Top 10 Fuel Efficient Large 4x4s | Top 10 - Car News Jun 2013

16:50 Friday 08 May 2015

Large 4x4s are generally some of the most comfortable vehicles that you can drive; they soak up road imperfections as if they weren’t there, offer a high driving position, plenty of room inside and most come well-equipped.

There’s nothing like owning the road, but powering such great beasts around can often take its toll on your wallet in terms of fuel costs. However, contrary to popular belief, not every model requires such regular refilling – here are the 10 most fuel efficient large 4x4s on the market.

10. BMW X5 – 38.2 Combined MPG

With sharp handling and impressive acceleration, the BMW X5 is a lot of fun to drive and delivers performance to rival that of any 4x4 on the market. It takes just 7.6 seconds to accelerate to 62mph from a standstill. The XDrive 30d achieves a combined MPG of 38.2 and is £45,560 to buy new. It’s worth noting that the BMW X6 is just as efficient with the same engine.

9. Porsche Cayenne – 39.2 Combined MPG

The Porsche Cayenne is undoubtedly at the premium end of the scale when it comes to large 4x4s, and a brand new one can cost in excess of £100,000. It’s got bags of style, plenty of character and it performs superbly well on the road. Acceleration from 0 – 62mph is impressive too, taking 7.6 seconds. Fortunately, the most efficient variant – the diesel 5dr – is actually the cheapest at £47,390 and delivers 39.2mpg.

8. Audi Q7 – 39.2 Combined MPG

The Q7 is Audi’s first foray into the large 4x4 market and can seat up to seven passengers. It offers acres of space inside and a roomy boot too, while the interior has a typically German classy feel to it. Three versions of the model deliver a combined MPG of 39.2, with the 3.0 TDI quattro (204ps) SE 5dr coming in cheapest at £43,660. The Cayenne is just as efficient, but nearly £4,000 more expensive.

7. Volkswagen Touareg – 40.4 Combined MPG

Bold styling, reliability and sound performance characterise the Volkswagen Touareg, while it also comes with an excellent range of standard equipment. Its cabin is spacious, although the passenger sitting in the middle rear seat has restricted legroom due to the large transmission tunnel. Of the three variants delivering a combined MPG of 40.4, the SE 3.0 V6 TDI (204ps) 5dr is least costly at £41,535.

6. Nissan X-TRAIL – 44.1 Combined MPG

From looking at the Nissan X-TRAIL you wouldn’t believe that it could be fuel efficient in the slightest – it’s nothing short of enormous – but delivering 44.1mpg the 2.0 dCi 173 5dr actually performs very respectably. The interior quality is impressive and provides a fair amount of passenger space, while all models are well-equipped. It is cheapest with the Acenta trim at £26,215.

5. Lexus RX – 44.8 Combined MPG

Currently in its third generation, the Lexus RX is a decent all-rounder which provides a fair amount of space for passengers. The 450h delivers a very respectable combined MPG of 44.8 and is no slouch either, accelerating from 0 – 62mph in 7.8 seconds. The cheapest SE trim model will set you back £44,495 brand new.

4. Mercedes M-Class – 44.8 Combined MPG

On a par with the Lexus RX, the Mercedes M-Class ML 250 also achieves a combined MPG of 44.8. It boasts an interior of the highest quality which comes with a decent level of standard kit. There’s more space in both the cabin and the boot than some of the vehicle’s main rivals, and the M-Class certainly doesn’t lack style. The BlueTEC SE 5dr costs £43,870.

3. Vauxhall Antara – 46.3 Combined MPG

The Vauxhall Antara is one of the cheapest large 4x4s on the market; both the Diamond 2.2 CDTi Start/Stop 5dr and the Exclusiv 2.2 CDTi 5dr deliver 46.3mpg, representing excellent value for money. The latter is slightly cheaper at £20,915. It impresses in all areas and feels more expensive than it looks as you venture inside the cabin.

2. Kia Sorento – 47.9 Combined MPG

Another model priced very competetively, both the Kia Sorento KX-1 2.2 CRDi 5dr and the KX-2 2.2 CRDi 5dr achieve a combined MPG of 47.9. The former costs £26,500. One of the most impressive aspects of the Sorento’s performance is that it delivers an accomplished drive when taken off-road, unlike several rivals. No large 4x4 on the market is more efficient.

1. Hyundai Santa Fe – 47.9 Combined MPG

The Hyundai Santa Fe is offered as either a 5-seater or a 7-seater. Its versatility is complemented with sound performance and the driving experience on offer is an enjoyable one. The 2.2 CRDi Style SWD delivers 47.9mpg, the same as its compatriot the Kia Sorento, and costs £25,850. The 7-seat model is £1,200 more but is just as efficient.

To minimise the number of trips you make to the petrol station, opt for a Santa Fe or a Sorento.

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