The last decade has been a rollercoaster ride for SUVs. Sales rocketed at the end of the Nineties, but rising fuel costs and increasing environmental concerns have hit registrations in the past year.

However, manufacturers are fighting back with a new crop of ‘green’ models that promises to win over customers. In the past, the idea of SUVs being branded with eco-themed badges would have seemed ridiculous; now, it’s almost essential to boost sales.

First up is Volvo’s XC60 DRIVe. The latest addition to the Swedish firm’s green range features a five-cylinder 173bhp diesel and promises low CO2 emissions of 159g/km. Impressive stuff, but to achieve this figure it sacrifices four-wheel drive – power is sent to the front tyres only.

That’s not a compromise made by Land Rover’s Freelander TD4_e, which retains its superb off-road ability. It delivers reduced carbon output and better economy by using stop-start technology.

Even so, on paper, it isn’t as clean as our final contender: the lighter, more compact Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 140. It doesn’t wear any eco-friendly badging, but emits a mere 167g/km.

So, which of our trio is the best choice for off-roader buyers with one eye on the environment?

Volkswagen Tiguan Vs Land Rover Freelander Vs Volvo XC60