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For a long time, as SUVs got larger and engines got smaller (due to emissions regulations), we were starting to see a drop in gas mileage figures. However, due to recent developments in hybrid technology, the smaller gas engines can be offset with an electric drivetrain assist.
I am a big fan of hybrid vehicles. I see a massive future in what these vehicles can provide in mileage and power figures. Getting over 40 miles per gallon in an SUV is impressive, and these SUVs below have easily reached that coveted mileage.
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1. Kia Niro
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The Kia Niro comes in both a gas (hybrid) vehicle and a purely electric version. Both are impressive in their range and gas mileage. The hybrid Niro gets 54 miles per gallon on the highway and 53 in the city. That makes this little compact SUV the best gas mileage you can get out of an SUV without needing to switch to a fully electric version.
2. Kia Sportage Hybrid
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As I say repeatedly, I am so incredibly impressed with the vehicles that Kia is pushing out right now. The newly redesigned Sportage turns it from a cartoonish economy vehicle to a sporty, well-styled, competitive SUV. While it may not look sporty, it still has impressive gas mileage (in the hybrid version), as it can get 44 miles per gallon on the highway and 42 in the city, meaning no matter what you do, you are sitting in the forties.
3. Honda CR-V Hybrid
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Honda is a brand that I keep forgetting exists, with their products not being overly exciting over the past decade or so. However, suppose your priorities are less on the exciting side of the spectrum, like mine, and more on the gas mileage side. In that case, the CR-V Hybrid is going to pique your interest.
This latest generation of CR-V hybrids competes with the others on this list by getting 43 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway.
4. Lexus UX 250h
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The Lexus UX 250h is quite similar to the Toyotas CH-R (which is not found on this list). However, its hybrid platform allows it to hit some impressive gas mileage figures, with it getting 43 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on the highway.
That is achieved with a small 4-cylinder engine assisted by a mild hybrid system, giving it 196 horsepower, which is impressive for this small SUV. Lexus also has some of my favorite styling elements, with its large grille and luxurious interior.
5. Ford Escape Hybrid
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The Ford Escape has been around since the 2001 model year. It has gone through several iterations, with the current one being the less-offroad version of the Ford Bronco Sport. While it has yet to discover its true identity in Ford’s lineup, it offers one stand-out feature: its gas mileage.
The hybrid version of this small SUV can get up to 42 miles per gallon if you stick to the highways, making it easy to place it on this list. However, if you do a bit more stop-and-go on the roads, it dips to 36 miles per gallon with that city driving.
6. Lexus NX 350h
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If you look at the Toyota RAV4 and wish it had more luxury and pointiness, then the NX 350h is what you should be looking at. This Lexus(ified) version of Toyota’s offering is an excellent option if you hope to get both luxury and gas mileage.
The “h” at the end of its name indicates that it is a hybrid. The NX 350h can get a whopping 41 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the highway. It’s strange how, with these hybrid drivetrains, city driving gets better gas mileage now (due to the electric drivetrain kicking in more).
7. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
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On the flip side of the Lexus, as discussed above, if you want a less luxurious version of the NX 350h and more of a sporty, off-road-oriented vibe, then the RAV4 will be your best bet. The RAV4 is no stranger to hybrid drivetrains and, in fact, was one of the first fully electric SUVs to ever be released (in contrast to Toyota’s stance on EVs now).
That said, it gets similar gas mileage of 41 in the city and 38 on the highways in a more budget-conscious package.
