4 Affordable New SUVs That Get at Least 38 MPG: Eco and Wallet-Friendly
How important is fuel efficiency to you? For some drivers, whether or not a vehicle is efficient can make or break their decision to get it. Sometimes, the most efficient vehicles can be expensive. Here are four affordable new SUVs that get at least 38 miles per gallon combined.
Most affordable SUVs that get over 38 MPG
- 2024 Kia Niro (Starting MSRP: $26,840)
- 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid (Starting MSRP: $27,490)
- 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Starting MSRP: $31,475)
- 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (Starting MSRP: 34,905)
| New Hybrid SUV | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Niro | *Cheapest hybrid SUV * One of the most efficient vehicles on the market | *Not very powerful *Barebones base model |
| 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid | *Excellent value proposition *Recently redesigned | *Handling isn’t the best *Unrefined base model compared to some rivals |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | *A hybrid version of a best-selling SUV *Well-balanced and affordable | *Pricier than competitors like the Sportage Hybrid *Exterior and driving dynamics not as bold as some rivals |
| 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | *High power output thanks to hybrid powertrain system *Refined interior | *Competitors get better gas mileage *Some rivals have lower starting prices |
Hybrid SUVs can be expensive because of their complex hybrid powertrain systems. That said, they don’t always have to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of affordable hybrid SUVs on the market that provide incredible value for the money. Each of the hybrid SUVs listed above gets at least 38 miles per gallon.
| New Hybrid SUV (Year/Make/Model) | MPG |
|---|---|
| 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | 38 City, 38 Highway |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 41 City, 38 Highway |
| 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid | 42 City, 44 Highway |
| 2024 Kia Niro | 53 City, 54 Highway |
Most fuel-efficient SUVs under $30,000 for 2023
Only two hybrid SUVs have starting prices under $30K this year. Both hybrid SUVs are from the South Korean brand Kia.
The 2024 Kia Niro starts at $26,840. It can travel for a whopping 593 miles on a full tank (11.1 gallons). The subcompact hybrid SUV is a great deal because of its affordable price and stellar fuel efficiency. Kia’s Niro isn’t very quick and isn’t the most comfortable in its segment, but its value proposition is tough to beat.
If you want a subcompact SUV to shuttle around town in that sips gas, the 2024 Kia Niro is a great option. Furthermore, it’s affordable enough to splurge on upper trim levels and upgrade for more tech/creature comforts.
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $27,490. It greatly benefits from a major 2023 redesign. Kia’s small hybrid SUV is astoundingly affordable for such an efficient SUV. It has a 14.3-gallon gas tank and can travel for around 614 miles thanks to its amazing fuel economy. The LX base model configuration is rather barebones, but it comes in affordable EX and SX Prestige trims as well.
Family-friendly SUVs that get over 40 MPG
The 2024 Kia Niro is a great hybrid SV but isn’t the best option for families. If you have a small family, the Sportage Hybrid is the most efficient, affordable small family SUV. It balances practicality with great gas mileage, and most importantly, it doesn’t break the bank. Additionally, it has more cabin and cargo space than the Niro.
The Sportage Hybrid’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid powertrain system produce an exhilarating 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid the best hybrid SUV for families on the market? One thing is clear. Hyundai Motor Company is becoming one of the most dominant companies in the industry via Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
