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
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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