SUVs are popular for several reasons, including safety, practicality, and cutting-edge technology. However, contemporary SUVs also have excellent handling qualities and remarkable fuel efficiency. Finally, fuel economy is a major factor for SUV buyers. There are currently many fantastic choices available to you if you're in the market for a fuel-efficient SUV.
Furthermore, some have great fuel efficiency but lack acceleration power, while others have both. Most of the choices here are hybrids, and they successfully merge the fuel-saving qualities of hybrids with the versatility that has made SUVs desirable.
2023 Toyota Venza
Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 39 mpg
Starting Market Avg: $36,507
Overview
The Toyota Venza is a great choice if you're looking for a vehicle that prioritizes your comfort without sacrificing speed or fuel economy. Hybrid Venza provides great fuel efficiency regardless of trim. Some rivals provide more space in the back for passengers and have better acceleration, but not many can match the newest Venza features.
The Toyota Venza can seat up to 7 people comfortably and is offered in 4 distinct trim levels. The Nightshade AWD is the best-selling model with a Hybrid 2.5L I4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This Venza gets an estimated 40 city and 37 highway MPG.
Pros
- Beautiful, calm interior
- Hybrid powertrains provide great mileage.
- High safety ratings
Cons
- The top-tier models are priced as luxury cars
- Inadequate space for passengers or goods in the trunk
Final Review
The Venza has two rows of seats, an all-wheel drive, and an attractive design (AWD). This Toyota hybrid SUV is not the ideal option if you need a vehicle for towing because it is pricey, produces only 219 horsepower, and has a low top speed. The hybrid powertrain, though, is responsive and powerful enough for most daily use. It costs more than comparable midsize SUVs, but it feels more luxurious. However, it is one of the smallest cars in its class, so if you require a lot of passenger capacity, you might want to look at the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which has three rows of seating instead of two. Furthermore, Venza's lack of a towing rating makes it less practical than competing SUVs.
2023 Kia Sorento
Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 37 mpg
Starting Market Avg: $31,792
Overview
In its class, the Kia Sorento stands out as one of the few three-row SUVs. When you consider its low price, high resale value, and innovative hybrid variants, it's clear that this vehicle is a cut above the competition. The Kia Sorento can seat seven people and is offered in eleven distinct trim levels. The SX FWD is the most common trim, and it has a 2.5L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive for a starting price of $40,215. The EPA has assessed fuel economy for this Sorento to be 22 city/29 highway.
Pros
- Well-equipped cabin
- Hybrids are fuel-efficient
Cons
- Limited third-row seating space
- Comparatively low tow rating
Final Review
The Sorento is affordable, has greater fuel efficiency (particularly with the hybrid models), and is simpler to park than the more substantial and laudable Kia Telluride. Even if the third row is a bit cramped in these compact SUVs, they are suitable for occasional usage by passengers of average height and weight. The 2023 Kia Sorento is a great option to consider if you don't need a lot of cargo room.
2023 Toyota Highlander
Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 36 mpg
Starting Market Avg: $37,597
Overview
There's a reason the Toyota Highlander outsells every other three-row SUV on the market. This timeless design combines reliability, safety, electronics, comfort, space, and fuel economy. The Toyota Highlander can seat eight people and is offered in eleven different trim levels. Front-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter inline-four turbocharged engine are standard on the XLE FWD, which starts at $43,155 and is the most often purchased trim level. The fuel economy for this Highlander is predicted to be 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Pros
- Motor with improved fuel efficiency and torque
- Excellent crash-test results
- Highly regarded for reliability
Cons
- Costlier than most rivals
- Not as powerful as the previous V6
- Third-row leg space is quite cramped
Final Review
When compared with competitors like the Ford Explorer Hybrid, the Highlander Hybrid is both more affordable and more fuel-efficient. However, adults will find the Toyota's third row to be cramped, and storage space is limited behind that row. However, when the second and third rows are folded flat, cargo capacity increases dramatically. If you enjoy the Highlander, this hybrid's price premium is lower than most others, making it worth considering.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 34 mpg
Starting Market Avg: $29,876
Overview
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has impressive performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and a more luxurious interior than one would anticipate for the price. There are two hybrid options to choose from, one of which is a plug-in hybrid with a maximum range of 31 miles on electric power alone. There are 8 different Hyundai Santa Fe trims available for this 5-seat SUV. The SEL AWD, with its 2.5L I4 engine and standard All Wheel Drive, is the most popular trim level, and it can be purchased for as little as $35,185. This Santa Fe is projected to achieve 22 city MPG and 25 highway MPG.
