10 Best 4 Cylinder SUV’s for 2023

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SUVs have seen an exponential growth in terms of demand across different markets and for the US market, the particular segment holds a special place.

As the demand is high, so as the options and among so many options, the SUVs that have recently started gaining attention are the 4-cylinder SUVs.

These Four cylinder SUVs have become the heart of the entry-level SUVs that are not only better in terms of efficiency, they also hold significant potential to offer an exceptional experience to the consumers.

So, here is a list of 4-cylinder SUVs that are better in one or the other way.

1. Nissan Juke

4 Cylinder SUVs

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When it comes to some of the funkiest SUVs across the globe, Nissan Juke finds a leading spot and first spot in our 4 cylinder SUV list.

The entry level compact SUV reflects a unique styling concept and a potent engine with significant spacing for 5 occupants.

The Juke is a perfect companion for the ones who wish to have a commuter with immense potential and not so big that creates a parking problem.

With its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, Juke delivers 188 hp of maximum power and 177 lb-ft of peak torque.

It is further mated to either a six speed manual or CVT with AWD option as well.

Fuel economy varies between 28 mpg to 32 mpg depending on the driving style.

2. Ford Escape

Ford 4 Cylinder Suv

Image Credit: Motortrend

This Ford 4 cylinder SUV offers a list of options to its customers in terms of powertrain. Starting with a 2.5-litre engine with 168 hp maximum power and 170 lb-ft of peak torque.

The list further features a 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbo mill which delivers 178 hp maximum power and 184 lb-ft peak torque.

The range-topping variant comes with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo that is capable of providing impressive 240 hp power and 270 lb-ft of peak torque, making it one of the most powerful SUVs in its respective segment.

Being a sturdy drive, the manufacturer has not compromised on the efficiency front and a user gets fuel economy ranging between 23 mpg and 33 mpg depending on the engine option picked.

3. Mazda CX-5

4 Cylinder Suv List

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When it comes to some of the marvelous creations from the Japanese hub, Mazda is spotted at a leading position and so its Mazda CX-5.

This SUV is at the third position in our 10 best 4 cylinder SUVs list due to its extremely high fun quotient.

Though it looks much like a hatchback, its capabilities clearly justifies its segment characteristics. With a 2.0-litre entry-level engine, CX-5 delivers 155 hp maximum power and 150 lb-ft peak torque.

Moving up in the line, there is a 2.5-litre engine option with 184 hp maximum power and 185 lb-ft peak torque.

The 2.0-litre option comes with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission while the 2.5-litre option can be paired with only automatic. Both these engines also come with AWD system.

4. BMW X1

4 Cylinder Suv List

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One of the lightest yet strongest 4-cylinder SUVs, the BMW X1 is at the fourth position. Its premium cabin and bold design characteristics make it one of the most likable SUVs in the segment.

Though it is more expensive than the other options in the four-cylinder SUV segment, it clearly justifies its pricing with its potent engine to overcome any terrain with ease.

The entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged motor generates 229 hp maximum power and 258 lb-ft peak torque paired with eight-speed automatic transmission. With 4WD system, the BMW X1 is all the more potent in its segment.

5. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

4 Cylinder Suv with 3rd Row Seating

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Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the first 4 Cylinder Suv with 3rd Row Seating in our list of top 10. Santa Fe is an ultimate expression of premiumness, power, and style offered in just the right package.

It is a very practical car from the Korean automaker that is equipped with a 2.4-litre unit with 190 hp power and 181 lb-ft torque.

The other option is the 2.0T trim that gives 265 hp maximum power and 269 lb-ft peak torque. The SUV comes with the six-speed automatic transmission as standard with an option of 4WD system.

The SUV is spacious, and reasonable on pocket at the same time with mileage ranging between 20 mpg and 27 mpg.

6. Subaru Crosstrek

List of 4 Cylinder suvs

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Though not directly, the Crosstrek is inspired by the company’s Impreza hatchback in a lot of aspects. This compact SUV is a perfect family ride that can handle light off-roading quite easily.

Styled more aggressively than Impreza, the Crosstrek is a more practical and spacious alternative for 5 occupants.

Offered with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the Japanese compact SUV offers 148 hp maximum power and 145 lb-ft torque coupled to a CVT or a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The Crosstrek offers 26 mpg mileage on the city roads while this figure extends to 34 mpg on the highway. This is quite economical for an all-wheel drive SUV.

7. Audi Q5

List of 4 Cylinder suvs

Image Credit: Edmunds

This is the first German SUV in our list of 4 cylinder SUVs that make use of its strong chassis in an effective manner.

The entry-level variant is offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with 220 hp maximum power and 258 lb-ft torque which is paired with standard Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

With 20 to 28 mpg fuel economy, the SUV is one of the most fuel-economical SUVs in the premium category. It is not only practical and powerful, its 57 cubic feet of total cargo space is enough for your weekend luggage to near getaways.

8. Kia Sportage

Four Cylinder Suv

Image Credit: Kia

Another option from the house of Korean manufacturer, the Kia Sportage offers improved performance and efficiency with just the right pricing.

Just like its previous generation, the SUV is stylish and powerful at the same time.

Offered with state-of-the art design language, Sportage is capable of attracting its customers with its advanced features.

It is equipped with a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that delivers 181 hp maximum power and 175 lb-ft peak torque. The other option is the 2.0-litre engine that comes with 240 hp maximum power and 260 lb-ft peak torque.

9. Honda HR-V

Four Cylinder Suv

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The SUV has been a prominent name for quite a long time due to its impressive space in the cabin and refined engine of Honda.

The standard equipment in the cabin and advanced features make the overall experience of the occupants comfortable.

Honda has powered the HR-V with a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that makes 141 hp maximum power and 127 lb-ft peak torque which is coupled to either a six-speed manual transmission or CVT.

With FWD as standard and AWD as an option, HR-V offers a mileage ranging between 28 mpg to 35 mpg.

10. Kia Sorento

4 Cylinder SUVs

Image Credit: Kia

Kia Sorento is not only one of the best 4 cylinder SUV with 3rd row seating, it is also one of the best midsize SUVs in the US market. There are three engine options available in the market.

The list starts with 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve mill that churns out 240 hp maximum power and 260 lb-ft peak torque. The other is the 2.4-litre mill with 185 hp maximum power and 178 lb-ft peak torque.

The range topping option is the 3.4-litre mill with 290 hp maximum power and 252 lb-ft peak torque. All the engine options are available with 6-speed CVT with FWD as standard.

These are some of the 10 best 4 cylinder SUVs in the US market that are a perfect blend of power, style, comfort, and practicality. Though we might have missed some, do let us know your pick from the lot.

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