• September 26, 2026

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Best 4-Cylinders SUVs | 2024 Ratings

SUVs are typically large, practical machines, and some have outstanding off-road ability and large-displacement engines, but some 4-cylinder SUV choices are just as great. However, not everyone uses these cars to their full potential, and sometimes a buyer just needs a spacious daily driver that is also light on fuel. These crossovers are generally diminutive compared to their more capable brethren, which means it’s easier to park them and they’re more affordable to live with. Most 4-cyl SUV variants come with a turbo for better economy and performance, but this does not mean that they are less reliable than those with naturally aspirated options. Thus, it may be worth your while to look at used car lots for a smart deal. These are the best 4-cylinder SUVs on sale for the 2024 model year.



Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work
here
.

1 Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Even though we prefer the six-cylinder Mazda CX-90, the four-cylinder hybrid model still has enough qualities to obtain the joint-highest ranking for SUVs in this category. A plug-in hybrid, this CX-90 can cover approximately 26 miles on electric power alone. Once the 2.5-liter four-pot gets in on the action, the combined output is 323 horsepower. Acceleration is good, handling is at the top of the class, and the interior is awash with premium-feeling materials. The third row adds extra seating capacity, although the rearmost seats aren’t the biggest. We found the transition from electric to gas power to be a bit rough, but the CX-90 PHEV shines in most other areas that matter to buyers in this segment.


Jared Rosenholtz - Automotive Journalist
Expert Opinion

“Does the CX-90 justify a price tag that competes with Acura and Infiniti? We think it does. Though the PHEV is not our preferred powertrain, the CX-90 delivers more power than the naturally aspirated MDX and QX60, along with superior efficiency. The interior feels on par with the luxury segment, and the driving dynamics are actually superior due to the CX-90’s rear-biased platform.”

2 Volvo XC90

2024 Volvo XC90

Base MSRP
$56,600

Fuel Economy
22/27 MPG

Horsepower
247 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Volvo used to be one of the main makers of charismatic five-cylinder engines, but for the last few years, the brand has focused on four-cylinder engines. That applies to the three-row XC90, too, and SUV that has been around for a while yet remains as classy as ever. Both four-pot engines in the Volvo XC90 employ mild hybrid technology, and it produces 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque in B6 guise. The Volvo is quiet, spacious in the first two rows, and packed with advanced safety features. Some may prefer its more conservative styling compared to the blingy Germans in this segment.


3 Lexus RX

2024 Lexus RX

Base MSRP
$48,600

Fuel Economy
22/29 MPG

Horsepower
275 hp

Engine
2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

The base Lexus RX is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbo-four engine producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft, and it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the other end of the scale, there is the 500h that adds three electric motors to this engine for 366 hp and 406 lb-ft. The 500h will sprint to 60 mph in under six seconds, so it gets the mid-size SUV up to speed quickly. For maximum efficiency, a less powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid and a plug-in hybrid are available, too. A true luxury model, the Lexus RX pampers occupants with an expensive-feeling interior, many features, and a comfortable ride.

4 Volvo XC60

2024 Volvo XC60

Base MSRP
$46,900

Fuel Economy
22/28 MPG

Horsepower
247 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Smaller than the XC90, the XC60 has a slightly sportier look and does away with the third seating row of its larger sibling. One four-cylinder engine producing 247 hp is available, paired with an eight-speed automatic. The 0-60 sprint takes around 6.5 seconds and it returns 25 mpg combined, so offers a decent blend of performance and economy. If you must have more power, you’ll need to spring for the XC60 Recharge hybrid, which makes 455 hp combined and is far quicker. Safety standards are exemplary in the Volvo and it rides comfortably if you stay away from the larger optional wheel sizes. It’s not the most exciting vehicle in its class, but it’s surely one of the most stylish.


5 Hyundai Santa Fe

Completely revised for the 2024 model year, the latest Hyundai Sante Fe sweeps in with boxy styling, a longer wheelbase, and a cavernous interior. Performance is better than before, thanks to a standard 2.5-liter turbo-four with 277 hp. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is optional, and you can opt for a 231-hp hybrid model for better gas mileage. The third row isn’t as spacious as the one in the Palisade, but it’s usable and forms part of a much more modern interior. Various digital displays, practical storage areas, and some attractive materials add up to a cabin that will keep everyone happy on longer trips.


6 Genesis GV70

2024 Genesis GV70

Base MSRP
$45,150

Base Trim Engine
2.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower
300 hp

Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
22/28/24 mpg

Although a potent V6 is available, the sharply attired Genesis GV70 comes equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard. It produces 300 hp and 311 lb-ft, resulting in a 0-60 time of around 5.8 seconds. Like many Lexus SUVs, the Genesis prioritizes comfort over athletic handling, but that doesn’t mean it falls apart in the corners. By going for the four-cylinder model, you’ll also get around 4 mpg more on the combined cycle. The Genesis is generously equipped from the base model, but rear-seat space is not particularly good. It does have competitive cargo space behind the second row, though.

