Best SUVs on Gas Mileage

The Chevy Equinox offers a unique blend of power and fuel economy with a standard 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine. That turbocharged performance brings us quite a bit of speed with up to 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. 

This SUV then ups the ante by providing a standard Automatic Stop/Start feature with the engine. This will shut the engine off when you come to a complete stop to help you save on fuel. 

That’s part of how the Equinox's standard front-wheel drive earned an EPA-estimated 26 city/28 highway MPG. With AWD (all-wheel drive), this SUV can still achieve an EPA-estimated 24 city/29 highway MPG, so you can always go exploring. 

The Lexus NX 450h+ AWD is a standout option in the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market. With its EPA-estimated 37-mile all-electric driving range rating for the 2025 model, this vehicle provides an impressive blend of efficiency and luxury. When you’re commuting to work or running errands around town, the all-electric capability offers a quiet and eco-friendly drive. 

Additionally, it operates at speeds of up to 84 MPH, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience even at highway speeds. What sets the NX 450h+ AWD apart is its versatility. Beyond the all-electric range, the hybrid system seamlessly transitions to gasoline power for longer journeys, offering the convenience and confidence of extended range. 

The Audi Q5 Plug-In Hybrid is a luxury SUV that combines performance, style, and impressive fuel efficiency. With an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in combined driving (23 MPG city and 28 MPG highway), it offers competitive fuel economy within its class. The Q5 45 TFSI® model’s hybrid technology optimizes energy usage, allowing for a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. 

Beyond fuel economy, the Q5 Plug-In Hybrid stands out with Audi’s signature quattro® all-wheel drive, ensuring enhanced control and stability across different road conditions. When you’re navigating urban streets or venturing onto winding highways, the Q5’s balanced performance and eco-friendly design make it a versatile choice for modern drivers. 

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is another excellent option for drivers looking for a fuel-efficient compact SUV. This hybrid model achieves up to 38 MPG combined, making it a practical choice for those who value both performance and cost savings at the pump. Its hybrid system seamlessly combines electric and gasoline power, offering responsive acceleration and a smooth driving experience. 

Beyond its efficiency, the Tucson Hybrid boasts a spacious cabin designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The user-friendly infotainment system includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity on the go. Additionally, advanced safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control enhance the overall driving experience. 

When it comes to engine options, the Ford Escape really delivers. It has four engines to choose from, with each one enhancing power and fuel economy. This SUV comes standard with a 1.5L EcoBoost® engine that generates 180 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. With this powertrain, you can expect to earn up to an EPA-estimated 28 city/34 highway MPG. 

For greater power, you could upgrade to the available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine that comes standard with AWD. Altogether, this configuration reaches 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque along with an EPA-estimated 23 city and 31 highway MPG. 

The Ford Escape Hybrid is known for its impressive fuel efficiency among compact SUVs. The 2025 model offers an EPA-estimated 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, applicable to both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions. 

For those interested in a plug-in hybrid option, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid provides a manufacturer-estimated 37 miles of all-electric driving range on a full charge. These fuel economy figures make the Ford Escape Hybrid a compelling choice for drivers seeking to minimize fuel costs without compromising the versatility and comfort expected from an SUV. 

The Honda CR-V comes equipped with a standard 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Along with offering you 190 horsepower to set your heart racing, this powertrain also earned an EPA-estimated 28 city and 34 highway MPG with all 2-wheel drive models. 

If you want the power and control offered by a vehicle with AWD, the CR-V can still deliver that along with admirable fuel economy. When equipped with AWD, the CR-V has an EPA-estimated 27 city and 32 highway MPG. 

Also, the CR-V even has an available hybrid powertrain that can offer EPA-estimated 43 city and 36 highway MPG. Whichever you go with, you’ll be impressed by the fuel economy of this compact SUV. 

If you’re really looking to enhance your fuel economy, the Toyota RAV4 has a standard 2.5L Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine. Given that it gives us 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, drivers will be pleased to find that this engine offers up to an EPA-estimated 28 city MPG and 35 highway MPG. 

Best of all, this SUV offers a hybrid option, which pairs the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with a multi-electric motor. Using the hybrid version of this SUV, you can achieve up to an EPA-estimated 41 city MPG and 38 highway MPG. 

Additionally, the Multi-Terrain Select system, which comes standard on all AWD models of the RAV4, will give you the ability to select a drive mode and get ideal performance from your SUV. The Toyota RAV4 is designed to meet your needs, whatever they may be. 

For some solid year-round performance and efficiency, the Nissan Rogue has you covered. This is a highly capable vehicle with a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Expect to achieve an EPA-estimated 30 city and 37 highway MPG with the front-wheel drive version of this SUV. 

This vehicle offers a unique, Intelligent AWD system if you want to drive with absolute confidence, even in the snow. Using this driveline, your car will apply torque to all four wheels when it detects slippage while using front-wheel drive every other time. Using Intelligent AWD, you’ll have an EPA-estimated 25 city and 32 highway MPG.