Cars and Drivers
The Most Fuel Efficient SUVs on the Market
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The modern sport utility vehicle came from humble beginnings. Originally marketed as no-nonsense four-wheel drive transportation that targeted adventurous folks and off-road explorers, SUVs have now become more mainstream. The evolution of SUVs and shift in consumer demand saw the sport utility vehicle overtake sedan sales for the first time in 2015. The steady demand for SUVs accounted for the production of over half of all new vehicles in 2021.
Traditionally, SUVs have been valued for their capacity and versatility, compared to sedans, but previously these conveniences meant sacrificing fuel efficiency. Recent progress has changed all that. According to a 2022 study by the Environmental Protection Agency, substantial improvements have been made. On average, crossover SUVs now get a combined 32.4 miles per gallon, while truck-based SUVs reach 24.8 MPG. These figures represent significant increases from just a decade ago. And, with current gas prices making fuel efficiency a primary concern for many prospective car buyers, the good news is that some SUV models even offer substantially better mileage than others.
The fuel efficiency of any vehicle depends on various factors. While driving habits play a role, the vehicle’s inherent characteristics, such as weight, ground clearance, aerodynamics, drivetrain, and engine size, also impact fuel consumption.
According to U.S. Department of Energy and EPA data from fueleconomy.gov, 24/7 Wall St. identified the SUVs with the best fuel efficiency that are currently available on the market. Our analysis involved the review of more than 500 SUV configurations of the 2023 and 2024 model years. For each model, we have listed the most fuel-efficient version and ranked them based on the EPA’s estimated combined MPG. EVs and plug-in hybrids were excluded from our analysis. Estimated base prices are from automotive industry publication, Car And Driver.
Every one of the 36 SUV models listed here offers at least one configuration that gets a combined city and highway mileage of 27 MPG or higher. Several models even exceed a 40 MPG rating. Hybrid models make up nearly half of the vehicles listed, with the majority belonging to the small SUV category.
It is important to acknowledge that the MPG ratings used for evaluating these vehicles are based on the most fuel-efficient configurations. Additionally, many of these SUVs have versions with lower fuel efficiency. The Toyota Grand Highlander, for instance, earns a high ranking on this list with its two-wheel drive, hybrid 4 cylinder engine, and a combined rating of 36 MPG. However, the Grand Highlander is also offered in an all-wheel-drive version lacking a hybrid engine, resulting in a combined rating of 22 MPG.
Here are the most fuel efficient SUVs on the market:
36. Ford Explorer
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 27 combined; 27 city; 28 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 6 cylinder; 3.3 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, rear
- Vehicle class: Standard SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,650 per year; $250 more than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $38,355
35. Jeep Compass
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 27 combined; 24 city; 32 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.0 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $2,000 per year; $250 more than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $29,995
34. Lexus TX
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 27 combined; 27 city; 28 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.4 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Standard SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $2,400 per year; $2,250 more than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $55,050
33. Mazda CX-50
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 27 combined; 24 city; 30 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 4-wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,650 per year; $250 more than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $31,675
32. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 27 combined; 26 city; 29 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 1.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,650 per year; $250 more than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $27,995
31. Mitsubishi Outlander
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 27 combined; 24 city; 30 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.0 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $2,000 per year; $250 more than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $30,015
30. Volkswagen Tiguan
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 27 combined; 24 city; 31 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.0 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $2,000 per year; $250 more than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $29,855
29. Volvo XC40
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 27 combined; 24 city; 32 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.0 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $2,050 per year; $2,250 more than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $37,445
28. Chevrolet Equinox
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 28 combined; 26 city; 31 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 1.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,950 per year
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $27,995
27. Mazda CX-5
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 28 combined; 26 city; 31 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 4-wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,950 per year
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $30,675
26. Subaru Outback
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 28 combined; 26 city; 32 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,950 per year
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $30,190
25. Mazda CX-30
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 29 combined; 26 city; 33 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 4-wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,550 per year; $250 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $24,325
24. Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 29 combined; 26 city; 33 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.0 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, rear
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $2,200 per year; $1,250 more than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $48,250
23. Subaru Forester
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 29 combined; 26 city; 33 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,550 per year; $250 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $27,620
22. Buick Encore GX
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 30 combined; 30 city; 31 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 3 cylinder; 1.2 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,800 per year; $750 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $26,895
21. Subaru Crosstrek
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 30 combined; 28 city; 33 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.0 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,500 per year; $500 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $24,870
20. Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 31 combined; 29 city; 33 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 3 cylinder; 1.3 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,450 per year; $750 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $23,395
19. Hyundai Venue
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 31 combined; 29 city; 33 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 1.6 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,750 per year; $1,000 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $21,135
18. Kia Seltos
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 31 combined; 29 city; 35 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.0 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,450 per year; $750 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $24,665
17. Volkswagen Taos
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 31 combined; 28 city; 36 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 1.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,450 per year; $750 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $25,450
16. Hyundai Kona
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 32 combined; 29 city; 35 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 1.6 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,400 per year; $1,000 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $23,475
15. Toyota Corolla Cross
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 32 combined; 31 city; 33 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 4 cylinder; 2.0 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,400 per year; $1,000 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $24,960
14. Nissan Rogue
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 33 combined; 30 city; 37 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: 3 cylinder; 1.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,350 per year; $1,250 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $28,725
13. Hyundai Santa Fe
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 34 combined; 36 city; 31 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 1.6 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,300 per year; $1,500 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $30,085
12. Lexus RX 350
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 36 combined; 37 city; 34 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,800 per year; $750 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $49,750
11. Toyota Grand Highlander
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 36 combined; 37 city; 34 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Standard SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,500 per year; $2,250 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $44,465
10. Toyota Highlander
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 36 combined; 36 city; 35 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,250 per year; $1,750 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $38,015
9. Kia Sorento
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 37 combined; 39 city; 35 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 1.6 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,450 per year; $2,500 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $32,000
8. Hyundai Tucson
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 38 combined; 38 city; 38 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 1.6 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,400 per year; $2,750 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $28,585
7. Ford Escape
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 39 combined; 42 city; 36 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: part-time 4-wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,150 per year; $2,250 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $29,495
6. Lexus NX 350
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 39 combined; 41 city; 37 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,650 per year; $1,500 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $44,365
5. Toyota Venza
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 39 combined; 40 city; 37 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,150 per year; $2,250 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $36,315
4. Honda CR-V
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 40 combined; 43 city; 36 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.0 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,350 per year; $3,000 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $30,825
3. Toyota RAV4
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 40 combined; 41 city; 38 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: All wheel drive
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,100 per year; $2,500 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $29,625
2. Kia Sportage
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 43 combined; 42 city; 44 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 1.6 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,050 per year; $2,750 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2023
- Est. base MSRP: $27,615
1. Kia Niro
- Best available efficiency (MPG): 53 combined; 53 city; 54 highway
- Most fuel-efficient engine: Hybrid 4 cylinder; 1.6 liter displacement
- Most fuel-efficient drive-train: 2-wheel drive, front
- Vehicle class: Small SUV
- Est. fuel costs: $1,000 per year; $4,750 less than avg. over 5-years
- Model year considered: 2024
- Est. base MSRP: $28,165
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