Best Used 4 cylinder SUVs

It wasn't too long ago when 4-cylinder SUVs weren't even seriously considered. A 4-cylinder engine was deemed too weak for an SUV and, of course, the gasoline wasn't that expensive. Things have changed. Gas prices keep rising, forcing us to look for more fuel-efficient cars and SUVs. Environmental concerns are pushing us towards more environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Today's 4-cylinder engines are far more fuel-efficient, powerful and durable, thanks to new technologies. A modern SUV with a 4-cylinder engine produces a lot less greenhouse gases than a V6- or V8-powered SUV. Many of the newer 4-cylinder engines now use a timing chain instead of a belt, which means they need less maintenance. A 4-cylinder engine is also easier to maintain and work on.
Here we have selected few non-hybrid 4-cylinder SUVs, that deserve top consideration if you are in the market for a used SUV with decent gas mileage.

The fuel economy ratings we used are from the Fueleconomy.gov website. The MPG numbers are the US MPG, not imperial.

• Toyota RAV4
• Honda CR-V
• Honda Element
• Subaru Forester
• Toyota Highlander
• Nissan X-TRAIL

Toyota RAV4 (4-cylinder model, 2001 and up)

The RAV4 is a small, practical car-based SUV with sleek styling. It's fun to drive and easy to maintain. Toyota RAV4 is available as a FWD or AWD, with a manual or automatic transmission.
The EPA estimates for the 2007 4-cylinder 4WD automatic model:
20/25 MPG or 11.8/9.4 liters/100 km (city/highway)

Read 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 review »
2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 review »

Honda CR-V (2002 and up)

The CR-V is a small, versatile car-based SUV available as a FWD or 4WD, with a manual or automatic transmission. Honda CR-V offers a good 4-cylinder engine and a very practical interior with many well-thought amenities, including even a foldable picnic table. The CR-V is fairly reliable and easy to maintain.
The EPA estimates for the 2007 4WD automatic model:
19/26 MPG or 12.4/9.0 liters/100 km (city/highway)

Read 2002-2006 Honda CR-V review »

Honda Element (2003 and up)

The boxy Element is based on the Honda CR-V platform. The Element is a 4-seater, available with FWD or 4WD and a manual or automatic transmission. Honda Element has a cargo-oriented interior with flip-up removable rear seats, wide-opening side doors without central pillar, and a plastic washable floor. It drives like a car, but road and drivetrain noises are pronounced.
The EPA estimates for the 2007 4WD automatic model:
19/24 MPG or 12.4/9.8 liters/100 km (city/highway)

Subaru Forester (non-turbo model, 2003 and up)

The Forester is a small car-based SUV with excellent all-weather handling, good visibility, very good crash-test scores and decent towing capacity. The Forester has a capable AWD system and comes with a manual or automatic transmission.
The EPA estimates for the 2007 4WD automatic non-turbo model:
20/25 MPG or 11.8/9.4 liters/100 km (city/highway)

Read 2003-2008 Subaru Forester review »

Toyota Highlander (4-cylinder, 2001 and up)

The Highlander is a mid-size car-based SUV, available as a FWD or AWD, with an automatic transmission only. Toyota Highlander offers smooth and soft car-like ride, comfortable interior and decent towing capacity.
The EPA estimates for the 2007 4-cylinder 4WD automatic model:
18/23 MPG or 13.1/10.2 liters/100 km (city/highway)

Read 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander review »

Nissan X-TRAIL (2005, 2006)

The X-TRAIL was not available in the US and was sold in Canada only as a 2005 and 2006 model. The X-TRAIL is a car-based SUV, available as a FWD or AWD, with a manual or automatic transmission. It has a practical, although plain plastic-looking interior with available large sunroof. In the AWD models, the rear axle can be disconnected by the switch on the dashboard.
The Canada Office of Energy Efficiency estimates for the 2006 4WD automatic model:
10.8/8.1 liters/100 km (city/highway)