Make A Clean Break : VW Tiguan TDI 140, LR Freelander TD4_e, Volvo XC60 DRIVe

SUVs don’t have to be thirsty, as me pick from three eco-minded used choices

VW Tiguan TDI 140

Prices from: $15,150

The Tiguan earns its place in this test thanks to the premium badge and 4WD system. And while compact dimensions make it the odd one out here, a lighter kerb weight contributes to low 167g/km CO₂ emissions, which ensure it’s one of the most efficient 4x4s around.

VW interior scores on quality and space

The interior is smart and well put together. There are plenty of cubbies, and clever use of space means it beats the large Land Rover for carrying capacity. On the road, the Tiguan is composed and precise, with car-like handling.

It’s a well-built car, but it’s been recalled twice, and it fell from 27^th in our Driver Power 2013 satisfaction survey to 57^th this year.

Details

·         Years: 2008 to present

·         Engine: 2.0-liter 4cyl, 138bhp

·         Insurance group: 9

·         Econ/CO₂: 44mpg/ 167g/km

·         Why? The low kerb weight and efficient engine cut the VW’s costs, but off-road ability doesn’t suffer.

LR Freelander TD4_e

Prices from: $13,451

The TD4_e is the eco-friendly version of Land Rover’s Freelander, but it looks just like the standard models and that’s no bad thing.

Inside, Land Rover is roomy and robust

The interior offer a mix of luxury and utility thanks to quality materials, chunky switchgear and robust build quality. It feels spacious, too, and while the boot trails rivals, it can still carry up 1,670 liters.

Off-road the Freelander has the edge, and it’s capable on the road, too, with a comfortable ride and responsive handling – although it’s not quite as agile as the Tiguan. In our Driver Power 2013 survey, the car came 73^rd compared to the VW’s 57^th.

Details

·         Years: 2006 to present

·         Engine: 2.2-liter 4cyl, 158bhp

·         Insurance group: 13

·         Econ/CO₂: 42mpg/ 179g/km

·         Why? It’s not often considered eco-friendly, but this Freelander boasts lower costs with off-road prowess.

Volvo XC60 DRIVe

Prices from: $16,144

Volvo’s good-looking XC60 is the XC90’s baby brother. It’s a sleek and stylish compact SUV, and unique badges are the only clues to the DRIVe version’s status as an eco-model.

Superb XC60 cabin is most stylish here

The superb cabin is the most stylish here, and as the wheelbase is the longest, there’s lots of space and the biggest boot. Yet while the engine is the most powerful, the manual bos is slack, the ride is hard and 4x4 ability has been sacrificed for low emissions. This makes it the most compromised SUV on test.

Owners like their XC60s, though – it came 19^th in our Driver Power survey – even though the car has been recalled a number of times.

Details

·         Years: 2008 to present

·         Engine: 2.4-liter 5cyl, 173bhp

·         Insurance group: 13

·         Econ/CO₂: 47mpg/ 159g/km

·         Why? Volvo offers stylish looks, premium cabin and good performance, plus lower emissions than rivals.