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Overview
In the last couple of decades, the popularity of SUVs has shot up, overtaking hatchbacks and sedans as the preferred for personal and family use.
Around 70% of all auto sales in the US are SUVs.
People now prefer better seating and cargo capacity, and the rugged performance that SUVs offer on a variety of roads.
While traditional hatchbacks and sedans are more fuel efficient, it may take some time to catch up. But the good news is, SUVs have been getting smaller and their fuel-efficiency has been improving over the last couple of years.
The distance an SUV can travel in a gallon of fuel determines the cost of operating it over a period. Fuel prices have been shooting for the stars, with no sign of slowing down, and that is buyers are looking for a Fuel-Efficient Suv now more than ever.
So without further ado, let’s find out which are the best gas mileage SUVs 2026 has to offer.
The Best MPG SUVs for 2026
How is best gas mileage calculated?
Gas mileage is calculated by using a simple formula. Divide the miles covered with the amount of fuel you’ll need to refill the tank.
For more ease and efficiency, you might check out this Gas Mileage Calculator.
1. 2026 Hyundai Nexo
Type: Midsize 2-row, SUV Price: $56,400
Source: Hyundai
Nexo has a cargo-friendly interior, which is the same size as other crossovers, and sufficient passenger space for trips across the country.
As the Most Fuel Efficient SUV, the hydrogen-powered vehicle has a driving range of more than 500 miles per fill-up (California only, where hydrogen stations exist), and is also family friendly.
Its steering is electrically-assisted and has a steadier feel.
2026 Hyundai Nexo Specs
- Fuel Economy– 65 city/58 highway MPGe (hydrogen)
- Engine– Induction AC, 161 hp, 291 lb-ft, with a 1.6-kWh li-ion battery pack
- Cargo– 30 ft3
2. 2026 Kia Niro
Type: Compact 2-row, SUV Price: $27,390
Source: Kia
EPA grades the Kia Niro at 53 miles per gallon combined, which is much better than the majority of SUVs in the market to help you save a lot on gas and play a part in saving the planet, one step at a time.
Niro packs several standard features such as rear occupant alert, and has added other useful features such as wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2026 Kia Niro Specs
- Fuel Economy– 53 city/54 highway
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 1.6-liter inline-4, permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor, with a 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery
- Cargo– 19.4 ft3
3. 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid
Type: Midsize 2-row Price: $33,890
Source: Ford
The midsize SUV has a stylish cabin, and the exterior is smooth and irresistible.
The plastic panels inside the cabin feel cheap and the cloth upholstery is reserved for the middle of the pack. Escape’s cargo space is decent for road trips.
2026 Ford Escape Hybrid Specs
- Fuel Economy– 42 city/36 highway (AWD)
- Engine– Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve inline-3
- Cargo– 99 ft3
4. 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Type: Compact 2-row, Price: $31,900
Source: Toyota
The plug-in hybrid version’s electric driving range is up to 52 miles. This is more than enough to reduce dependence on gas and increase savings.
The Hybrid’s cabin is well-built, stylish and practical, and you have ample space for your small cargo. Controls and buttons are easier to find and use.
Base level features of this Fuel-Efficient Suv include adjustable cargo area floor, telescoping and tilting steering wheel and dual zone automatic climate control.
2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Specs
- Fuel Economy– 47 city/40 highway (FWD)
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, paired with a 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- Cargo– 33 ft3
5. 2026 Lexus UX 300h
Type: Compact 2-row, SUV Price: $36,955
Source: Lexus
A new adjustable rear cargo board increases the carrying capacity, and the standard features include rear-cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and all-wheel drive system.
Accelerator response on UX250h is now better, according to the manufacturer.
The Fuel-Efficient Suv, UX250h, has a quiet and refined steering wheel, and a good fuel saving capability for riding around the neighborhood and heavy traffic.
2026 Lexus UX 300h Specs
- Fuel Economy– 45 city/41 highway
- Engine– DOHC 2L, inline-4 hybrid engine
- Cargo– 22 ft3
6. Toyota Venza (Now: Crown Signia)
Type: Midsize 2-row SUV Price: $33,885
Source: Toyota
While Venza’s price tag might be steep, it makes up for it with a combined 219 hp, a standard all-wheel-drive and an optional panoramic sunroof t hat changes between opaque and transparent.
A standard 8.0-inch touchscreen graces the SUV dashboard with all the necessary infotainment and connectivity needed.
Toyota Venza Specs (Crown Signia: 39/37)
- Fuel Economy– 40 city/37 highway
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4, with a 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- Cargo– 29 ft3
7. 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Type: Compact 2-row, SUV Price: $35,630
Source: Honda
The compact SUV has a stylish and spacious two-row cabin, coupled with sufficient storage for the roadtrips.
