The Ultimate Guide to Today's Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs

A Look at Today's Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs 

Choosing an SUV instead of a car for your family’s transportation used to mean making a lot of compromises. Early SUVs were built on truck foundations and that meant they had heavy chassis, big engines, and blocky bodies. All that meant they were slower, heavier, worse to drive, and used more gas than equivalent cars though their truck roots made them better off-road. 

These days, with very few exceptions, SUVs are engineered and built on the same principles as cars and thus require fewer compromises. They drive like cars, they are as responsive as cars, and most of them get very car-like fuel economy, with city and highway ratings that are only a couple of MPG off equivalently-sized sedans. 

With an SUV, you get increased ride height, which makes them easier to get in and out of as well as better-able to tackle off-road driving. You get the versatility of a hatchback instead of a boxed-in trunk and the option of all-wheel drive on most models. 

SUVs are Leading the Way

SUVs are now dominating roads, accounting for 75% of all new vehicle sales in the U.S., while electric vehicles have reached 7.5% market share, highlighting a clear shift toward fuel efficiency and sustainability. With this guide, you're equipped to choose an SUV that perfectly matches your lifestyle, balancing performance, practicality, and eco-friendly driving.

Even better, SUVs are getting more and more efficient every year. Below, you’ll find eleven of the most fuel-efficient SUVs currently available. 

Toyota RAV4: The Original MPG-Friendly SUV

Toyota’s RAV4 is truly the original fuel-efficient SUV, one of the first off-roaders to be based on a car platform instead of truck underpinnings. For over 20 years now, its combination of tall ride height, Toyota quality, and impressive fuel economy have made it a sales leader, with each generation growing in size and presence. The latest version is, interestingly, the most “truck-like” RAV4, at least in terms of its looks, with angular lines and lots of plastic body cladding that give it a tough stance. Inside, it’s still a RAV4 with a well-made and designed, easy-to-use cabin that is more spacious than ever. We love that its climate and audio systems combine large knobs and buttons along with the expected touchscreen. Despite the simple controls, it’s packed with tech including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Amazon Alexa, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver assists. Active cruise control, pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams are all standard. Drivers looking for more performance, or better economy than the 2.5-liter four cylinder, can choose a powerful and even more economical hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrain. 

Honda CR-V: Spacious, Efficient, and Refined

Honda’s CR-V perennially hovers near the top of the best-seller lists for its combination of a spacious interior, Honda reliability, strong resale value, and excellent efficiency. A brand-new CR-V was launched in 2023, with many major upgrades. It’s longer and wider, improving not only its looks and stance, but also its interior space. There’s more rear-seat legroom and far more cargo space than before. The interior has also been upgraded with a brand-new minimalist design. Smart technology touches include a new touchscreen audio system, illuminated USB ports, and available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a wireless charger. A new wide-view camera and radar, traffic jam assist, low-speed braking control, and traffic sign recognition are also standard. A 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 190 horsepower. All-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter four cylinder and two electric motors, are also available. 

• Overview: Spacious, efficient SUV combining comfort and reliability.
• ‍Who It's For: Drivers who value practicality, fuel economy, and advanced tech.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Hybrid drivetrain option
  • Honda Sensing safety suite standard
  • Roomy interior with improved cargo spac
• Starting MSRP: $30,100 
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 28/34

Nissan Rogue: Best-in-Class Highway MPG

The Nissan Rogue is not only packed with capability and great features, it is also best in class for highway fuel economy, with its 37 MPG EPA rating comfortably the best amongst its competitors in the segment. Rogue’s turbocharged variable-compression four-cylinder engine produces 201 hp, which is also amongst best in class, and is available in both front- and all-wheel drive versions. Multiple drive modes let you optimize how the Rogue behaves based on conditions, as well. Inside, you’ll find generous cargo space in the rear, plenty of room in the front and back seats, and lots of tech, as well. There are three configurable screens, one for the instrument cluster, one for the infotainment system, and a third for the available heads-up display. Wireless CarPlay and a wi-fi hotspot for up to seven devices, as well as wireless charging, are also available. Finally, active safety features include adaptive cruise control with the ability to automatically slow down for off ramps or different speed limits; automatic braking with pedestrian detection; blind spot monitor; lane departure warning; and back-up assists including a camera, cross-traffic alert and automatic braking. 

