SUVs with the Best Fuel Economy in 2023

Subaru has redesigned the Crosstrek for the 2024 model year. The base engine provides 152 horsepower and adequate acceleration, delivering solid gas mileage.

This SUV’s generous ground clearance means it can go farther off the beaten path than most will ever need. As always. the Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive, so it’s ready to tackle weather and slippery terrain confidently.

Inside, the Crosstrek feels high-quality and solidly built, but it isn’t the most interesting cabin to look at. The comfortable cabin houses a dual 7-inch screen infotainment system that can be laggy at times, with dated graphics. Smartphone mirroring is standard, and navigation and wireless device charging are available.

The Buick Encore GX was significantly refreshed for the 2024 model year. Its standard 137-horsepower engine returns good fuel economy, and an optional 155-horsepower mill is available if you need something peppier than the base powertrain. Though its ride is decent in most situations, rough pavement can cause the Encore GX to feel unrefined and noisy at times.

Passengers get a spacious cabin, and the front seats provide ample room for adults. Three can ride in the back, but the bench is much more comfortable for two. Interior tech is generally easy to use, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto running on an 11-inch touch screen.

Toyota offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the popular RAV4, but the standard gas-powered model delivers strong fuel economy, a comfortable ride and composed handling. The 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine can sound a bit rough at times, but it delivers enough power for most driving situations.

The RAV4 got a new infotainment system for 2023 with a larger touch screen and wireless smartphone connectivity. Elsewhere, its interior is spacious and comfortable, and the SUV offers good cargo capacity for its class. The front seats are wide and supportive, and three adults can ride in reasonable comfort in the back.

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer might not be the rugged SUV its predecessor was, but it has solid fuel economy and good interior space. It’s available with up to 155 horsepower, but doesn’t feel particularly energetic in any configuration. Additionally, the Trailblazer’s ride quality can be jittery at times, and more road noise enters the cabin than most would like.

The Trailblazer’s interior is spacious and comfortable, though there are plenty of hard plastics and not-so-nice materials throughout. On the upside, Chevy’s infotainment system is supremely easy to use, and it runs flawlessly on the standard 7-inch touch screen.

The Taos is one of VW’s newest models in the U.S., and it provides good interior space and a smooth ride, in addition to solid fuel economy. It comes standard with a 158-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and can be outfitted with all-wheel drive. Though the transmission can feel a bit rough during shifts, the SUV’s fantastic fuel economy and comfy ride more than make up for its shortcomings.

Outside of a few cheap materials, the Taos’ cabin is a nice place to spend time. The standard cloth upholstery remains comfortable for long-haul drives, and the seats are nicely cushioned and supportive.

Kia has given the Seltos a notable refresh for the 2024 model year. This SUV combines a comfortable ride and confident handling with fuel economy of up to 31 mpg combined, a long list of standard features and great tech.

The Seltos produces 146 horsepower with its base engine; acceleration is adequate and fuel economy is excellent. The optional engine provides 195 horses and livelier performance.

Kia’s Seltos comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch driver information display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and three USB ports. Kia’s infotainment software is straightforward and generally easy to use.

The Toyota Corolla Cross provides tons of interior cargo space, friendly tech and fantastic fuel economy. Its 169-horsepower four-cylinder is loud and unrefined at times, and it could use more power. At the same time, the SUV is reasonably comfortable on the road, and delivers decent handling when asked.

Interior space is respectable, and the front seats are comfortable. There’s ample headroom in the backseat, but taller adults will wish for more legroom. An 8-inch touch screen comes standard, as do Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota’s infotainment software got a major improvement in recent years, finally making it less clunky and easier to use while driving.

The funky Hyundai Kona is available in a performance variant, but the base model is the version that delivers strong fuel economy. The Kona also offers a decent ride and confident handling, giving it a surprisingly engaging driving feel.

Though short on rear-seat and cargo space, the Kona’s cabin is reasonably comfortable. The front seats are nicely padded and supportive, but the back bench could use more of both. An 8-inch touch screen comes standard, running Hyundai’s intuitive software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and higher trims have a larger display and a digital gauge cluster.

The Nissan Kicks is the only SUV or crossover on this list that is not a hybrid. It’s also closer to a hatchback than a true SUV, given its size and that it does not even offer all-wheel drive as an option. Its engine is underpowered in most driving scenarios, but the upside is terrific fuel economy.

The Kicks comes equipped with a four-cylinder engine, routing power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Kicks also has good cargo and passenger space for its size, as well as a low starting price. If you can get over the slow acceleration, you’re rewarded with some of the best fuel economy from a non-hybrid SUV.