Pros
- Different engine options
- Cutting-edge technological features
Cons
- No third-row seats.
- Power lags and surges are common in turbo engine transmission
Final Review
The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is a suitable alternative to the more expensive Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, and it costs a few grand less to get rolling. Should you buy the Sorento? Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal taste. We think the Hyundai looks just as nice, if not better, than the competition and offers similar quality at a lower price.
2023 Subaru Outback
Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 28 mpg
Starting Market Avg: $29,775
Overview
The Outback is a good choice for SUV consumers who want two rows of seats, good road performance, and a luxurious cabin for passengers and goods. It's a safe, reasonably priced, well-equipped, and fuel-efficient AWD crossover. The base 4-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower, which isn't quite impressive but does deliver great fuel economy. The 260-hp turbo-4 is available as an upgrade and achieves 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Each Outback has advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and user-friendly media players as standard equipment.
Pros
- Superior comfort and safety
- Ample room for transporting goods
Cons
- Old-fashioned wagon style
- There is no available performance model.
- Not capable of driving in difficult off-road conditions
Final Review
The Outback is the undisputed champion among non-hybrid midsize SUVs, thanks to its remarkable combined fuel efficiency rating of 29 mpg. However, the normally aspirated four-cylinder engine (182 hp) required for such efficiency is only capable of delivering rather moderate acceleration.
If you can get beyond the Outback's weaker engine, you'll find that it's an excellent choice thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, roomy cabin, and growing list of high-tech features. Additionally, the 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available and achieves an acceptable 26 mpg combined.
2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
Combined Fuel Economy: 27 mpg
Starting Market Avg: $50,795
Overview
The Ford Explorer Hybrid has three rows of seats, a large luggage area, and a potent hybrid engine that can generate 318 horsepower. The new Explorer outperforms its previous model due to its smooth ride and nimble handling. Unlike many hybrids, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds when fully equipped.
Additionally, a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is offered in the Explorer and achieves a class-leading 24 mpg. Fuel economy is below par in other Explorer trims. The Explorer's interior is not as high-quality as those of rival vehicles. On the other hand, this Ford SUV has a lot of useful technological extras and a stellar safety record.
Pros
- Excellent crash-test scores
- Large cargo capacity
Cons
- Expensive
Final Review
Although the press and public have panned the Explorer for returning to a rear-wheel-drive style, the Explorer Hybrid's outstanding fuel efficiency is hard to dispute. All-wheel drive is available, however, it reduces fuel economy to 25 mpg. Moreover, the Explorer Hybrid is rather costly. The new Explorer Hybrid can be an exciting pick for those already fond of the vehicle.
2023 Chevrolet Blazer
Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 25 mpg
Starting Market Avg: $36,220
Overview
This midsize SUV stands out for its sleek styling and athletic looks. It takes design cues from the Chevrolet Camaro and drives more like a sports car than a truck-based SUV. Chevrolet Blazers are 5-seaters with 4 trim options. The 2LT FWD, which has a starting price of $36,495 with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine, is the most popular model. This Blazer is anticipated to get 22 city MPG and 29 highway MPG.
Pros
- Excellent maneuverability
- Distinctive and elegant exterior
Cons
- No hybrid version.
- Fewer cargo spaces than rival SUVs
Final Review
Cargo space is limited in the Chevrolet Blazer compared to other models. However, its attractive sheet metal and powerful optional V6 make it stand out. So if you're in the market for an SUV, and want something that looks good and drives fun, the Blazer is a good option.
How We Ranked The Midsize Suvs With The Best Gas Mileage
The most fuel-efficient models of midsize SUVs were ranked according to their combined city/highway mpg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Midsize sport utility vehicles (SUVs) include two or three rows of seating and fall between smaller subcompact SUVs and larger full-size SUVs, making them ideal for most families.
The 2022 Toyota Venza is the most fuel-efficient midsize SUV. The combined city/highway mileage rating is 39 mpg.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been around for a while on the second-hand market, and it's a great choice if you're looking for a vehicle that offers good gas mileage.