7 Lexus NX

2024 Lexus NX

Base MSRP
$39,455

Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG

Horsepower
203 hp

Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Gas

The confident, bold styling of the Lexus NX suggests it’s an overtly sporty luxury crossover to drive, but this isn’t the case. Like almost any other Lexus, it excels at comfortable quiet commuting without much in the way of excitement for the driver. The base NX 250’s four-cylinder engine doesn’t help with modest outputs of 203 hp and 182 lb-ft. We’d suggest going for the 350 with its turbocharged mill, which produces 275 hp/317 lb-ft. Two economical hybrids are available, topped by a 304-hp PHEV that is the quickest NX of all. If you want something with the reliability of a RAV4 but with classier finishes and a more appealing badge, the NX is a good choice.


8 Volvo XC90 Recharge

2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge

Base MSRP
$71,900

Fuel Economy
27 MPG/58 MPGe

Horsepower
455 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid

In plug-in hybrid Recharge form, the XC90 turns into quite a performer. With 455 hp, it needs just 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. Besides that, it can return 58 MPGe combined and be driven for almost 30 miles on electric power alone. Of course, it costs a lot more than the normal XC90, but the boost in performance and efficiency will be worth it for some. The rest of the XC90 package is familiar, from its handsome styling to the high-quality interior and surfeit of safety features. Although it has a third row, the XC90 Recharge works best as a five-seater SUV with plenty of cargo space.

9 Mazda CX-50

One of the best compact crossovers on sale, the Mazda CX-50 adds updated style and a bit more off-road capability to the CX-5 recipe. The base model isn’t that quick, with just 187 hp from its naturally aspirated four-cylinder mill, but the turbocharged engine option makes 256 hp when running on 93-octane gas. Whether on dirt or normal roads, the CX-50 is both comfortable and entertaining, with more engaging steering and quicker responses than the average vehicle in this segment. It has a smart dashboard design, all the expected safety features, and reasonable practicality.


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Related

Driven: 2024 Mazda CX-50 Balances Adventure And Comfort Perfectly

It even out-Subarus the Subaru Outback.

10 BMW X3

An all-new BMW X3 arrived for the 2025 model year, but there is no shame in going for the well-resolved 2024 model, which does most things well. The standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 248 hp, returning adequate acceleration. The X3 handles about as well as anything this side of an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and the standard model with smaller wheels has an agreeable ride. It’s also one of the least contentious BMW designs. The trunk is big, rear-seat room is excellent, quality is up there with the best, and the four-pot engine is quite economical.

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Best Of The Rest

There are many four-cylinder SUVs for sale in America. Besides our top-rated models, these are the other ones you should put on your shortlist if you’re on the lookout for an efficient crossover.

2024 Ford Bronco Sport

Base MSRP
$31,230

Fuel Economy
25/28 MPG

Horsepower
181 hp

Engine
1.5L Turbo Inline-3 Gas

2024 BMW X4

Base MSRP
$55,000

Fuel Economy
21/28 MPG

Horsepower
248 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Genesis GV80

Base MSRP
$57,700

Fuel Economy
20/24 MPG

Horsepower
300 hp

Engine
2.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Volvo XC40

Base MSRP
$40,500

Fuel Economy
24/30 MPG

Horsepower
247 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Lexus NX Hybrid

Base MSRP
$43,465

Fuel Economy
84 MPGe/36 mpg combined (PHEV) | 41/37/39 mpg (350h)

Horsepower
240 hp

Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid

2024 Chevrolet Blazer

Base MSRP
$35,400

Fuel Economy
22/29 MPG

Horsepower
228 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Base MSRP
$36,990

Fuel Economy
79 MPGe/34 mpg combined (PHEV) | 39/35/37 mpg (Hybrid FWD)

Horsepower
227 hp

Engine
1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid

2024 Lexus RX Hybrid

Base MSRP
$50,750

Fuel Economy
37/34/36 mpg (350h) | 27/28/27 mpg (500h)

Horsepower
246 hp

Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid

2024 Kia Soul

Base MSRP
$20,190

Fuel Economy
29/35 MPG

Horsepower
147 hp

Engine
2.0L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Lexus TX

Base MSRP
$53,700

Fuel Economy
21/27 MPG

Horsepower
275 hp

Engine
2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Audi Q3

Base MSRP
$37,400

Fuel Economy
22/29 MPG

Horsepower
184 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Lincoln Corsair

Base MSRP
$38,830

Fuel Economy
22/30 MPG

Horsepower
250 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 BMW X1

Base MSRP
$40,500

Fuel Economy
25/34 MPG

Horsepower
241 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Audi Q5 Hybrid

Base MSRP
$58,500

Fuel Economy
TBC

Horsepower
362 hp

Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Base MSRP
$28,590

Fuel Economy
84 MPGe/35 mpg (PHEV) | 42/44/43 mpg (Hybrid FWD) | 38/38/38 mpg (Hybrid AWD)