The Nissan Rogue has agreeable driving dynamics, a wonderfully spacious interior and great fuel economy. Its three-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower, and the SUV is available with all-wheel drive.

Inside, Nissan equips a surprisingly nice cabin with solid materials quality and ample space for people and gear. The base cloth upholstery feels soft and remains comfortable on longer drives, and top trims get sub-luxury interior finishes. The 8-inch touch screen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims add a larger display with wireless smartphone connectivity. Nissan’s infotainment tech is easy to use, and doesn’t require a ton of attention while driving.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a spacious and value-minded midsize SUV. It provides plenty of room for passengers across two rows of seating. It also offers 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space, accessed via an available hands-free power liftgate.

The most efficient version of the Santa Fe Hybrid is the entry-level Blue trim. It combines a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to put out a combined 226 horsepower. It provides stout low-end acceleration and is smooth in most driving scenarios.

The RX Hybrid is all-new for 2023, gaining smoother styling, improved tech and an interior redesign. It delivers up to 366 horsepower, but neither of the available configurations are super engaging or athletic to drive. The RX has always been about comfort, and it delivers on that front with a smooth, quiet ride at almost all times.

Passengers are treated to standard synthetic leather, while higher trims offer semi-aniline leather and heating and ventilation for the front seats. Though improved Lexus’ new tech is still a bit clunky to use and requires more of a learning curve than many people likely expect.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an upscale and comfortable midsize three-row SUV. It provides a relaxed ride, as well as a long list of standard safety features, including the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features. For 2023, the Highlander Hybrid also gains a newly updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Highlander Hybrid combines a four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, routing power through a continuously variable automatic transmission. It puts out a combined 243 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It delivers great low-end power but is a bit more subdued at higher speeds.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a sharply styled midsize hybrid SUV with an upscale interior and a long list of standard features. The Sorento Hybrid provides three rows of seating. The third row is a bit tight on space, but it’s helpful in a pinch. The cargo space is also tight compared to other midsize SUVs.

A turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor makes a combined 227 horsepower. The Sorento Hybrid’s six-speed automatic transmission gives it a more spirited driving experience compared to other hybrid SUVs. The Sorento Hybrid also comes with an intuitive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combines to put out 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission, and delivers strong acceleration around town and getting up to highway speeds.

The most efficient version of the Tucson Hybrid is the entry-level Blue trim. It’s well-equipped and comes with a hands-free power liftgate, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control and an intuitive 8-inch touch screen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with a long list of standard driver-assistance features.

The Toyota Venza returned in 2021 after a six-year hiatus. For 2023, the refined hybrid SUV gains an updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gains an available 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It complements an upscale interior with five USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Venza comes standard as a hybrid with all-wheel drive. It combines a four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, making a combined 219 horsepower, routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission. This setup delivers plenty of power for around-town driving and for making passing maneuvers on the highway.

The Lexus NX Hybrid is an efficient and upscale small luxury SUV. Its powertrain combines a four-cylinder motor and a trio of electric motors. They make a combined 240 horsepower, resulting in plenty of power for most driving scenarios.

The NX Hybrid comes standard with forward collision avoidance, pedestrian and cyclist detection, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It also comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats and a 9.8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a highly functional small crossover. It has a surprising amount of rear-seat headroom and legroom and it provides up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Buyers can select a power liftgate and even a hands-free power liftgate.

The RAV4 Hybrid features a four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors. They put out a combined 219 horsepower, routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive. Though the engine sounds rough under hard acceleration, it makes for peppy acceleration around town and at highway speeds.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid has been completely redesigned for the 2023 model year. The new version of this compact hybrid crossover features an upscale, spacious cabin, as well as comfortable-yet-composed handling dynamics. It also comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance features.

The CR-V Hybrid utilizes a pair of electric motors that work with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The result is a combined output of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Though horsepower is down from the previous model, it still provides plenty of muscle in most driving scenarios. However, the continuously variable automatic transmission makes a good amount of noise under hard acceleration.

The Lexus UX Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on sale now, and it offers fantastic tech with sharp styling. Lexus also packs the UX Hybrid with great standard features and a straightforward infotainment interface. Though acceleration is a bit tepid on the highway, this Lexus offers a comfortable ride quality, and its steering feel is confidence-inspiring.

The UX Hybrid comes standard with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch touch screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and a Wi-Fi hot spot come standard. Wireless device charging and a 12.3-inch touch screen are available.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is one of the most efficient SUVs on the market today, and the most efficient SUV that’s not a plug-in hybrid or an EV. It features futuristic styling, backed up by ample cargo space (73.7 cubic feet) and plenty of space for passengers. It also boasts an intuitive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Sportage Hybrid has one of the more powerful drivetrains on this list, as well as the most efficient. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine works with an electric motor to put out 227 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike many fuel-efficient vehicles, you won’t be wanting more power when making a passing move on the highway.

