Out with the Gas-Guzzlers and In with the Eco-Friendly
Are there any SUVs with the best gas mileage? There sure are! SUVs are the second most popular vehicle type (behind pickup trucks) sold in America and the number one choice of single-car families.
In 2021, the top fuel-efficient SUVs averaged a remarkable 55 MPG combined. This year, thanks to hybrids and plug-in hybrids, the utilization of lighter materials, and more advanced engines, the top 20 performers average 60.9 combined MPG, and that's not counting EV SUVs.
If you want to party like it's 1979, there are still gas-guzzling models like Dodge Durango SRT and Toyota Land Cruiser at 15 MPG, Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 14 MPG, or the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk at 13 MPG. But for the rest of us who are concerned about unstable fuel prices, and air quality, there is an exciting selection of gas-sipping SUVs.
Remember that most of the top performers are plug-ins, meaning their fuel efficiency is measured in MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent), which is a measurement of energy, not volume like MPG. It's confusing but the practical take away is, the higher the MPGe the lower the fuel cost.
Here are Some of the SUVs with the Best Gast Mileage
2022 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring Plug-in - 78 MPGe
Travel in Lincoln luxury in this compact plug-in hybrid sipping gas in hybrid mode or running entirely on electricity for 28 miles. Powered by a turbocharged 2.5L inline-four gas engine paired with two electric motors (one for each axel) for a combined 266 horsepower, the Lincoln Corsair provides a sporty acceleration and, in a very un-Lincoln like way, is fun to drive. Packed with technology and smart luxury, this AWD is an excellent choice for those looking for a sophisticated SUV experience with a bit of spice.
2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid - 79 MPGe
If you're thinking about SUVs with the best gas mileage, the Sorrento has got to come to mind. This SUV is something you don't see every day because it is in a segment of its own. Outside of the luxury class, it is the only three-row, six-passenger, midsize SUV Plug-In. An IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Kia Sorrento Plug-In is equipped with a turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine and an electric motor powered by a 13.8 kWh battery. This combination yields 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque channeled through a six-speed transmission to all four wheels. The interior can be as plain or as tricked out as you want and can afford. However, even the base trim comes with high-demand infotainment features, a wireless charging device, and USB ports in all three rows.
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid - 90 MPGe
A compact crossover with legitimate off-road creds, the Crosstek is powered by a 2.0L flat-4 engine backed up with an electric motor powered by an 8.8 kWh battery resulting in 148 hp combined. Passing can be a challenge, but the AWD and 8.7-inch clearance make it ideal for dirt roads and sketchy terrain. Not yet rated by the IIHS, the 2021 edition earned a Top Safety Pick rating. Most trims come with driver assist and active safety systems like adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. The 8.8 kWh battery can be fully charged in five hours with a standard 120V outlet or less than 20 minutes at a Level 2 charger.
2022 Toyota RAV4 PRIME Plug-In Hybrid - 94 MPGe
This ride is hugely popular and you can expect to wait several months if you order one today. But it's worth it. Powered by a 2.5L inline-4 cylinder gas engine and two electric motors, the RAV4 PRIME puts out 302 hp giving it downright snappy acceleration. The fuel efficiency comes from its ability to go 42 to 45 miles, more miles than most people drive in a day, on electric power only. Bigger batteries typically mean less cargo space in SUVs, but the RAV4 PRIME is the exception, with 30 cubic feet behind the back row and 75 cubic feet overall. Great driving dynamics, a comfortable interior, and 5-year ownership cost Motor Trend rates as excellent, earn this ride the popularity it has.
2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid - 105 MPGe
Leading the list for SUVs with the best gas mileage is the Ford Escape Plug-in. Equipped with the same 2.5L inline-4 cylinder engine as the Lincoln Corsair but with one electric motor rather than two, the Escape can travel 37 miles on battery power before the engine takes over. Unfortunately, the Escape is unavailable as an AWD, so people in the snow belt are likely to ignore it. Other than that, the Escape Plug-in has a lot to offer, including a competitive MSRP, an excellent 5-year cost of ownership, generous passenger room, 34/61 cubic feet of cargo space, and a host of infotainment and safety technology. The Ford Escape Plug-in is the closest you can get to an EV and still have a gas engine.