When we’re talking about fuel efficiency, we can’t expect much from an SUV as this type of vehicle comes with large interior space and engine displacement which add weight. And as we all know, the heavier the load, the harder the engine has to work to keep the vehicle moving forward, resulting in consuming more fuel. So many might think that finding the best SUV Philippines that is fuel-efficientis a difficult task.
But thanks to advancements in engine technologies, some SUVs can now be fuel efficient even when compared to an economy car. Moreover, most fuel-efficient SUVs in the Philippines are powered by a diesel powertrain which is generally considered more fuel-efficient than a gasoline engine.
To help you gather the options you need in looking for an efficient SUV, we have listed down five of them below. Take note that the fuel efficiency of a vehicle can still depend on various factors such as your driving style, the road condition, and the number of passengers you normally tag along with you.
1. Toyota Fortuner – 15.5 km/l (combined)
There are good reasons why the Toyota Fortuner is the best diesel SUV Philippines for quite some time now. One of which is its performance capabilities that involve power and fuel efficiency in comparison to its rivals in the local 7-seater midsize SUV segment.
The new Toyota Fortuner LTD flagship variant
According to Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the official business unit of Toyota in the country, the latest version of its midsize SUV entry launched last 2020 is more fuel-efficient by five percent as compared to the previous model. This is should help the model solidify its name as a fuel-efficient SUV in the market.
The Toyota Fortuner offers a 20 km/l fuel consumption on the highway, while 11 km/l in the city. These numbers make the midsize SUV one of the best in its segment in terms of fuel efficiency. Plus, it is a Toyota so you can expect the utmost reliability in the long run.
2021 Toyota Fortuner Review: Still the King of SUVs? | Philkotse Philippines
Under the hood, TMP is offering this vehicle two engine options. The first engine option is a 2.4-liter diesel engine that can generate 148 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The other engine option is the more powerful 2.8-liter diesel engine which can now make 201 hp and a whopping 500 Nm of torque.
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2. Ford Everest – 14 km/l (combined)
The only American fuel-efficient SUV on this list is the Ford Everest. Perhaps the most rational explanation as to why this 7-seater midsize SUV is considered a fuel-efficient SUV is because of its small engines. These engines are some of the smallest of all of the diesel SUVs in the Philippines for 2022.
An entry from the Blue Oval Company
Ford Philippines is offering three engine options for its midsize SUV, namely the 2.2-liter diesel, 2.0-liter single turbo diesel, and 2.0-liter Bi-turbo diesel engine. The Ford Everest can make 160 hp to 213 hp and 385 Nm of torque to 500 Nm of torque, depending on the variant.
When tested on the road, the Everest yields 19 km/l fuel consumption on the highway and 9 km/l in the city. Its relatively fuel-efficient characteristic is what makes this 7-seater midsize SUV one of the best family SUVs in the Philippines as families can use this on long road trips.
The Ford Everest is one of the best SUV in the Philippines.
As for pricing, the Ford Everest starts at Php 1,738,000 for the base 2.2L Trend variant and goes up to Php 2,299,000 for the flagship Bi-Turbo Titanium+ variant. For the Titanium variant that comes with a single turbo only, the Blue Oval Company is offering it at Php 1,995,000.
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3. Isuzu mu-X – 13.5 km/l (combined)
The Isuzu mu-X is one of the most practical diesel SUVs in the Philippines for 2022. Part of the said feat is its affordability and relatively fuel-efficient engine offered by the model’s baseline variant, the mu-X RZ4E 1.9, which starts at Php 1,350,000 only.
An SUV worth considering to be the bét SUV in Philippines.
Moreover, the base variant is powered by a 1.9-liter inline-4 RZ4E Bluepower turbodiesel which is the smallest in terms of engine displacement in its class. And with a small engine, it generally means that it is more fuel-efficient than engines with a larger displacement.
As for its fuel-efficiency ratings, the Isuzu mu-X can return 18 km/l on the highway and 9 km/l in the city. The engine can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the variant.
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The Isuzu mu-X helped grow the brand's business network alongside the D-Max
If you want a more powerful version of the 7-seater midsize SUV, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the official distributor of Isuzu vehicles in the country, is also offering a larger 3.0-liter inline-4 turbodiesel engine that can generate 175 hp and 380 Nm of torque.
4. Nissan Terra – 12 km/l (combined)
Nissan’s entry to the local midsize SUV is also joining the most fuel-efficient SUV list. Despite it being a relatively new model, the Nissan Terra has already made an impact among Filipino car buyers who want a family vehicle that can comfortably seat up to seven passengers.
One of the best SUV cars Philippines.
As for its performance capabilities, this vehicle has a fuel efficiency rating of 16 km/l on the highway and 8 km/l in the city. Not bad considering the sheer size the Terra offers for those in the market for an SUV. It is longer and wider than most of its rivals including the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu mu-X, and Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
The Nissan Terra is powered by a 2.5-liter YD25 DDTi inline-4 turbodiesel engine that is capable of generating 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, the model can be coupled to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission that comes with a manual mode.
The Terra is one of the best SUV diesel Philippines.
Exclusive to the 2.5L VL AT 4x4 flagship variant is the 4WD System that can be controlled with its transfer select switch. If you want the setting that gives you the best fuel economy, you should switch to the 2WD rear-wheel drive which is suitable for daily driving conditions.
The Terra also made it to the list of best SUV Philippines 2020.
5. Mitsubishi Montero Sport – 11 km/l (combined)
The last fuel-efficient SUV on this list is Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC)’s entry to the local 7-seater midsize SUV segment, the Montero Sport. It comes with an aggressive and bold exterior look that demands a commanding presence on the road.
A strong entry from the Japanese car brand that also makes it to the list of the best SUV in the Philppines.
We took the Japanese SUV out on the road to see what it can offer in terms of fuel efficiency. On the highway, it recorded 15 km/l at an average speed of 80 km/h, while in the city, it recorded 7 km/l in the city with an average speed of 7 km/h.
The numbers are delivered by the model’s standard 2.4-liter inline-4 diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) that can make 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque. It can be coupled to either a 6-speed manual for the base GLX variant and an 8-speed automatic transmission with sports mode for the rest of the variants.
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In addition, the top-of-the-line GT variant comes with a Super Select 4WD-II that can alter the drivetrain configuration. For the most fuel-efficient setting, you should switch the Super Select 4WD-II to the 2H setting unless you are off-roading or driving through rain.
6.Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer is Chevrolet's entrance into the midsize SUV sector. It comes with a2.8-liter diesel engine produces 200 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It is an undervalued option in the market, with ample space to transport a complete family and the ability to handle large cargo.
Chevrolet Trailblazer.
7.Nissan Patrol Royale
The Nissan Patrol Royale is the epitome of the Japanese manufacturer's experience in creating off-road vehicles that are also elegant. The Patrol Royale remains a luxurious cruiser with plenty of interior space and convenience features. It is currently Nissan's largest SUV for the Philippine market, and it is positioned above the midsized Terra. It's also worth noting that the Patrol Royale is one of the few SUVs with a V8 gasoline engine on the market.
Nissan Patrol Royale.
8.Ford Expedition
The Ford Expeditionis another gasoline-powered option. Aside from its powerful 3.5-liter 60-degree V6 EcoBoost engine, the Expedition comes with a collection of premium features that make it a 5-star ride. Most significantly, its massive dimensions translate to a massive cabin that will please your guests while also accommodating your freight loading requirements.
Ford Expedition.
That is the end of our list for the best SUV Philippines that is fuel-efficient. Visit Philkotse.com for more of the latest in the automotive industry.
