Greenest SUVs

We list the five cleanest compact and large SUVs and recommend three from each class that we think you should consider.

Compact 4x4s: What Car? Recommends
1 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI S 2WD
The likelihood is that you won't be taking your SUV off-road, and that's where this version of the Tiguan comes in. Without the weight and drag of a four-wheel drive system, it returns a very decent 45.6mpg and emits less than 160g/km CO2. Plus, it's as good to drive, spacious and classy as any Tiguan.

2 Honda CR-V 2.2 i-CTDi ES
Honda's engines are as clean as they are smooth and powerful. A cracking 2.2-litre diesel unit is the secret of the CR-V's success. Despite being significantly bigger and heavier than the SX4 below, it is not much heavier on CO2 emissions.

3 Suzuki SX4 1.6 VVT GLX 4Grip
Here's proof that if you want low emissions, you have to keep things compact. The Suzuki SX4 is no bigger than a Ford Focus, but this 4Grip model is a proper off-roader. It's the SX4's weight and aerodynamic advantage over its large, bluff, lolloping rivals that gives it the edge on emissions.

Greenest compact 4x4s
1 Suzuki SX4 1.6 DDiS    139g/km   VED Band E   53.3mpg
2 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.0TD   153g/km   VED Band G   48.7mpg
3 Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D 150 XT-R    154g/km   VED B and G   48.7mpg
4 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 2WD   155g/km   VED Band G   45.6mpg
5 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 2WD   159g/km   VED Band G   46.3mpg





Large 4x4s: What Car? Recommends
1 Lexus RX450h
What's incredible about this Lexus is that it has emissions lower than all but one of the best compact SUVs above. In other words, although the petrol/electric hybrid RX has all the quality and equipment you would expect of a Lexus, it will go twice as far on a gallon of fuel as its rivals, and the rock-bottom company car tax rates make it more appealing to company car drivers than other large SUVs.

2 Hyundai Sante Fe 2.2 CRTD
Large 4x4s get most of the blame for polluting the atmosphere, and it's true that there aren't many environmentally friendly choices. However, if you need a big off-roader, the Santa Fe is one of the greenest options, with a CO2 output of 191g/km. Its 2.2-litre diesel engine is clean, and the Santa Fe is stunningly practical and good to drive.

3 BMW X5 3.0d SE
Few 4x4s handle or steer as well as the X5, and the classy cabin has ample space to carry five. Thanks to the strong BMW brand, resale values should be good, too. That said, you pay a lot to buy the car in the first place and if you want lots of toys, you'll have to rack up the options.

Greenest large 4x4s
1 Lexus RX450h   148g/km   VED Band F   44.8mpg
2 Volvo XC70 2.4D DRIVe   159g/km    VED Band G    47.1pg
3 Hyundai Sante Fe 2.2 CRTD    191g/km   VED Band J    38.7mpg
4 Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi XE   209g/km   VED Band K   35.8mpg
5 BMW X5 3.0d   214g/km    VED Band K    34.4mpg