10 SUVs With the Best MPG for 2023
Spend less time at the pumps with these fuel-friendly SUVs.
Photos by Multiple Manufacturers
When it comes to fuel economy, SUVs have become far more fuel friendly, with some models sporting hybrid gas-electric powertrains to deliver fuel economy on par with a subcompact car.
We've combed through vehicles that have been rated according to the Environmental Protection Agency's fuel-economy test. What's not included are any models with a plug. Those all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are considered separately because they tend to cost more and are available in far fewer body styles and configurations.
Toyota
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
36 MPG
One of the few three-row crossovers on this list, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is rated at 36/35/36 mpg city/highway/combined. For reference, that's 1 mpg better on the combined cycle than the Toyota Corolla, a compact economy sedan. This family-friendly hybrid crossover's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version starts around $42,000 and puts out 243 horsepower.
Lexus
2023 Lexus RX 350h
36 MPG
Sweet fuel economy is also available for high-end car shoppers, as the well-equipped RX Hybrid offers 37/34/36 mpg from its all-wheel-drive (AWD) gas-electric powertrain. The Lexus luxury crossover has 246 horsepower and costs about $51,000, which buys a snazzy exterior and such interior niceties as a 9.8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring as well as a power-adjustable steering column.
Hyundai
2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
38 MPG
Hyundai has several hybrids in its stable, including the 226-hp Tucson. This model's small size helps it achieve 38/38/38 mpg. The standard Tucson Hybrid starts around $33,000, making it one of the least expensive options here, even though all models come equipped with AWD, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors.
Toyota
2023 Toyota Venza
39 MPG
Toyota's sleek Venza has many similarities to the automaker's popular RAV4 but has a distinct style and is only available as a hybrid. The standard AWD powertrain delivers 219 horsepower and manages 40/37/39 mpg. This attractive crossover starts above $36,000, about $3,500 more than the RAV4 Hybrid.
Lexus
2023 Lexus NX 350h
39 MPG
Another flashy-looking Lexus joins the list with an eye-catching 41/37/39 mpg. The NX 350h spins 240 horsepower to all four wheels and costs about $44,000, which makes it slightly less expensive (but also a little less powerful) than the thirstier, non-hybrid NX 350 with AWD. Those two present an intriguing choice: thrift or power?
Ford
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
39 MPG
Mid-trim ST-Line and higher versions of the Ford Escape offer an efficient hybrid powertrain. This setup is available in FWD or AWD, but both deliver the same 42/36/39 mpg city/highway/combined. The hybrid system puts out just 192 horsepower, making the Escape among the least powerful choices on this list. The standard hybrid starts around $35,000 with FWD.
Honda
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
40 MPG
If you're shopping for a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, keep this in mind: There's a big efficiency penalty for AWD. Front-drive models are rated at 43/36/40 mpg, while sending power rearward, too, means a 40/34/37-mpg rating. The CR-V Hybrid runs around $34,000 to start.
Toyota
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
40 MPG
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes in a whopping seven trim levels starting around $33,000 with standard AWD. Sure, the base RAV4 Hybrid LE may sidestep decadence with its 17-inch alloys, manually adjustable front seats, and relatively small 8.0-inch touchscreen, but there's little to argue in terms of its value. Above the LE, Toyota has six more trim levels that work their way up to the dressy RAV4 Hybrid Limited.
Lexus
2023 Lexus UX 250h
42 MPG
To get to 43/41/42 mpg city/highway/combined, Lexus squeezes just 181 horsepower out of the UX Hybrid's gasoline-electric powertrain. That's not much grunt, but with those EPA fuel-economy estimates, the UX will likely keep wallets happy at the fuel pump. The UX starts at $36,000, which makes it relatively inexpensive for a luxury model.
Kia
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
43 MPG
Mechanically related to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, the Kia Sportage Hybrid manages its higher-than-Hyundai fuel-economy rating thanks to its 227-hp FWD setup, versus the Tucson's standard AWD. In front-driven configuration, the hybrid Sportage is rated at a chart-topping 42/44/43 mpg.
For just $29,000 or so, it's also a bargain compared with others on this list. Opt for AWD, and the Sportage Hybrid's fuel economy matches the AWD Tucson Hybrid at 38/38/38 mpg city/highway/combined.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Sami Haj-AssaadSami Haj-Assaad is an award-winning automotive journalist who has contributed to several automotive, electric vehicle, luxury lifestyle, and technology publications. His work isn't just limited to the written word, as he's also hosted YouTube videos and podcasts. Having grown up in the '90s, he has a strong sense of attachment to that era's style, though he also loves to geek out about the modern, futuristic tech and powertrains rolling out today.
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