These days it can be hard to purchase a vehicle that combines family transport and fuel efficiency. When most people think of fuel-sipping vehicles, they tend to think of small sedans and compact cars with minimal passenger and cargo space. Nobody wants to spend more than they need to at the pump. But what if I tell you that you can get the best of both worlds if you opt for an SUV with fuel economy in mind. SUVs are versatile vehicles for transporting passengers and cargo, and you don’t have to sacrifice fuel economy to get the space and all-weather traction you want. In fact, many SUVs now have fuel economy on par with large cars.
To help, we’ve listed the 7 best Gas mileage SUV vehicles based on the overall fuel-economy test results, omitting electric vehicles. Overall mileage is calculated from equal portions of city and highway driving.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2016-2018)
Overall Gas Mileage: 31 Mpg
City Mpg: 26
Highway Mpg: 36
Starting Price: $34,130
Topping our list at an estimated 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway in its four-cylinder engine, the 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the best gas mileage SUV on our list. The RAV4 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, which delivers power to the front wheels. The RAV4 Hybrid normally operates in a front-wheel-drive mode, but when extra traction is needed, an electric motor powers the rear wheels. Compared to other SUVs, it accelerates more quickly, and since the hybrid drive-train uses a continuously variable automatic transmission, power flow is smooth and free of jarring gearshifts.
Nissan Rogue Hybrid (2017)
Overall Gas Mileage: 33 Mpg
City Mpg: 31
Highway Mpg: 34
Starting Price: $27,000
Offering an estimated 31 mpg city and 34 mpg highway in its all-wheel drive, base four-cylinder engine version, the 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid is the second-best gas mileage SUV on our list. It supplements that fuel efficiency with a smooth ride, a roomy and upscale interior, and strong crash safety ratings. Although its average mpg is higher than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Rogue’s tepid acceleration and unrefined hybrid system left it to second place in this list. The Hybrid version is great for growing families and, depending on the trim you choose, comes in both two- and three-row seating options. 3-Row SUVs with good gas mileage are bliss for a family person.
Chevrolet Equinox (2018)
Overall Gas Mileage: 32 Mpg
City Mpg: 26
Highway Mpg: 38
Starting Price: $24,500
Offering an estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway in its 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, the Chevrolet Equinox is the third-best fuel-efficient SUV on our list. The American car brand SUV comes with 2 more options, a 2.0-liter turbo engine or a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel that promises to be the fuel-economy play of the bunch. The diesel is paired with a six-speed automatic. The highway gas mileage is best among compact SUVs, while the average figure is exceeded only by a hybrid version of the Nissan Rogue. If we do a gas mileage comparison, the SUV beats the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid but because of the Lethargic transmission and sluggish acceleration, it is not at the top spot.
Nissan Juke (2016)
Overall Gas Mileage: 30 Mpg
City Mpg: 28
Highway Mpg: 32
Starting Price: $21,000
The 2016 model of Nissan Juke shows better gas mileage numbers than its 2017 manual counterpart. Boasting an estimated 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway in its 1.6 L 4 cylinder, front-wheel-drive version, the 2016 Nissan Juke makes our list of SUVs with the best gas mileage and is available in five trim levels: base S, well-equipped SV, and SL and sportier Nismo and Nismo RS. The Nismo model equipped with the six-speed manual gets the best highway fuel economy with 30 mpg combined. Additional it is the most economical SUV on our list with good gas mileage.
Lexus RX-450h (2013 & 2017)
Overall Gas Mileage: 30 Mpg
City Mpg: 31
Highway Mpg: 28
Starting Price: $46,890
The 2013 Lexus RX 450H with front-wheel drive and the 2017 Lexus RX 450H both offer an estimated 30 average mpg in their V6 engines. A V6 engine, three electric motors, and a continuously variable automatic transmission are standard. With 308 horsepower, the RX hybrid’s powertrain gives this SUV peppy acceleration and instant throttle response. One thing is for sure, if you are not tight on your budget, there is currently nothing like the RX 450H out there, and that coming from a Japanese carmaker, is something to trust on.
Honda HR-V (2016)
Overall Gas Mileage: 29 Mpg
City Mpg: 27
Highway Mpg: 31
Starting Price: $25,000
Offering an estimated 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway in its 141-hp four-cylinder engine, the 2017 Honda HR-V LX successfully makes it to the list of best fuel-efficient SUVs. The 2016 Honda HR-V is also available in three trim levels, including the base LX, EX, and EX-L Navi. Besides the longer-standing history and reputation of the brand, it also benefits from the high fuel economy and an unobstructed outward view. However, its noisy engine contributes to its place in the bottom half of a competitive class.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2017)
Overall Gas Mileage: 28 Mpg
City Mpg: 29
Highway Mpg: 27
Starting Price: $36,270
The all-wheel-drive Highlander Hybrid is powered by a V6 engine and three electric motors that generate a combined 306 horsepower. The Highlander Hybrid gets excellent gas mileage for a midsize SUV, earning an estimated 28 average mpg. This SUV is a great option for those looking for a larger SUV. It has all the things to be considered for a family car.
It can be hard to combine family transport and fuel efficiency. But these are two things almost every person would like to have since family haulers usually spend a lot of time on the road. Do any of these fuel-efficient SUVs suit your priorities?