The overall ride quality is pleasant and has a myriad of standard technology and safety features. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen.
Perhaps CR-V’s acceleration is not mouthwatering, but its strong brakes and smooth steering are standouts. The hybrid system is also smooth and unobtrusive.
2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Specs
- Fuel Economy- 43 city/36 highway (FWD)
- Engine- DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter engine, with a 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- Cargo- 33 ft3
8. 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Type: Midsize 3-row, SUV Price: $49,615
Source: Toyota
Highlander Hybrid’s overall design is attractive, and its standard features are generous, but the interior styling could do with improvements.
The SUV comes with 295-hp 3.5-L V-6 which gives a stable and efficient performance, and the passenger space is relatively generous, with third-row seating.
Cabin materials are an improvement from the previous generations and higher trims offer much better comforts. For most trims, the 11-speaker JBL audio system and 8.0-inch infotainment system are standard.
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Specs
- Fuel Economy– 36 city/35 highway
- Engine– DOHC 24-valve V-6, direct fuel injection, with aluminum block and heads
- Cargo– 16 ft3
9. 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Type: Subcompact 2-row, SUV Price: $33,995
Source: Subaru
Why We Picked It: The subcompact SUV has a trunkier, attractive styling and a practical cabin.
A all-new series-parallel hybrid system, introduced for 2026, pairs 194 hp with standard all-wheel drive — and its all-weather demeanor is better than ever.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid makes a lot of fuss with engine noise on the road, but Subaru enthusiasts have nothing to complain about. It’s made to be intimidating and they like it that way.
The SUV has a firm and comfortable suspension that soaks up rough spots on the road quite well.
Charging using a standard household 120-volt outlet takes five hours and two hours with a 240-volt outlet.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Specs
- Fuel Economy– 36 city/36 highway (36 combined)
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve flat-4, direct fuel injection, with aluminum block and heads
- Cargo– 21 ft3
10. 2026 Nissan Kicks
Type: Compact 2-row, SUV Price: $22,730
Source: Nissan
Why We Picked It: Nissan Kicks is a stylish and comfortable SUV for around town drives. The crossover has a souped up appearance, with streamlined headlamps and taillights, and a larger grille.
Apart from being one of the best-MPG non-hybrid SUVs for 2026 — now fully redesigned with available AWD — Kicks is more nimble on the road than its counterparts, and it is with a dose of fun with it.
Even the interior is fun with splashes of color all around to break the monotony of black that you find with other crossovers.
The small SUV has generous standard equipment and its cabin is roomy for family use.
2026 Nissan Kicks Specs
- Fuel Economy– 28 city/35 highway (FWD)
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve inline-4
- Cargo– 25 ft3
11. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV
Type: Midsize 2-row/3-row, SUV Price: $36,400
Source: Hyundai
Why We Picked It: Santa Fe HEV has an air of style and attractive demeanor to it, and the cabin is nicely equipped and comfortable, with ventilated seats, head-up display and digital gauge cluster.
As the Most Fuel Efficient SUV, Santa Fe HEV is great for family outings and professionals always on the move.
Santa Fe has a lot of curb appeal, driver assist tech and a quilted leather upholstery and fancy calligraphy trim level. It lives up to Hyundai’s reputation of solid build quality.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Specs
- Fuel Economy– 36 city/35 highway
- Engine– Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4
- Cargo– 36 ft3
12. Mazda CX-3 (Discontinued)
Type: Subcompact 2-row SUV Price: $21,965
Source: Mazda
Why We Picked It: Mazda discontinued the CX-3 in the US after 2021 — today its closest successor is the Mazda CX-30 (26 city/33 highway mpg). Perhaps the CX-3 was the smallest Mazda SUV, but that did not imply that everything else was low profile, or small-sized. If anything, the subcompact utility vehicle is fun to drive and its premium cabin is comfortable.
This Mazda SUV comes packed with a plethora of standard features such as blindspot monitoring, automated emergency braking, automated climate control and lane-departure warning.
Mazda CX-3 Specs (CX-30: 26/33)
- Fuel Economy– 27-29/32-34 (city/highway)
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-capable inline-4, direct fuel injection, aluminum block and head
- Cargo– 10-12 ft3
13. 2026 Subaru Outback
Type: Midsize 2-row, SUV Price: $36,445
Source: Subaru
Why We Picked It: The 2026 Subaru Outback — fully redesigned with boxier, more SUV-like styling — is designed for family and adventures.
It has a cargo-friendly cabin and a standard all-wheel drive for all terrains. The SUV takes on the rutted road quite well and its steering is smooth, much to the gladness of outdoorers.
Outback’s engine does not have the characteristic annoying drone that annoys most people. It can tow up to 2700 pounds, for the standard engine, and 3500 pounds for the supercharged version.
