SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage for 2024 & 2025
Back in the day, there was no such thing as an efficient SUV. Early sport utility vehicles were mostly based on trucks, meaning they'd get the same pitiful fuel economy (or worse). But these days, there are dozens of SUVs and crossovers designed with fuel efficiency in mind, to the point where some are even more efficient than their sedan counterparts. These are the most fuel-efficient SUVs you can buy right now.
2024 Kia Niro
Price: Starting at $28,165
Fuel economy: up to 53 mpg combined
The Kia Niro's eye-catching two-tone design, unique fascia, and affordable starting price aren't the only good things it has going for it. The Niro is also the most fuel-efficient SUV on sale today, delivering up to 53 mpg combined.
That incredible EPA estimate is thanks to a standard hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.6-liter inline-four and an electric motor, making a combined 139 hp.
The Niro is one of the best subcompacts on sale today
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Price: Starting at $29,000 (est.)
Fuel economy: up to 43 mpg combined
The Kia Sportage is a standout in the mid-size segment thanks to its funky looks and available 261-hp plug-in hybrid trim. But the real sweet spot is the more traditional hybrid model—it pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine to an electric motor for 226 hp, and gets an incredible 43 mpg combined.
Inside you'll find a dashboard dominated by screens and a rotary-style shift knob. There's also plenty of space inside and a dual-level cargo floor for plenty of storage.
Check out our review of the Sportage here
2024 Lexus UX
Price: Starting at $36,690
Fuel economy: up to 42 mpg combined
The UX is Lexus's smallest SUV, and looks more like a hatchback than a traditional crossover, depending on the angle. Its small size and standard fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain means it can get over 40 mpg combined, an impressive feat.
In order to squeeze out the most fuel economy, you'll need to opt for the front-wheel drive version of the UX, as the all-wheel drive model is slightly less efficient. We suggest using the extra cash for a set of snow tires if you live in a place that gets a real winter season.
The UX is one of the best luxury hybrid SUVs
2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Price: Starting at $34,675
Fuel economy: up to 40 mpg combined
Not only is the Honda CR-V Hybrid one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on sale today, it's also one of the best SUVs you can buy right now, period.
A combination of good looks, a well-appointed interior, and solid driving dynamics make the CR-V vastly appealing to a wide range of buyers. And because it's a Honda, you know it'll be reliable for years.
Read our review of the CR-V right here
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Price: Starting at $32,825
Fuel economy: up to 40 mpg combined
The 302-hp Toyota RAV4 Prime might sound the most appealing to enthusiasts like us, but the mid-range, non-Prime RAV4 Hybrid is equally as interesting, able to deliver 40 mpg combined according to the EPA.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors make a respectable 219 hp combined, which is more than enough for most people. All-wheel drive is standard, allowing for a 7.3-second 0-60 time.
A trials bike taught us to love the RAV4
2024 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
Price: Starting at $41,995
Fuel economy: up to 40 mpg combined
Ford offers no fewer than three different powertrain options for its Escape crossover, including two hybrid models. The plug-in hybrid is the most efficient of the trio, able to achieve an impressive 40 mpg combined.
That performance comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to two electric motors. The setup is rated at 250 hp for the plug-in, enough to launch the car to 60 mph in a brisk 5.7 seconds.
2024 Lexus NX 350h
Price: Starting at $44,615
Fuel economy: up to 39 mpg combined
If you're shopping for a Lexus NX, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to engine options. There are four different powertrains available in the mid-size crossover, but the most efficient is the 350h trim, at up to 39 mpg combined, as estimated by the EPA.
That number is thanks to a 2.5-liter inline-four found in the base NX paired to three electric motors. Rated at 239 hp, it's enough for a 7.6-second sprint to 60 mph.
Check out our detailed review on the NX
2024 Toyota Venza
Price: Starting at $36,315
Fuel economy: up to 39 mpg combined
No matter which trim of Toyota Venza you go for, you'll be treated to the same hybrid powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired to three electric motors: Two to help the gas engine spin the front wheels, and another mounted out back to spin the rears.
