As fuel prices fluctuate and environmental consciousness grows, many Ontario drivers seek vehicles that balance practicality with efficiency. SUVs remain the most popular vehicle segment, offering versatility for diverse Canadian conditions while manufacturers continue to innovate with increasingly efficient powertrains. For those not ready to make the full transition to electric vehicles, hybrid and advanced gasoline options provide substantial fuel savings without range anxiety.
The 2025 model year brings significant advancements in conventional and hybrid powertrain technology, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in terms of fuel economy. These improvements come through various engineering innovations: downsized turbocharged engines, sophisticated hybrid systems, advanced transmission technologies, and aerodynamic enhancements. The following ten SUVs represent some of the most fuel-efficient non-electric options available to Ontario buyers in 2025, ranked by their combined fuel consumption ratings.
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The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD demonstrates remarkable fuel efficiency thanks to Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid powertrain. This system pairs a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with motor-generators and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, delivering 196 net system horsepower while achieving an impressive 5.6L/100km combined rating.
For 2025, the Corolla Cross Hybrid models highlight their electrified powertrains with the addition of Toyota's Beyond Zero badge on the trunk. The all-wheel-drive capability provides confidence in various driving conditions without compromising fuel economy, making it a practical choice for Ontario drivers facing diverse weather conditions throughout the year.
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD achieves excellent fuel efficiency with its sophisticated two-motor hybrid system. Paired with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and lithium-ion battery, this powertrain generates a total system output of 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque while maintaining a fuel economy rating of 6.4L/100km combined.
Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System ensures optimal traction in various driving conditions, particularly valuable during Ontario winters. The CR-V Hybrid utilizes an Electro-Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) with regenerative braking capabilities, allowing drivers to select different drive modes including ECON, Normal, Sport, and Snow to tailor performance and efficiency to specific driving situations.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid employs a Smartstream 1.6L Turbo GDI Hybrid engine that efficiently balances performance and fuel economy. With HTRAC All-Wheel Drive standard on all hybrid models, the Tucson offers confidence-inspiring traction while maintaining an impressive fuel economy rating of approximately 6.9L/100km combined.
The powertrain utilizes a 6-speed hybrid automatic transmission paired with smart regenerative braking systems to maximize energy recovery. The Tucson Hybrid includes multiple drive modes with terrain settings, allowing drivers to optimize performance based on road conditions—a particularly useful feature for navigating Ontario's diverse landscapes and seasonal changes.
The 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid houses a 2.5L I-4 hybrid engine that produces 192 total system horsepower. This powertrain employs regenerative braking technology that captures energy normally lost during deceleration to recharge the battery, contributing to its excellent fuel economy rating of approximately 7.1L/100km combined.
The Escape Hybrid's efficiency stems from its sophisticated powertrain management system that seamlessly transitions between electric and gasoline power sources. This intelligent power distribution allows the vehicle to optimize fuel use across various driving conditions, making it particularly suited for both urban commuting and highway driving throughout Ontario.
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid AWD features a 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid engine that achieves a total system output of 310 horsepower while maintaining a respectable fuel economy of approximately 7.4L/100km combined. The powertrain pairs a 100kW electric motor with the turbocharged engine to deliver responsive performance without sacrificing efficiency.
The Nautilus Hybrid employs a continuously variable automatic transmission that optimizes the power delivery from both the gasoline engine and electric motor. This sophisticated powertrain management system ensures smooth operation while maximizing fuel economy, providing Ontario drivers with a luxury SUV option that doesn't demand excessive fuel consumption.
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos features an updated version of the efficient 1.5-litre EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine. Hardware improvements include revised piston rings and fuel injectors, a modified turbo housing, a larger intercooler, and a new gasoline particulate filter, which collectively increase output from 158 hp to 174 hp while maintaining strong fuel economy.
For 2025, VW has enhanced drivability by replacing the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic with an eight-speed automatic transmission on 4MOTION AWD models. This powertrain configuration, combined with advanced fuel management technology, enables the Taos to achieve approximately 7.8L/100km combined, making it a competitive option for fuel-conscious Ontario SUV buyers.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC integrates a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that can add 13 additional horsepower when needed. This advanced powertrain achieves approximately 8.1L/100km combined while delivering responsive performance across a wide RPM range.
The GLA utilizes a sophisticated dual-clutch 8-speed transmission that provides quick, smooth gear changes whether in automatic mode or when manually shifted using paddle shifters. The DYNAMIC SELECT system allows drivers to customize performance profiles, optimizing the balance between efficiency and responsiveness according to driving conditions and personal preferences.
The 2025 GMC Terrain comes equipped with a 1.5L Turbocharged engine generating 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain achieves approximately 8.4L/100km combined fuel economy while still offering up to 1,500 pounds of maximum trailering capacity, providing practical versatility for Ontario drivers.
The Terrain utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission that optimizes gear selection for both efficiency and performance. Standard all-wheel-drive on Elevation models provides enhanced traction on variable road surfaces, a particularly valuable feature for navigating through Ontario's seasonal weather conditions without significantly compromising fuel economy.
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV and RS models feature an ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo three-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque at a low 1600 rpm. This compact but powerful engine contributes to the vehicle's fuel efficiency rating of approximately 8.6L/100km combined while providing responsive acceleration.
The Trailblazer AWD models pair this turbocharged engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission that further enhances efficiency by maintaining optimal engine speeds. The vehicle offers three selectable drive modes that allow drivers to customize performance characteristics based on driving conditions, providing a balance of efficiency and capability suited to Ontario's diverse driving environments.
The 2025 Buick Encore GX employs a 1.3L turbo three-cylinder engine that generates 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The engine's turbocharger design allows it to reach peak torque quickly and sustain it across a broader RPM range than naturally-aspirated alternatives, contributing to its approximately 8.7L/100km combined fuel economy rating.
AWD models come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission that optimizes power delivery for both efficiency and performance. The powertrain is engineered to provide responsive acceleration while maintaining competitive fuel economy, offering Ontario drivers a balance of driving engagement and reasonable operating costs in a compact SUV package.
The 2025 SUV market offers Ontario drivers numerous fuel-efficient options that don't require a full commitment to electrification. Hybrid powertrains dominate the top positions, with Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai leading the way with consumption figures that rival many smaller sedans. Advanced turbocharged engines and transmission technologies enable even conventional gasoline models to achieve impressive efficiency numbers while maintaining the versatility and capability expected from the SUV segment.
When selecting a fuel-efficient SUV, Ontario drivers should consider factors beyond just the combined consumption rating, including real-world performance in local conditions, maintenance requirements, and overall ownership costs. Many of these vehicles offer additional benefits such as reduced emissions, lower long-term operating expenses, and potentially higher resale values—making them smart choices for both environmental and financial considerations.
Looking for an SUV that takes you further for less? Explore our wide selection of SUVs, available now across The Humberview Group dealerships in Ontario
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