Added standard features include seat belt warning and chime, rear seat reminder system, and adaptive headlights.
2026 Subaru Outback Specs
- Fuel Economy– 25 city/31 highway
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve flat-4, direct fuel injection, aluminum block and heads
- Cargo– 33 ft3
14. 2026 Nissan Rogue
Type: Midsize 2-row, SUV Price: $29,090
Source: Nissan
Why We Picked It: The 2.0-liter four-cylinder powered SUV boasts a capable handling and smooth ride, but the braking and acceleration are unexciting. It has a well-built and comfortable cabin that gives every passenger some good wiggle space.
Rogue has a light steering that makes cornering much easier and manageable. Its fuel efficiency makes up for any shortcomings in driving dynamics.
While the storage capacity is not the most exciting, passengers can still carry a good amount of their shopping home. Its driver assist tech is advanced and functional.
2026 Nissan Rogue Specs
- Fuel Economy– 29 city/36 highway (FWD)
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve inline-4, direct fuel injection, aluminum block, and head
- Cargo– 20 ft3
15. 2026 Lexus NX 350h
Type: Small 2-row SUV Price: $44,175
Source: Lexus
Why We Picked It: The 2026 Lexus NX 350h is a small luxury SUV that not only lets drivers save gas expenses, but also have fun while at it.
NX boasts a spacious cabin and the cargo space is more than enough if you suddenly decide to go on a road trip or spending spree.
Power delivery is consistent and predictable and is not a hassle to drive NX in traffic. The steering wheel is light and this adds to the pleasure of driving.
Given that NX has a higher center of gravity, twisty roads may feel arduous. But the overall experience is better.
2026 Lexus NX 350h Specs
- Fuel Economy– 41 city/37 highway
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, with a 1.6-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack
- Cargo– 17 ft3
16. 2026 Kia Seltos
Type: Small 2-row, SUV Price: $23,790
Source: KIA
Why We Picked It: KIA Seltos, the Best MPG SUV, comes with the characteristic sharp handling, a host of tech features, and a roomier cabin.
Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection and lane centering assist, and other various driver assistance features are standard. Others include interior ambient lighting.
Seltos has a large 10.3-inch touchscreen as part of the cutting-edge infotainment system that the SUV brings along. The handling is sharp and the overall ride is smooth.
Noticeably, the interior materials are well-chosen and comfortable. Everything about Seltos is reminiscent of the excellence in Telluride SUV.
2026 Kia Seltos Specs
- Fuel Economy– 28 city/34 highway (FWD)
- Engine– turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, direct fuel injection, aluminum block, and head
- Cargo– 27 ft3
17. 2026 Hyundai Venue
Type: Small 2-row, SUV Price: $22,150
Source: Hyundai
Why We Picked It: The 2026 Hyundai Venue is the kind of vehicle that cruises around congested places and small spaces with ease. It is compact and agile.
Even though Hyundai Venue is one of the budget-friendly options, its interior looks and feels premium. Venue’s compact demeanor can make people think that it has a small interior, but that is not the case.
Its interior is spacious and pleasurable, and the cargo area increases considerably by folding the back seat flat.
2026 Hyundai Venue Specs
- Fuel Economy– 29 city/33 highway
- Engine– DOHC 16-valve inline-4, port fuel injection, aluminum block, and head
- Cargo– 19 ft3
18. 2026 Hyundai Kona
Type: Small 2-row, SUV Price: $25,500
Source: Hyundai
Why We Picked It: The 2026 Hyundai Kona — in its bold, pixel-lit second generation — has an award-winning styling that combines with crisp handling to make it a top option. This great design is not restricted to the exterior; it finds its way inside.
Kona has a comfortable and exceptionally styled cabin that accommodates four adults effortlessly.
The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly when picking up speed, and the overall handling is agile. Kona’s suspension system is effective on bumps and its EPA ratings are good.
2026 Hyundai Kona Specs
- Fuel Economy– 29 city/34 highway (FWD)
- Engine– Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, direct fuel injection, aluminum block, and head
- Cargo– 19 ft3
19. Ford Explorer Hybrid (Discontinued)
Type: Midsize 3-row, Price: $34,170
Source: Ford
Why We Picked It: With loads of cargo space and three rows of seating, the Ford Explorer Hybrid was excellent for road trips and family travels — but note that Ford dropped the hybrid option after 2024; used examples remain a smart three-row value.
The space behind the rear seat is plenty of room for your shopping, and the third row seat ensures that no one is left behind. Hands free power liftgate is available as a standard feature.
Its light off-roading capability and numerous features make it one of the best fuel-efficient SUV buys.
