5 Full-Size SUVs with Best Gas Mileage According to TrueCar
With higher fuel prices and the growing hybrid vehicle market, full-size SUVs are falling under further scrutiny. However, many American buyers still prefer three rows of seats and ample cargo space to facilitate their daily activities.
Luckily, auto manufacturers have answered the call for better fuel mileage in larger vehicles. Enhanced aerodynamics, economical engine management systems, and lighter building materials mean plenty of bigger SUVs ease pain at the pump. In fact, many of them can achieve gas mileage in the mid to upper 20s on the highway. Here, we’ll cover some of our favorite full-size SUVs with the best gas mileage from True Car’s list.
2023 Cadillac XT6
The pleasantly-appointed seven-seater from Cadillac comes with two engine options. A base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will give 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions can get 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The EPA states that all-wheel drive configurations (AWD) only rob one mpg on the highway. Buyers can opt for the 3.6-liter V6 with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, allotting 19 city mpg and 26 highway. Figures show AWD zaps one mpg from both city and highway driving. The Cadillac XT6 comes in three trim levels—Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport—starting at $51,900 and going up to $61,490.
2023 BMW X7
BMW’s comfortable and opulent three-row-only X7 SUV comes in two trim levels, but both are spacious, palatial places to be. The popular xDrive40i model has a 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged I6 putting down 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. BMW says the seven-seater has a 48V mild hybrid system to boost fuel mileage. With all four wheels driven, the EPA estimates the X7 to achieve 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Prices start at $77,850, making it the most expensive option for full-size SUVs with respectable gas mileage.
2022 Audi Q7
The tech-heavy full-size SUV choice from Audi features standard AWD, responsive handling, and three rows of well-trimmed seating. With three trim levels, the base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter making 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Although it’s mated to a mild hybrid system, fuel mileage is 20 city and 25 highway, per the EPA. Prices start at $64,095, which is expensive for buyers looking to save at the pump.
2023 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a fantastic choice for buyers shedding the gas-guzzling characteristic of traditional full-size SUVs. The comfortable eight-seater has a 3.8-liter V6 providing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Powerful enough to tow 5,000 pounds, the AWD Palisade still has reasonable fuel mileage. The EPA estimates 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. For FWD models, 27 mpg can be achieved in highway cruising. Among its five trim levels, the widely-liked Calligraphy AWD starts at $52,395.
2023 Buick Enclave
There’s a lot the 2023 Buick Enclave full-size SUV shares with the Cadillac XT6, including its powertrain. All three trim levels of the Enclave come with the 3.6-liter V6 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. With 310 hp, the Buick is no slouch, especially when optioned with AWD. The EPA estimates that particular configuration will achieve 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Yet, FWD variants will see a one mpg bump for both driving styles. The price for the base Essence FWD trim begins at $46,195, going all the way past $60,495 for the Avenir AWD.
Which full-size SUV should you buy?
Unfortunately, the Audi’s narrow third row is an issue. It may bring riding comfort to smaller adolescents but suffers from sparse cargo space. While the spacious BMW has more room and beautiful stitching than you can shake a stick at, it’s quite expensive. Although nicely equipped, Buick’s Enclave doesn’t offer the luxury interior buyers want for that price point. Additionally, while Cadillac’s XT6 quells some concerns regarding amenities, its performance isn’t as good as its competitors.
When it comes to the Hyundai Palisade, it isn’t as fuel efficient as other offerings in the segment. While that may be a bit of a downer, it checks all the boxes buyers want in a full-size SUV. The Palisade is easy to drive, roomy, and relaxed, and it has the latest infotainment and driver assistance technology. Furthermore, it’s one of the least expensive in the segment and comes with an industry-leading warranty.