All together, the drivetrain makes 219 hp, and allows for up to 39 mpg combined according to the EPA. The 0-60 time isn't exactly exhilarating at 7.6 seconds, but that's not what this car is for.
2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Price: Starting at $33,660
Fuel economy: up to 38 mpg combined
The hybridized Hyundai Tucson represents a smart choice for commuters who aren't quite yet ready to go full electric, but still want some of the benefits that come with electrification. The plug-in hybrid version can go 33 miles on purely electric power, while the traditional Tucson hybrid can deliver 38 mpg combined.
That 38 mpg comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-six gas engine paired to an electric motor, both powering the front wheels. The powertrain is rated at 226 hp, or 261 horses in the plug-in model.
2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Price: Starting at $38,015
Fuel economy: up to 37 mpg combined
While we prefer the Kia Sorento's available 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four for outright performance, it's tough to knock the Sorento Hybrid's efficiency numbers. It makes 227 hp and achieves up to 37 mpg combined, according to the EPA. Not bad for a seven-seater SUV.
Those numbers come courtesy of a 1.6-liter turbo-four paired to an electric motor. If you need even more power, there's also a plug-in hybrid model that uses the same drivetrain paired to a bigger battery pack, rated at 261 hp.
2024 Lexus RX 350h
Price: Starting at $51,545
Fuel economy: up to 36 mpg combined
While real speed demons will go for the top-level Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance and its 367 hp, those seeking excellent fuel economy should turn to the NX 350h, capable of delivering 36 mpg combined, according to the EPA.
It gets that number thanks to a 2.4-liter inline-four up front connected to a pair of electric motors, alongside a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Check out our review of the Lexus RX here
2024 Highlander Hybrid
Price: Starting at $42,115
Fuel economy: up to 36 mpg combined
The Toyota Highlander is a strong contender in the mid-size segment, delivering all you'd expect from a family-focused all-rounder SUV, plus the signature reliability expected of any Toyota.
Like other hybridized Toyotas, the Highlander Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter inline-four paired to two electric motors and a CVT. Customers can choose between front- or all-wheel drive. You'll have to settle for the front-drive version to get 36 mpg combined. Go for the AWD trim, and that number drops to 35 mpg, according to the EPA.
Read our first drive of the Grand Highlander here
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Price: Starting at $37,545
Fuel economy: up to 34 mpg combined
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the perfect in-between car for those who want the usability of the smaller Tucson and the versatility of the bigger Palisade, without the need for three rows.
There are two gas-only powertrains available, but the most efficient of the range is the available 226-hp hybrid system, which uses a 1.6-liter inline-four and two electric motors. Even with standard AWD it's able to deliver up to 34 mpg combined, according to the EPA.
The new model looks exceptional
2024 Nissan Rogue
Price: Starting at $29,000 (est.)
Fuel economy: up to 33 mpg combined
The Nissan Rogue may not be the most exciting car to drive, but a handsome, modern design, a lovely interior, and a plush ride make it seriously appealing for those who just want a solid daily driver that can deliver good fuel economy.
The Rogue doesn't need hybrid assistance to achieve over 30 mpg combined. Instead, it uses a tiny 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine making 201 hp.
We need a modern Rogue on tracks
2024 Nissan Kicks
Price: Starting at $22,155
Fuel economy: up to 33 mpg combined
The Kicks is Nissan's smallest SUV, capable of delivering the same combined 33 mpg rating as its bigger Rogue sibling, albeit with a more primitive 122-hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder, rather than a turbo-three.
The engine is paired to a less-than-exciting continuously variable automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels (there's no AWD available). The 0-60 sprint happens in a lethargic 9.7 seconds.
The Kicks is one of the cheapest new cars you can drive
2024 Lincoln Corsair Plug-In Hybrid
Price: Starting at $55,320
Fuel economy: up to 33 mpg combined
If you want to get the best fuel economy out of the Lincoln Corsair, you'll have to spring for the top-level Grand Touring model, as that's the only trim where you can get the plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to a single electric motor and a CVT, along with standard AWD. There's 266 hp to play with, enough for a 7.0-second sprint to 60 mph.
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