5 Best Luxury SUVs with the Best Gas Mileage According to TrueCar
The luxury SUV segment offers something for nearly everyone. That’s especially true if you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient luxury SUV. In fact, if you are, you’ll be interested in this list of the best fuel-efficient luxury SUVs, according to TrueCar.
TrueCar’s 5 best fuel-efficient luxury SUVs
Recently, TrueCar published a list of fuel-efficient luxury SUVs. Lexus dominated the top four with three models, but Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz also had strong entries. We’ll highlight engine specs and fuel economy data for each, and we’ll look at whether the most fuel-efficient luxury SUV is the best choice for the money.
1. 2023 Lexus UX
The 2023 Lexus UX comes in four different trim levels: 250h, 250h Premium, 250h F Sport Design, and 250h F Sport Handling, each with the option for front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Every Lexus UX variation employs a 181-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with four valves per cylinder and a 14:1 compression ratio. 2023 Lexus UX prices start around $36,000, but TrueCar says the most popular UX 250h Premium AWD is nearly $40,000.
The hybrid drive system has a 24.0 kW electric motor with regenerative braking. In addition, the system uses start/stop engine technology and an Eco drive mode to stretch every mile possible from a gallon of gasoline. This technology, paired with the Lexus UX’s small crossover aerodynamics, results in an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 42 mpg.
2. 2022 Lexus NX
The luxurious 2022 Lexus NX starts at $39,500 and comes in 15 variations, including three hybrids and two plug-in hybrids. TrueCar reports that the $46,000 NX 350 Premium AWD is the most popular NX luxury SUV, but it only gets 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
For better fuel economy, opt for the hybrid NX 350h Premium to get an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined. The NX 350h Premium uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 240 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Like the UX, the NX features an Eco mode with an engine start/stop system and regenerative braking.
3. 2023 Lincoln Corsair
As one of the non-Lexus models on TrueCar’s list of the best fuel-efficient luxury SUVs, the 2023 Lincoln Corsair offers three trim levels starting at about $40,000. The Corsair Standard and Reserve models come in front-wheel or all-wheel drive versions, while all-wheel drive is the only option for the Grand Touring model.
According to TrueCar, the $44,270 Corsair Reserve FWD equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the most popular and gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The Corsair Grand Touring AWD features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 266 horsepower from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid combination. With up to 28 miles of electric driving range, the Grand Touring Corsair returns up to 78 MPGe combined or 33 mpg on gas only.
4. 2022 Lexus RX
Much like the 2022 Lexus NX luxury SUV, the Lexus RX offers 15 models, but with its starting price of $47,070, it’s a step above the NX. TrueCar reports that the most popular model is the base RX 350 FWD equipped with a 295 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and, as a non-hybrid, gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.
The Lexus RX entry-level hybrid RX 450h AWD produces 308 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6-based hybrid powertrain. This combination features regenerative braking and an Eco driving mode but does not utilize engine start/stop technology. In comparison, it’s better than the non-hybrid RX, with fuel economy being EPA-estimated at only 30 mpg combined.
5. 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA
One of two non-Lexus models on TrueCar’s list of the best fuel-efficient luxury SUVs is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA. The GLA is the smallest Mercedes-Benz SUV and, according to TrueCar, “offers the styling, feel, luxury, and solidity of its larger brand siblings.” All at an affordable base price of $38,650, too.
Even better? The new GLA is a fuel-efficient SUV. In fact, the most popular GLA model is the GLA 250 4MATIC. It comes equipped with a 2.0-liter I4 Turbo engine. The luxury SUV also has all-wheel drive. Delivering an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA makes for an intriguing pick in its segment.
Which fuel-efficient luxury SUV is the best buy?
With a starting price of around $36,000, the 2023 Lexus UX 250h is the most economical fuel-efficient luxury SUV on our list and offers the best fuel economy. While it isn’t as luxurious or large as others listed here, it is still better than the average small SUV.