Top 10 most FUEL-efficient SUVs in SA on SALE in 2026
· The South African
If you don’t own one already, these are the ten most fuel-efficient SUVs in SA right now you might want to consider. South Africans are facing massive price pressure at the pumps following the latest record fuel price hike. As of Wednesday 1 April 2026, petrol increased by R3.06 per litre, while diesel surged by R7.37 and R7.51 per litre, respetively.
Thankfully government did its best with a temporary R3 per litre reduction in the fuel levy. However, heightened uncertainty in the Middle East could see the way continue for a few more weeks yet. This is why, given the chance, you should opt for one of these most fuel-efficient SUVs in SA …
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10 MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT SUVS IN SA
If it wasn’t already, fuel efficiency just shot up everyone’s buying criteria for a new SUV in SA. Image: FileAntoine Caradonna, founder of Vehicle SA – a platform for consumers to easily compare prices and specifications of new vehicles – says fuel efficiency is likely to become an even bigger driver of purchasing decisions. “With fuel prices at current levels, every 1.0 l/100 km saved over 15 000 km per year translates into roughly R3 900 in annual savings (for diesel). Therefore, difference between the most and least efficient SUV can add up to R6 300 per year,” says Caradonna.
As such, even relatively small differences in the popular SUV segment bring significant cost differences. What may appear marginal on paper can translate into thousands in annual savings. So, without further ado, these are the ten most fuel-efficient SUVs in SA currently available in South Africa in 2026 …
TOP 10 DIESEL SUVS IN SA
- 1. Kia Sportage — 5.0 l/100km — from R662 995
- 2. Mercedes-Benz GLC — 5.1 l/100km — from R1 243 797
- 3. BMW X4 — 5.6 l/100km — from R1 208 730
- 4. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque — 5.8 l/100km — from R1 275 600
- 5. Land Rover Range Rover Velar — 5.9 l/100km — from R1 459 200
- 6. Kia Sorento — 6.0 l/100km — from R999 995
- 7. Land Rover Discovery Sport — 6.1 l/100km — from R1 362 900
- 8. BMW X3 — 6.2 l/100km — from R1 136 417
- 9. Audi Q5 — 6.2 l/100km — from R1 018 200
- 10. Tata Harrier — 6.6 l/100km — from R549 900
TOP 10 PETROL SUVS IN SA
- 1. Kia Sportage — 6.3 l/100km — from R738 995
- 2. Toyota RAV4 — 6.5 l/100km — from R719 800
- 3. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque — 6.8 l/100km — from R1 142 000
- 4. Proton X90 — 6.8 l/100km — from R559 900
- 5. Mazda CX-5 — 6.9 l/100km — from R570 500
- 6. MG HS — 6.9 l/100km — from R499 900
- 7. Ford Territory — 7.0 l/100km — from R593 500
- 8. Opel Grandland — 7.0 l/100km — from R739 900
- 9. Chery Tiggo 8 Pro — 7.2 l/100km — from R529 900
- 10. Mazda CX-60 — 7.3 l/100km — from R778 500
KIA SPORTAGE SUPREME
Across both grades of fuel, the Kia Sportage comes up trumps, according to Vehicle SA. Image: FilePlease note these figures are based on manufacturer-claimed ‘combined cycle’ fuel consumption, as listed by Vehicle SA. Real-world fuel consumption will vary depending on driving style and traffic conditions. Prices listed are recommended at the time of publication.
But what do you think? Do you own one of these most fuel-efficient SUVs in SA? And do you find the real-world consumption comparable? Share your thoughts in the comments section below …