What is the most fuel-efficient SUV?
The 2023 Nissan Kicks is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUV. It gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

What is the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUV?
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid returns an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models get 38 mpg in both city and highway driving.

What is the most fuel-efficient 3 row SUV?
The 2023 Sorento Hybrid with standard front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models get 36 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Internal combustion engines alone drive SUVs with conventional gas-only powertrains. If a vehicle isn’t labeled hybrid or plug-in hybrid, it’s likely a vehicle powered exclusively by an internal combustion engine. Most SUVs are powered by gasoline, though a few use diesel engines.

• SUVs with gas-only powertrains are less expensive to buy.
• Independent mechanics can service most conventionally powered SUVs.

• Gas-only powertrains can’t match the fuel efficiency of hybrids or PHEVs.
• Conventionally powered SUVs cost more to operate than hybrids or PHEVs.

A hybrid SUV employs a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motors for propulsion. The power to charge the batteries that feed a hybrid’s electric motors comes from the gasoline engine and energy reclaimed when the SUV brakes or coasts. You can’t charge a traditional hybrid’s battery from an external EV charging station.

• Hybrids typically earn dramatically higher fuel efficiency estimates than gas-only vehicles.
• Automakers offer hybrid versions of a wide variety of SUVs and crossovers.

• Hybrids are typically more expensive than equivalent gas-only SUVs.
• Hybrid SUVs can be more complex to maintain than gas-only models.

The difference between plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and traditional hybrids is the ability of PHEVs to be charged by external charging stations or even standard household outlets. With their larger battery packs, they can travel significant distances on electricity alone, before automatically switching to function like a traditional hybrid.

In many ways, PHEVs are a bridge between today’s gas cars and tomorrow’s fully electric vehicles.

• PHEV SUVs can travel several to dozens of miles on electricity alone.
• When charged from external sources, PHEVs can generate phenomenal MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) estimates.
• PHEVs operate as efficient hybrid vehicles even if you don’t externally charge them.
• PHEVs don’t rely on public EV charging stations to travel long distances, as fully-electric vehicles do.
• Certain models can qualify for federal, state, local and utility purchase incentives.

• PHEVs typically cost thousands more than gas-only or hybrid SUVs.
• PHEVs can be complex, and require maintenance to be performed at dealerships.

Check your tire pressure
Underinflated tires are a leading cause of lousy fuel economy. Inflating your SUV’s tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures can not only improve fuel economy, but it can also ensure maximum tire life.

Drive the speed limits
According to the EPA, lowering your highway speed 5 to 10 mph can increase your fuel economy by 7% to 14%. Plus, it’s safer and can save you the cost of a speeding ticket.

Ease up on the AC
An SUV’s air conditioning is a major drag on fuel economy on hot days. You can save some gas by limiting its use or raising your cabin temperature a few degrees.

Use Cruise Control
Aggressive acceleration and choosing routes with lots of stop-and-go driving are terrible for your SUV’s fuel economy. Instead, you want to accelerate smoothly, choose routes with few stops, use your SUV’s Eco mode and employ your vehicle’s cruise control when the conditions are right.

Use the right oil
Today’s high-tech engines are designed to use precise weights and grades of motor oil. Using the one recommended by the manufacturer not only maximizes the engine’s efficiency, but it can also maximize its life. Using the wrong one can lead to early engine failure.

Removed unnecessary items to lower weight
With the cargo room of many SUVs, it’s easy to accumulate a lot of stuff you don’t need to be carrying around every day. Removing the gear you don’t need and taking the unused cargo top box off your roof reduces your SUV’s weight and wind resistance. Both help fuel economy.

Plan your route
Planning where you need to go without taking unnecessary turns can save you fuel on your trips.

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• 2024 Subaru Crosstrek: 29 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
• 2024 Buick Encore GX: 30 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
• 2023 Toyota RAV4: 30 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
• 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer: 31 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
• 2023 Volkswagen Taos: 31 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
• 2024 Kia Seltos: 31 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
• 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: 32 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10
• 2023 Hyundai Kona: 32 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
• 2023 Nissan Kicks: 33 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10
• 2023 Nissan Rogue: 33 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: 34 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
• 2023 Lexus RX350h: 36 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
• 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 36 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
• 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid: 37 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
• 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: 38 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
• 2023 Toyota Venza: 39 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 7.6/10
• 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid: 39 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
• 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 40 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
• 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid: 40 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
• 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid: 42 MPG Combined | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.1/10
• 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid: 42 MPG Combined | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10