• Overview: Class-leading highway fuel economy and strong performance.
• ‍Who It's For: Drivers who prioritize efficiency, versatile technology, and ample cargo space.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Best-in-class highway MPG
  • Variable-compression turbocharged engine
  • Advanced infotainment and driver-assist features
• Starting MSRP: $30,620
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 30/37 

Subaru Forester: Rugged, Reliable, and Economical

Over the last several decades, Subaru has built its reputation on tough, outdoorsy vehicles with all-wheel drive, and the Forester is no different. Completely redesigned for 2025 with a more SUV-like look, the latest Forester is the best yet. It crams a remarkable amount of space and versatility on a relatively compact footprint, and because its low base price includes the security of all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Other highlights include a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder that puts out a robust 180 hp while delivering 33 highway MPG; a big-screen multimedia system, split-folding rear seats, and a passel of USB ports. Safety equipment is also comprehensive, with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology standard; it monitors traffic movement, pedestrian activity, and other happenings around the vehicle to optimize the cruise control, keep you from swaying outside your lane, and even brake the car to a halt if a collision is imminent. All this plus the ruggedness, reliability, and great resale value that have made the Forester popular for decades. 

Drivers interested in maximizing efficiency should consider a hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV. Curious about the differences? Our Hybrid vs. Electric Cars guide explains it clearly

• Overview: Rugged, reliable SUV ideal for adventurous lifestyles.
• ‍Who It's For: Outdoor enthusiasts and families needing all-weather capability.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive
  • EyeSight Driver Assist technology
  • Spacious cabin and versatile cargo area
• Starting MSRP: $29,995
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 26/33 

Chevrolet Equinox: Bigger, Bolder, and Family-Friendly

Boldly redesigned in 2025, we really like the latest version of the Chevrolet Equinox because it offers comparable features and technology to other vehicles in the compact SUV class with a little more size and interior space. Even with this extra size, the 1.5-litre turbo engine hauls the Equinox around effortlessly while delivering 28 highway MPG in the front-wheel drive version (all-wheel drive is available). Standard Chevy Safety Assist features include forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and more. Chevy’s latest infotainment system is also very easy-to-use, and not only includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but also available Amazon Alexa voice control and a wi-fi hotspot for your family’s devices. 

• Overview: Roomy, family-oriented SUV with modern tech and bold styling.
• ‍Who It's For: Families needing extra space, modern conveniences, and reliable safety features.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Standard Chevy Safety Assist features
  • Spacious and comfortable interior
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Starting MSRP: $29,995 
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 26/28 

Mazda CX-5: Premium Feel, Standard AWD

While the CX-5’s price and its fuel economy ratings may look a little off the pace compared to some of the other vehicles on this list, that’s because it’s one of the few cars in the compact SUV class to offer standard all-wheel drive. Other cars in the class charge thousands for the all-weather confidence that all-wheel drive offers in exchange for a small mileage penalty; Mazda gives it to you for free even on the base 2.5-liter S model. We also really like the CX-5’s timeless exterior styling and its gorgeous interior, which foregoes giant, glossy touch screens and instead offers a large dash-top display and easy-to-use analog controls, which are easier to operate on the move. Standard equipment is excellent, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration standard, as well as active safety features including pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. 

Not sure exactly which SUV fits your lifestyle best? Take a quick survey with our interactive EV Matchmaker tool.

• Overview: Premium feel and engaging drive, offering standard all-wheel drive.
• ‍Who It's For: Drivers seeking a stylish, refined, and driver-oriented SUV experience.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Standard AWD across all trims
  • High-quality, luxury-focused interior
  • Advanced active safety features standard
• Starting MSRP: $28,770
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 26/30 

Ford Escape: Versatile, Stylish, and Efficient

It’s no wonder Ford’s Escape is a perennial top-10 seller. It has sophisticated exterior styling; a roomy, versatile interior with plenty of room front and rear and split-folding back seats; and has excellent driving dynamics. You also get a lot for your money: Ford’s suite of CoPilot 360 driver assistance systems is standard, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and more. Even the base model comes with a useful LCD driver information display and a large touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, as well as a wi-fi hotspot for your devices. The base model comes with a high-tech 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 33 highway MPG in two-wheel drive form – impressive for a vehicle this size.  

