The Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs Amid Record Gas Prices

The EPA fuel economy ratings of an SUV have a big impact on its affordability. A rise in gas prices takes a bite out of your wallet, but when a vehicle has better fuel economy, that bite is easier to manage. While SUVs don’t provide the same fuel economy as sedans, there are plenty of models with relatively good mpg ratings that still offer the cargo space and roomy interiors SUVs are known for. These include gas, hybrid models, and plug-in hybrid SUVs ranging from affordable to high-priced and luxurious. Many of these SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD), but all of them offer all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) as standard or optional equipment. These systems improve an SUV’s traction and confidence in winter weather or during off-road driving.

Automakers have employed advanced engine technologies that increase fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Cylinder deactivation is one such technology, along with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in place of traditional automatic transmissions. There are also turbocharged (or “turbo”) engines that let smaller-displacement drivetrains, including four-cylinder engines and V6 engines, match the horsepower of larger engines while using less gas. Direct injection is another modern technology that helps even full-size SUVs get the best fuel efficiency possible, despite their size and weight.

The EPA mpg ratings include three fuel economy numbers – city, highway, and combined. We used the 2022 combined EPA ratings for our mpg rankings since that number provides a better idea of the fuel economy you’ll get in everyday driving. If you drive more in the city, your fuel economy may skew lower. If you spend most of your time cruising the highway, your fuel economy may be a bit higher. Remember, EPA numbers are only estimates, so your actual fuel economy will vary.

While our combined fuel economy rating is for the 2022 model year, we included new car and three-year-old used pricing when available. In cases where there’s no used price it’s usually because that model didn’t exist 3 years ago. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains in particular, which use electric motors in conjunction with gas engines to offer better mpg ratings, are often too new to have used car data.

The best SUVs in each category include the affordable Nissan Kicks crossover and the new Toyota Corolla Cross. There are larger options including the Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Tahoe. SUVs with hybrid powertrains are on our lists, too, with the affordable Kia Niro crossover SUV taking spots as both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) while the luxurious Lexus UX 350h and Lincoln Corsair win those categories for luxury SUVs. The Lexus UX 200 and Lexus NX 250 also win spots as fuel-efficient luxury options along with the Volvo XC90 and Cadillac Escalade.

There are fuel-efficient SUVs to fit every need, but if you’re seeking a full electric vehicle you should see our Best Electric SUVs list.

For a complete list, check out our Best Subcompact SUVs guide.

For a complete list, check out our Best Small SUVs guide.

For a complete list, check out our Best Midsize SUVs guide.

For a complete list, check out our Best Large SUVs guide.

For a complete list, check out our Best Hybrid SUVs guide.