Features / 19 April 2026 / Warren Hawkins

10 most fuel-efficient crossovers in South Africa

It’s no secret that crossovers and SUVs have become the go-to choice for South African car buyers, especially the more fuel-efficient models that could rescue motorists from rising petrol prices.

Setting aside hybrids and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, which are often far more expensive than their traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) rivals, South Africa has many efficient options to choose from.

With petrol prices expected to rise again next month, car buyers may be looking to trade in their thirstier cars for more frugal ones.

South Africa’s most efficient crossovers provide drivers with claimed fuel efficiency figures under 6.0l/100km.

This includes the country’s most fuel-efficient crossover, the Suzuki Ignis, which boasts a remarkable efficiency of only 4.9l/100km and a price tag under R300,000.

Thanks to this frugal fuel usage, the Ignis, despite its 32-litre fuel tank, has a rather commendable 653km range.

To make this happen, the Ignis, which Suzuki classifies as a “micro SUV”, sports a 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine, which produces 61kW and 113Nm.

As a result, the Ignis not only rivals the country’s other SUVs and crossovers, but also its most-efficient hatchbacks in both price and efficiency.

By comparison, South Africa’s most economical hatchback, the Toyota Vitz – tied with the Suzuki Celerio – claims an average petrol consumption of 4.2l/100km and a range of 762km, thanks to its 32 litre fuel tank.

Its R227,100 price tag does make it a better-priced alternative, but the Ignis has it well beaten when it comes to power, as the Vitz’s 1.0-litre petrol motor can only manage 49kW and 89Nm.

South Africa’s most efficient crossovers

The most fuel-efficient petrol crossovers in South Africa offer drivers fuel efficiency ranging from 4.9l/100km to 5.6l/100km, making them some of the most efficient cars on our roads.

Click on their underlined prices for more information.