• Overview: Stylish, versatile SUV with excellent efficiency and features.
• ‍Who It's For: Families and individuals who desire style, space, and efficient performance.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged engine
  • Standard Ford CoPilot 360 driver-assistance
  • Roomy, tech-filled interior with SYNC infotainment
• Starting MSRP: $29,490
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 27/33 

Hyundai Tucson: Modern Looks, Strong Efficiency

Hyundai bills the Tucson as a “modern adventure SUV.” We’d definitely put the emphasis on “modern” thanks to its razor-sharp lines, which are a major departure from the previous generation. In contrast to the edgy exterior, the interior is smoothly-styled and luxurious, with high-end finishes, a digital instrument cluster, and a sophisticated infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Impressive feature content includes a power hands-free liftgate, available remote parking assist, wireless charging, and the ability to use your smartphone as a key. A full suite of safety systems is standard, too. Power comes from a simple, economical 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 187 hp and 33 highway mpg; hybrid, and even plug-in hybrid options are available that deliver even better fuel economy. 

• Overview: Modern-looking SUV with advanced tech and versatile performance options.
• ‍Who It's For: Buyers attracted to bold design, tech-forward interiors, and efficiency-focused powertrains.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Available hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains
  • Comprehensive safety suite standard
  • Digital interior, hands-free liftgate, smartphone integration
• Starting MSRP: $28,705
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 26/33

Hyundai Kona: City-Friendly and Efficient

Recently the recipient of a complete redesign, Hyundai calls the sharp-suited Kona an “SUV for the city,” and that’s a pretty apt description. It’s a roomy, versatile all-rounder with a naturally aspirated 2-liter engine that produces 147 horsepower, more than enough for daily duties with front-wheel drive. 

While all-wheel drive is available, we don’t think most buyers will miss the ability to go bashing rocks off-road on the weekends. Instead, they’ll appreciate the thoughtfully designed interior, the standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, and the impressive 10-year warranty. The Kona’s exterior design turns heads wherever it goes, and its interior is spacious, well-designed, and comfortable. 

Want even better efficiency and lower emissions? There’s an electric version that’s available too! 

• Overview: Compact, city-friendly SUV designed for urban environments.
• ‍Who It's For: City dwellers seeking efficient performance, compact size, and practical interior space.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Urban-oriented compact dimensions
  • Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Available electric version with high efficiency
• Starting MSRP: $24,550
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 28/35 

Kia Seltos: Compact Crossover with Style

The Kia Seltos isn’t quite an SUV, but it’s a lot more than a hatchback. In fact, it’s the very definition of a “crossover.” It’s a great SUV for city dwellers, economical to run, and easy to maneuver despite its roomy interior. Driver assist technology is comprehensive, and includes lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, forward and collision assist with pedestrian detection. 

A recent facelift means the Seltos continues to cut a cool profile in city traffic, and we really like the Kia’s interior, which in addition to having plenty of space for five, has a very premium feel. You’ll find such features as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Additional drivetrain options go beyond the economic four-cylinder base engine with available turbo power and all-wheel drive. 

• Overview: Compact crossover blending SUV practicality and urban maneuverability.
• ‍Who It's For: Young families or urban professionals needing versatility, comfort, and affordability.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Available all-wheel drive and turbocharged engine
  • Comprehensive driver-assist features standard
  • Spacious, upscale interior design
• Starting MSRP: $24,690 
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 28/34 

Volkswagen Taos: European Style Meets Efficiency

Introduced in late 2021 and recipient of a big update for 2025, the Volkswagen Taos compact SUV is the latest addition to the Volkswagen lineup and has quickly become one of its top-sellers. It’s easy to see why. The Taos looks great inside and out, with a high-end, premium feel despite its relatively low starting price. The seats offer German luxury-car excellence, and the build quality is impressive. 

The Taos’ turbocharged 1.5-liter engine produces a surprising amount of power, put to very efficient use by its eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 facelift included an 18-horsepower bump in performance, making it even more fun to drive. And thanks to a long wheelbase, the interior is very spacious, much more roomy than you’d expect of something with such compact exterior dimensions. We also really like its high level of standard equipment, which includes LED headlights, a full digital instrument cluster, alloy wheels, and more. 

• Overview: Compact SUV offering premium features and European styling at an accessible price.
• ‍Who It's For: Buyers who appreciate refined interiors, compact practicality, and efficient performance.
• ‍Key Features:
  • Turbocharged, efficient powertrain
  • Spacious cabin with premium interior quality
  • Standard digital cockpit and LED lighting
• Starting MSRP: $24,995
• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 28/36

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Choosing Your Perfect SUV: Drive Smarter, Greener, and With Confidence

With this guide to today’s most fuel-efficient SUVs, you're ready to find the perfect balance of comfort, economy, and practicality. Make the smart choice—drive greener and smarter with confidence.

Explore More: Essential SUV Resources