When searching for an SUV with the best gas mileage, there are many factors to consider, including overall vehicle size, engine design, electrification, and drivetrain systems. And because these different aspects can be combined to create multiple winning formulas for best gas mileage performance, we'll be segmenting this list with a few different categories, to help you find the most fuel-efficient SUV for your lifestyle.
All differences aside, and without counting plug-in hybrids, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 44 mpg highway, the most fuel-efficient SUV is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. But right behind it is the 2023 Lexus UX Hybrid, achieving up to 43 mpg city via a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine combined with Lexus Hybrid Drive.
And in the 38 to 41 mpg range, which is still very good gas mileage for an SUV, there's a handful of popular vehicles: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (41 mpg city), 2023 Lexus NX 350h (41 mpg city), 2023 Toyota Venza (40 mpg city), and 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (38 mpg city/hwy/combined).
With continuous improvements to engine design and hybrid technologies, the list of most fuel-efficient SUVs grows each year, and offers lots of variety with unique body styles and increasing levels of luxury.
With the support of a battery and dedicated electric motors, a plug-in hybrid SUV can extend the overall driving range of a full tank of gas thanks to its ability to travel a few dozen miles on just electric power. And when the gas engine is active, the electric motor assists with extra torque to further lessen fuel consumption while cruising.
For the 2023 model year, the plug-in hybrid SUV with the best fuel efficiency is the Toyota RAV4 Prime SE with an EPA-estimated rating of 94 mpg-e. And even without the all-electric performance, the RAV4 Prime's core powertrain is still very efficient, offering up to 40 mpg city.
Other fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid SUVs include the Lexus NX 450h+ AWD (84 mpg-e), the 2023 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring (78 mpg-e), and the 2023 Mini Countryman SE (73 mpg-e).
While SUVs offer a lot of passenger room and cargo space, the trade off can often be less than ideal fuel consumption since it takes a lot of effort to move a large, heavy vehicle. That said, there are many brands that are excelling at lightweight manufacturing and efficient designs so that we can enjoy the comfort and versatility of an SUV while conserving gasoline.
Here's a short list of the brands with SUVs that have the best gas mileage (31 mpg or 49 mpg-e and higher), all of which are available at AutoNation USA used car dealerships nationwide:
Many modern SUVs already employ lots of engineering strategies to optimize fuel consumption, like engine start/stop technology, gas-free coasting, and smaller, more powerful engines, to name a few.
But there are also some things that you as a driver can do to help maximize your SUV's gas mileage. First, try to be gentler on the gas pedal, especially when you're accelerating from a stopped position. Launching quickly from a standstill requires a lot of torque, which in turn, consumes more fuel. Hybrid and plug-in Hybrid SUVs do their best to use electric motors first for these low-rpm scenarios, but if you press the gas pedal far enough, the engine will be called upon to produce more power, and burn more gasoline.
Knowing that hard accelerations are a detriment to fuel economy, it also makes sense to maintain a steady speed for as long as possible. You can do this by using cruise control, not following the car in front so closely, and not braking aggressively.
Another helpful tip is to let off the gas pedal and start coasting earlier when you know you're approaching a red light. There's really no reason to continue accelerating to a stop light, so ease up on the pedal from further away, and let the vehicle coast to a lower speed before gently applying the brakes.
And one of the easiest things to do is make sure your SUV's tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires have a higher rolling resistance on the road, and require more power from the engine to maintain speed. Tires that are underinflated by 10 psi could reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the seasons change as air expands when hot, and contracts when cold.
