5 SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage You Must Consider
From mild off-roading capability to extreme towing and hauling, SUVs and crossovers have become the default choice for many American car shoppers. The success behind these sport utility vehicles has spurred automakers to invest in ever-more fuel-efficient drivetrains. As a result, the best gas mileage SUVs aren’t just small and lightweight anymore.
You can now find good fuel economy ratings across the board, whether you’re looking for a moderately priced or an eco-friendly family hauler. According to the EPA, here are the best gas-mileage SUVs for 2022.
1. 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid PHEV
While it is one of the best small SUVs you can buy, the new Ford Escape Hybrid is also one of the most fuel-efficient. In fact, when equipped with front-wheel drive, this Ford has an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. If you step up to all-wheel drive, those numbers drop slightly to 38 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
According to EPA, the Ford Escape FWD PHEV returns 105 mpg in a combined electric and gas cycle, which is the highest rating of any SUV. Under its hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works in tandem with an electric motor. Together, they produce 200 hp and send power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
2. 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
With an EV driving range of up to 42 miles and a combined EPA-estimated rating of 94 mpg, the RAV4 Prime is one of the best gas mileage SUVs in its class—and it’s also the quickest. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with an electric motor that helps it sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a CVT.
The RAV4 Prime can tow up to 3500 pounds. Besides its excellent fuel economy, the RAV4 Prime comes standard with many features, including LED headlights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
3. 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV
The automaker’s first-ever plug-in hybrid model, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 227 hp. All-wheel drive is optional, and power is routed to the ground through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai estimates that the Tucson PHEV will return 33 miles of electric-only driving range. The Tucson is EPA-rated for 80 mpg in combined electric and gas mode. It’s rated for 35 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway when running on gasoline power alone.
4. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid PHEV
The seven-passenger Hyundai Santa Fe is the largest SUV on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s a gas guzzler. When equipped with front-wheel drive, this hybrid SUV gets 33 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. As with the Tucson Hybrid, Santa Fe’s powertrain consists of a turbocharged 1.6- liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
Hyundai estimates that the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV will return 76 mpg and 30 miles of all-electric range. The Santa Fe combined EPA rating is 36 mpg when running on gas power alone. Standard features include LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
5. 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid PHEV
The three-row Kia Sorento is one of the best SUVs you can buy, and its hybrid model is no different. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 1.6- liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The total system output is 227 hp and channels power through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Kia estimates that the Sorento PHEV will return 32 miles of electric-only driving range and 79 mpg in combined electric and gas, city/highway. When running on gasoline power alone, the Sorento hybrid is EPA-rated for 36 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The bottom line is that if you’re looking for an SUV with the best gas mileage, there are plenty of options. You’ll have to decide which features are most important to you and how much you’re willing to spend. Meanwhile, some worst gas-mileage SUVs in 2022 are still available if you’re not concerned about fuel economy. These include the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, 2022 Cadillac Escalade, 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2022 Dodge Durango, and 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. All of these have combined EPA ratings of 20 mpg or less.