 2022 Corolla Cross is pretty decent, and it beats the Kia Telluride, which costs more. The 2022 Corolla Cross takes you up to 31 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
The handsomely styled Nissan Rogue is not the most athletic compact crossover, but it's very practical, with a spacious cabin and cargo area. The 2022 Rogue S has a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine that dishes out 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.
The 2022 Nissan Rogue is a very fuel-efficient SUV. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy around the city is 30 MPG and 37 MPG on the highway. Nissan actually revised the Rogue's CVT transmission to boost fuel efficiency and acceleration.
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a sleek, strong, and smart SUV that can accommodate a family of five, with an optional third row. The Tiguan offers sportier handling than many of its competitors, and all trim levels, with the exception the of the base S, are equipped with new safety amenities like a touch-sensitive climate control panel, and Travel Assist—a semi-autonomous driving mode.
All 2022 Tiguan models come with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that spits out 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The base S, SE, and SE R-Line Black trims have a front-wheel-drive with a gas mileage of 23/30 in the city/highway. The SEL R-Line with an all-wheel-drive takes an additional MPG on the highway and around the city.
The Kia Sportage still possesses that satisfying driving dynamics that many have come to know it by. Since its corporate cousin—the 2022 Hyundai Tucson—enjoyed a fresh makeover not too long ago, the Sportage will most likely experience similar treatment soon.
But for now, buyers can make do with its best-in-class cargo space, upscale appearance, and decent gas mileage. The 2022 Sportage LX runs on a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with an output of 181 horsepower and has a combined EPA rating of 26 MPG.
If you want a new SUV with a cheerful demeanor, cheerful demeanor, and good gas mileage, the 2022 Nissan Kicks is one of your best bets. But then, all three trim levels only come with front-wheel drive, so you may want to look somewhere else if you are keen on off-road adventures.
Although the 122-hp four-cylinder engine lacks the refinement of more expensive rivals like the Mazda CX-30, it's more fuel-efficient than the Telluride, with gas mileage of 31 MPG city and 36 MPG highway.
With the quick acceleration, frugal fuel consumption, athletic handling, and plenty of thoughtful storage areas in the Honda CR-V, it's not surprising that it's one of the best-selling crossovers of the decade. Honda planted a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 190 hp and 179 lb-ft in the 2022 CR-V base LX.
The CR-V LX doesn't gulp gas like many other SUVs, so it will require fewer fill-ups on your road trips. The combined fuel economy is pegged at 30 MPG and on the highway, it takes you up to 34 MPG.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is an affordable compact SUV that’s smaller than the Tiguan, but surprisingly roomy. While the Taos is not as stylish as the Chevy Trailblazer or the Mazda CX-30, it’s still handsome and also moves very fast, thanks to the Launch Control feature, which is typically found in sports cars.
The all-new Taos is available in three trim levels this year — S, SE, and SEL — with the mid-level SE model offering the best value. You will find a 158-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood of the Taos. The combined fuel economy of the 2022 Taos is 31 MPG, but in the city, it is rated 28 MPG and 36 MPG on the highway.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that comes with bold styling, car-like on-road behavior, and a healthy dose of practicality. This small SUV handles well and makes cornering more fun. The Kona Limited is the top-of-the-range model with a 195-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 2022 Kona is agile and offers a smooth ride over choppy roads. In fact, the cabin isolates passengers from pavement imperfections. While the combined EPA rating is 32 MPG, the Kona Limited is 35 MPG on the freeway and 29 MPG in the city.
The beautifully sculpted Mazda CX-5 offers an athletic feel and dynamic driving personality that will impress you. For a refined performance, all 2022 CX-5 models come with Mazda's i-Activ AWD. You don't need to drive hard to appreciate the ride quality of the CX-5.
The precise steering and composed cornering characteristics make the CX-5 come alive on curvy roads. It also soaks up road noise and pavement imperfections. The base CX-5 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with EPA estimates of 24/30 MPG in the city/highway.
With Subaru's outdoorsy reputation and the practicality a compact crossover can offer, the 2022 Forester will not disappoint customers big on comfort and adventure. Subaru gives the Forester a more truck-like appearance and an all-wheel-drive.
All six Forester models get their power from a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder that churns out 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Forester is not a gas guzzler given its EPA fuel-economy ratings of 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway.
Peter Akpejeluh is a content writer with years of experience in the automotive industry. His love for cars makes crafting colorful stories around them quite effortless. When Peter is not developing automotive content, you can find him taking one of his favorite cars for a spin.
