The best new 4 cylinder SUVs for sale

4 Cylinder SUVs

Harry Lloyd

Cheap and efficient SUVs

It was once almost a joke to put a 4-cyl engine into an SUV. Well times have definitely changed, because now the 4 cylinder SUVs outsell their v6 brethren quite handily.

Recent advances in technology has allowed car manufacturers to make 4-cyl engines more powerful and capable than ever, so in most situations you won't even notice the difference.

Growing concerns over gas mileage have pushed development of smaller more efficient engines, and now these vehicles are the most popular choices in the crossover SUV market. Not only do they get great fuel economy, they are also at the minimum 5 or 6 passenger cars.

Although you lose out on speed, towing power and capability when you choose these vehicles, they also have much lower starting prices and more fuel economy to make up for it. Because of their lower MSRP, they are also much easier to get affordable auto financing on them.

Here are the top recommended SUVs with 4-cyl engines:

	Model Name	Starting MSRP	Max City / Hwy MPG
	Kia Sportage	$18,500	22 / 32
	Dodge Journey	$18,995	19 / 26
	Hyundai Tucson	$19,145	23 / 31
	Jeep Compass	$19,295	23 / 29
	Subaru Forester	$20,595	21 / 27
	Ford Escape	$21,440	34 / 31
	Nissan Rogue	$22,070	23 / 28
	Honda CR-V	$22,495	23 / 31
	Toyota RAV4	$22,650	22 / 28
	Chevy Equinox	$23,530	22 / 32

The standouts

All these vehicles compete in the same compact crossover class, and some of the most important selling points to drivers on car deals in this segment are starting price, gas mileage, and interior passenger space.

If you want the cheapest of these vehicles, you'd have to go with the 2012 Kia Sportage and its 2.4L 4-cyl engine, but it's a pretty close call between several of these cars. The base engine for the Tucson performs well enough, but to really get the most of the Sportage you will want to move up to the SX trim and get its turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl engine for a real thrill ride.

It's hard to go wrong when trying to select the best gas mileage cars in this compact SUV class; several of these vehicles come in with very close fuel economy numbers.

The 2012 Hyundai Tucson and the 2012 Honda CR-V both get 23 city / 31 hwy mpg, and the 2012 Chevy Equinox and the Sportage get 22 city / 32 hwy mpg. To get the most fuel economy in this class, you will have to pay more for the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid. It gets a class leading 34 city / 31 hwy mpg.

These crossovers are the smallest SUVs on the market, and to get SUVs with third row seating, you will have to shop higher price ranges. Several of these vehicles offer ample passenger room for moderately sized families, however.

It's hard to go wrong with any of these vehicles, it's just some do certain things a little better than others. It is also a good idea to consider why buying a used SUV is a good idea. Review and compare all your options with us before you go to the dealership to make sure you get the perfect vehicle at the right price.

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