Follow us today…
Rising gas prices may come and go, but fuel economy is always at the top of most car shoppers’ minds. The good news? If you’ve been worried that choosing an SUV means giving up on saving money at the pump, think again. Thanks to advanced engineering and hybrid technology, many of today’s SUVs rival large sedans when it comes to miles per gallon without sacrificing the space, comfort, and all-weather capability you want.
Related article: Consumer Reports Best Deals on 10 Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs
Consumer Reports puts every vehicle it tests through more than 50 different evaluations, and fuel economy is one of the most closely watched. Using precision flow meters, CR measures mileage in both city and highway driving, then averages the results to give buyers a real-world overall mpg figure. For SUVs, the evaluations are conducted with all-wheel drive, since that’s how most shoppers purchase them.
Unsurprisingly, hybrid SUVs dominate the rankings. Not only are they leading the pack in overall efficiency, but many of them also achieve a level of performance once unheard of in the SUV: 35 mpg or more in combined city and highway driving.
In addition, several of these models carry Consumer Reports’ Green Choice designation, meaning they’re among the cleanest when it comes to tailpipe emissions. That makes them a smart pick not only for your wallet but also for the environment.
Below, you’ll find the most fuel-efficient SUVs based on Consumer Reports’ road tests, ranked by their overall mpg performance. Members can access full reviews and in-depth road test data for each vehicle.
If you’re not a member yet, joining via subscription is a minor investment that unlocks the complete ratings, buying guides, and recommendations CR compiles from every car it purchases and tests.
Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs (Consumer Reports 2025) Summarized
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (2025)
- Price: $28,395 – $31,580
- Fuel Economy: 41 mpg overall (34 city / 47 hwy)
Lexus NX Hybrid (2025)
- Price: $41,955 – $57,805
- Fuel Economy: 38 mpg overall (37 city / 39 hwy)
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2025)
- Price: $28,850 – $40,205
- Fuel Economy: 37 mpg overall (32 city / 41 hwy)
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid (2025)
- Price: $33,970 – $40,050
- Fuel Economy: 37 mpg overall (30 city / 43 hwy)
Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid (2025)
- Price: From $38,400
- Fuel Economy: 37 mpg overall (32 city / 40 hwy)
- Bonus: ~37 miles electric-only range
Advertising
Lexus UX (2025)
- Price: $36,740 – $46,775
- Fuel Economy: 37 mpg overall (32 city / 42 hwy)
Kia Sportage Hybrid (2025)
- Price: $28,790 – $37,790
- Fuel Economy: 36 mpg overall (31 city / 39 hwy)
Honda CR-V Hybrid (2025)
- Price: $34,650 – $41,100
- Fuel Economy: 35 mpg overall (31 city / 38 hwy)
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (2025)
- Price: $33,465 – $41,295
- Fuel Economy: 35 mpg overall (29 city / 40 hwy)
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2025)
- Price: $39,520 – $53,675
- Fuel Economy: 35 mpg overall (27 city / 41 hwy)
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (2025)
- Price: $40,860 – $58,775
- Fuel Economy: 35 mpg overall (27 city / 41 hwy)
The Take-Away Summary
Amongst the most fuel-efficient SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports, three standouts merit your attention:
The Most Fuel-Efficient: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (41 mpg)
The Best Luxury Hybrid MPG: Lexus NX (38 mpg)
The Best Large 3-Row Option: Toyota Highlander/Grand Highlander (35 mpg each)
For something a little different while SUV shopping, consider a true utility SUV designed to do one important thing other SUVs cannot.
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance. He also covers modern cars—including EVs—with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. Follow Tim on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites) and Facebook for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com