Horsepower
227 hp

Engine
1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid

2024 Kia Seltos

Base MSRP
$24,490

Fuel Economy
28/34/31 mpg (2.0L/FWD) | 27/31/29 mpg (2.0L/AWD) | 25/27/26 mpg (1.6T/AWD)

Horsepower
146 hp

Base Trim Transmission
CVT Automatic

Engine
2.0L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Base MSRP
$43,845

Fuel Economy
77 MPGe/29 mpg combined (PHEV)

Horsepower
285 hp

Engine
1.3L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid

2024 Toyota Venza

Base MSRP
$35,070

Fuel Economy
40/37/39 mpg

Horsepower
219 hp

Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

2024-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Front Angle View

2024 Kia Sportage

Base MSRP
$27,190

Fuel Economy
25/33 MPG

Horsepower
187 hp

Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Toyota RAV4

Base MSRP
$28,675

Fuel Economy
27/35/30 mpg (FWD) | 27/34/30 mpg (LE AWD)

Horsepower
203 hp

Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Toyota Highlander

Base MSRP
$39,270

Fuel Economy
22/29 MPG

Horsepower
265 hp

Engine
2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Hyundai Tucson

Base MSRP
$27,500

Fuel Economy
25/32 MPG

Horsepower
187 hp

Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Gas

2024 Hyundai Venue

Base MSRP
$19,900

Fuel Economy
29/33/31 mpg

Horsepower
121 hp

Engine
1.6L Inline-4 Gas

Top 4 Cyl SUVs

No matter what type of vehicle you are after, there are a number of diverse manufacturers with a large variety of trims, but when it comes to low-capacity engines, the Japanese and German marques make the best. Don’t discount Korean brands either, as these have improved so much over the years that many are now class-leading. When choosing your new mode of transportation, the listings that we consider among the best 4 cylinder SUV options have high mpg figures, a low asking price, and high reliability ratings in the US. You also want something that is compact so that the motor doesn’t make for a lethargic drive. Ideally, you’d want an all-rounder that has a wide spread of abilities, and fortunately, this segment has variants with 4×4 too. Be sure to check out our complete 4-cylinder SUV list.


amg engine

Related

Why has the 4-cylinder engine become so popular?

It’s impossible not to notice that the 4-cylinder engine is everywhere these days. From sportscars to commuter hatchbacks it has become the engine of choice for nearly every application, but why is that? We understand it offers a unique balance of power and fuel economy and the amount of cylinders creates more even forces, but why don’t we see more 3-cylinder or 5-cylinder options?

Specifications And Models

Numerous variations with unique capabilities are on offer, but you don’t have to spend too much to get a great car. The three top four-cylinder SUV models we rank the best cost less than $35,000 and return notable economy, a comfortable ride, and striking design. When it comes to these characteristics, popular crossovers such as the Kia Seltos, Kia Soul, and Mazda CX-30 are brilliant. The Honda CR-V hybrid is also a solid performer.In terms of luxury and a more upmarket look and feel, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40 are great options, but the biggest body styles are also available with a petite power plant, some even with hybrid tech, and the Volvo XC90 T8 is one of these. However, you’ll start approaching the $100k mark if you add too many options. Fortunately, there are some relative bargains to be had too, and you could get a sporty 4 cyl SUV for around $45,000 in the Mercedes-AMG GLA35 or similar.


Advice When Choosing

When on the hunt for the perfect car for you, there are a few thing to remember when perusing the list of 4-cylinder SUVs:

  • Comparison: It’s highly recommended that you consider multiple choices objectively, as some vehicles that you would otherwise have disregarded may have everything you need.
  • Check for special deals: Usually, this segment’s buyers prefer big engines, and the USA is famous for that. The benefit to you is that you may be able to find more of the type of small-capacity machine you want at a reduced rate.
  • Ride comfort: Modest automobiles like this aren’t usually meant for the trail, where poor ride quality can be dismissed. Ensure that the vehicle you opt for is comfy enough for daily use.

Pros

  • Impressive fuel economy
  • Raised ride height
  • Cheap to buy

Cons

  • Underpowered compared to larger alternatives
  • Pricey features
  • Slight frame means less space inside


Toyota Tacoma front 3/4

Related

Best 4-Cylinder Trucks Of 2024

With turbocharging and electrification, some of these four-cylinder pickups will make you question the need for a V6 or V8.

What’s an acceptable amount to pay?

Typically, the price range varies considerably depending on the type of vehicle that you’re after, but many in our rankings start below $30,000 while some are on the dark side of $80k. A reasonable mean value to spend, and an amount that would bring decent tech, comfort, and a capable powertrain, is around $25-30k.

Which brands rank highest?

Kia produces some excellent crossovers and should not be shunned by those who have not yet experienced the brand’s offerings. We also rate Mazda, Toyota, and Honda very highly. These companies all have excellent reliability ratings, economical yet strong engines, and comfy interiors.

What’s the best American four-pot SUV?

In this section, a number of different types and body styles make up the numbers. Chevrolet’s Blazer is an attractive choice, while the underrated Lincoln Corsair is also worth considering.

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