Today buyers are still seeking out the utility and function, but also are concerned about fuel economy. To satisfy these needs, manufacturers offer a great selection of sporty 4 cylinder SUVs. The following are some of the best 4 cylinder SUVs available.

Honda is known for its reliability and innovative products. Two 4 cylinder SUVs are available in the Honda line. Both are small and functional. The CR-V offers multiple trim levels and has quick handling matched with a smooth ride quality. The CR-V has been awarded accolades for its crash worthiness.

Honda Element

Another 4 cylinder engine SUV from Honda is the Element. Once considered a bit quirky in its styling, the Element has been accepted as a solid choice in form and function. It appeals to the buyer with its stand out boxy look and large cargo space and it is powered by a 166-hp, 2.4-Liter, 16-Valve DOHC 4-Cylinder Engine.

Nissan Rogue

Nissan has been a contender in the SUV marketplace for some time and its latest offerings include the Nissan Rogue. The Rogue is in the fourth year of production, and is a smaller brother to the slick Nissan Murano. All Rogue models have a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine pumping out 170hp. The Rogue is known for style and features like traction control, side curtain air-bags, and anti-lock brakes with a panic assist feature to keep the Rogue stable in an emergency.

The Hyundai Tucson is a great value in the 4 cylinder SUV class at an MSRP of just over $18,000. The superior handling and great looking interior are two more reasons that this model is a great choice. The Tucson features sport tuned suspension, with assisted power steering that gives it an overall sports coupe like feel. This SUV does need more room to be rated higher, but if price is a major consideration it is well worth a test drive.

Kia Sportage

Next up is the 4 cylinder Kia Sportage. Priced much like its main competitor the Hyundai Tucson, it is recently redesigned and not only looks better, it drives better. This SUV offers a base 2.4 4 cylinder engine, but it is available with a 2.0 turbo 4.The turbo bumps the horsepower of the Sportage from 176 to 256, a major boost. Like the Hyundai though this suffers from smaller storage space, making it a bit less efficient as a carry all.

The Jeep line offers two 4 cylinder SUVs; the Patriot and Compass. The Compass is at the lowest end of the price range for Jeep. Both the Patriot and Compass are built on the same chassis, and start off with power from a 2.4ltr 4 cylinder engine. The Jeep name has always been associated with rugged durable vehicles, and the expectations for these two are high. Entry level Compass is priced very much like the Hyundai Tuscon and Kia Sportage so the competition should prove to be strong.

There are some great choices among the 4 cylinder SUV line, offering both economical and functional fun.

Although many small SUVs come in close to qualifying for this title, experts and drivers alike seem to agree that the Honda CR-V is the best small SUV. With a MSRP of $21,545 to $27,740, it’s a smaller SUV that is not only affordable for it’s initial purchase, but it’s maintenance, fuel costs, and durability make it a vehicle that proves to be super affordable in the long run.

At Motor Trend, this small SUV won a four SUV shootout and also received an award for “Most Reliable” from J.D. Power and Associates. This SUV is also recommended by more industry experts over any other comparable SUVs of it’s size and class.

Although the Honda CR-V looks similar to it’s rivals, the Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4, it actually has several characteristics that easily set it apart. It offers large cargo areas, comfortable and roomy backseats, and also has fuel economy that rivals most vehicles on the road.

Some drivers have even found the CR-V offers better mileage than some of Honda’s other standard vehicles, such as the Accord and Civic. Drivers are also raving about the great function the CR-V offers, such as being able to easily fit baby seats in the back seat and using the cargo space to easily hold items like strollers and on the go bags and luggage.

Experts state that this SUV absolutely beats out its rivals, offering excellent handling capability, a fantastic passenger cabin, and incredible reliability that hasn’t yet been surpassed. One of the best features of it, in addition to its price, is that it maintains the highest resale value in its class.

Motor Trend representatives have stated that the CR-V is in a class all of its own, offering a feeling of extreme quality, superb interior materials, and well done details, making it seem like a premium vehicle both
aesthetically and mechanically. The driver’s seat, for example, is supposed to be one of the most comfortable, as though it’s giving the driver’s body a hug.

It’s four cylinder engine has received a horsepower boost as of 2010, and although it held back on hills in the Car and Driver’s Test, it still managed to keep up, most likely due to it’s taut chassis and easy steering. Results from its crash test has yet to be surpassed. Additionally, it receives 24 mpg in combined city and highway driving, making it easily qualify for best small SUV just on that.

1. 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid

Considered to be the leader in SUV fuel efficiency and hybrid technology, the Ford Escape Hybrid version offers all the amenities and utility of a traditional SUV while getting 34 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31mpg on the highway. Capable of running on electrical power all the way up to 44 miles per hour (mph), what this vehicle saves in gas it makes up for in power since it can go from 0-60mph in less than 10 seconds.

2. 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid

Fast on the Ford Escape Hybrid’s heels, Mazda has mastered the fuel efficiency of a hybrid by offering this fuel efficient SUV in both the Touring and Grand Touring models. Capable of carrying over 1,000 lbs. it is spacious and strong while only getting 34mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway. It is capable of running solely on electrical power up to 25mph.

3. 2011 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai’s Tucson is the best fuel efficient SUV not being made with hybrid technology. Newly redesigned in 2010, the Tucson is surprisingly beautiful and elegant for its price tag. Not nearly as refined as some higher-end models but with a wide array of standard features and an amazing warranty it is a reliable and economical purchase.

4. 2011 Lexus RX 450h

With an MSRP of $42,685-45,525, the RX 450h is the most fuel efficient of any luxury SUV on the market. As a hybrid it emits only 6.1-6.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is less than most sedans. Rich with amenities and dozens of upgrades and features, it is all encompassing and is easily customizable for the most refined tastes.

5. 2011 Nissan Juke

Capable of getting 27mpg in the city and 32mpg on the Hwy, Nissan’s new crossover vehicle is an ideal sporty fuel efficient car. Unlike anything ever made before it offers several creative design features making it one of the most distinct cars on the market today. Keeping with the sportiness of the car, Nissan has given it a turbocharged four-cylinder engine which provides a lot of fun behind the wheel.