Ford Explorer Hybrid Specs
- Fuel Economy– 27 city/28 highway
- Engine– Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine with direct fuel injection, iron-and-aluminum block, and aluminum heads
- Cargo– 18 ft3
20. Land Rover Range Rover P400e
Type: Full-size 2-row, SUV Price: $115,450
Source: Land Rover
Why We Picked It: Land Rover Range Rover lives up to its reputation as a premium vehicle with top of the range styling, features, and interior comfort.
Today’s plug-in Range Rover (the P400e’s successor) underscores this opulence with roughly 50 miles of electric-only range, better than most other comparable plug-in hybrids.
The plug-in hybrid is remarkable in continuing with the tradition of blending off-road capability with luxury.
Land Rover Range Rover PHEV Specs
- Fuel Economy– 18 city/23 highway (plus ~50 miles electric range)
- Engine– turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve diesel V-6, direct fuel injection, iron block, and aluminum heads; 13.1-kWh battery pack
- Cargo– 32 ft3
21. 2026 Ford Expedition
Type: full-size 3-row SUV Price: $62,700
Source: Ford
Why We Picked It: Most SUVs are not as spacious, and if they are, they cannot match the creature comforts of the 2026 Ford Expedition, which is fully redesigned this generation. The SUV has room for up to eight passengers and has a stout towing capacity.
Standard features include a rear-wheel drive and an independent rear suspension that improves handling and the overall driving experience.
There is an imprecise feel to the steering, but that does not affect its soft ride.
The overall experience is smooth and exciting, and given all the space inside, the Ford Expedition is comfortable. It can tow up to 9300 lbs.
2026 Ford Expedition Specs
- Fuel Economy– 17 city/23 highway
- Engine– twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, port, and direct fuel injection, aluminum block, and heads,
- Cargo– 36 ft3
22. 2026 Lincoln Navigator
Type: Full-size 3-row SUV Price: $100,000+
Source: Lincoln
Why We Picked It: Lincoln Navigator has lots of power from the twin-turbo V6 and its premium appearance makes it a road attraction. It is therefore responsive and has lots of speed for the highways.
The big SUV is the best example of how third-row seating should be because it is comfortable and has sufficient space for adult passengers.
Navigator has everything good on the inside, such as leather upholstery, metal accents, and wood trims.
2026 Lincoln Navigator Specs
- Fuel Economy– 16 city/22 highway
- Engine– Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine with aluminum block and heads
- Cargo– 19 ft3
23. 2026 BMW X7
Type: Midsize 3-row, SUV Price: $84,300
Source: BMW
Why We Picked It: The performance of the 2026 BMW X7 on the road is applaudable and its interior is upscale and comfortable. BMW keeps the X7 current with its latest curved-display iDrive and a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six as standard.
Other desirable standard features include the panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, and power adjustable front seats. You can get a little more power and grunt with the V-8-powered version but at the expense of fuel efficiency.
2026 BMW X7 Specs
- Fuel Economy– 20 city/25 highway
- Engine– Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8 engine, port, and direct fuel injection, aluminum block, and heads
- Cargo– 12 ft3
24. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Type: Full-size 3-row, SUV Price: $99,900
Source: Mercedes
Why We Picked It: The The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class delivers an undeniable premium driving experience and comfort. Its turbocharged inline-6 has plenty of power and its smooth operation sets it apart from competitors.
All three rows have sufficient space for every member of the family to travel in comfort. The cabin has upscale materials and is rich in tech.
GLS-Class has various exceptional standard features, such as pothole sensing, air suspension, and all-wheel drive. Newer features are ventilated seats, parking damage detention, and four-zone automatic climate control.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Specs
- Fuel Economy– 19 city/26 highway (GLS 450)
- Engine– Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6 engine paired with a 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery
- Cargo– 17 ft3
FAQs
1. What is the most fuel efficient suv with the best MPG?
The Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell SUV is the most fuel-efficient with class-leading mileage of 65 city/58 highway MPGe, and 61 combined. Among gasoline hybrids, the Kia Niro leads with 53 mpg combined.
2. What SUV gets over 30 mpg?
The following SUVs get over 30 mpg:
- Hyundai Nexo
- Kia Niro
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Lexus UX 300h
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Toyota Crown Signia
- Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Nissan Kicks
3. What are the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs?
The most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs are the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Seltos.
4. How to get better Gas Mileage?
Here are a few quick tips to help you get better gas mileage:
- Avoid rapid acceleration
- Don’t drive too fast on highway
- If possible, don’t go out during peak traffic times
- Keep the tires at full pressure
- Change air filter frequently
5. What SUV has the most towing capacity?
Written by Jake Ryder
Jake Ryder is the founder and lead reviewer at Road SUV. He has spent more than a decade behind the wheel of everything from subcompact crossovers to full-size 4x4s, logging thousands of highway and off-road miles across the United States. His reviews focus on what actually matters to real drivers: cargo space you can use, safety features that work, and honest talk about fuel economy and pricing.
