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No one wants to spend additional time and money at the pump. After all, why would they? Fortunately, plenty of new SUVs are designed to make the most out of every gallon that you put into them. That’s especially true of TrueCar’s picks for the best, most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is one of the best most fuel-efficient SUVs 

The RAV4 has a reputation for being a reliable compact SUV. It also has a reputation for being among the most fuel-efficient new SUVs. That’s especially true of the 2021 Toyota RAV4, which found itself among the best most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021, TrueCar reports.

Though, it’s no surprise as to why. Under the hood of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. This year’s new RAV4 is also available with a hybrid powertrain, which provides an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

As for how much the 2021 Toyota RAV4 costs? Opting for a base model will set you back approximately $26,250. Upgrading to a more well-equipped RAV4 will cost you, however. In fact, at its most expensive, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 costs $37,330.

The 2021 Ford Escape is a fuel-efficient new compact SUV 

The 2021 Ford Escape also found itself among TrueCar’s picks for the best, most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021. Standard under the hood of this new compact SUV is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. 

The Ford Escape also offers three additional engine options, including a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, a hybrid 2.5-liter engine, and a plug-in 2.5-liter engine. While the Escape’s available 2.0-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, its available hybrid 2.5-liter engine can manage an EPA-estimated 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. 

Meanwhile, the plug-in Ford Escape boasts an EPA-estimated rating of 105 MPGe combined city/highway. The 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid is on the most expensive side, however. In fact, while the base model Ford Escape starts at $25,555, the plug-in Ford Escape starts at $33,075.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a new luxury SUV

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Ford Escape are both fuel-efficient compact SUVs. Meanwhile, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a new luxury SUV that boasts “supreme off-road abilities.” Those differences, however, didn’t stop TrueCar from including the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport among its picks for the best, most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021.

As a matter of fact, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine under the hood, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport achieves an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, according to U.S. News & World Report. Opt for a V8-powered Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and those numbers do dip significantly. 

Perhaps the only downside to the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is its price. Though, it is a luxury SUV, after all. Base models ring in at $69,500. Meanwhile, the most expensive 2022 Land Rover Sport costs upwards of $98,500.

The 2021 Kia Niro offers three fuel-efficient engine choices

A Kia Niro Hybrid SUV at an auto show,
Kia Niro | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

As for the best, most fuel-efficient SUV of 2021? TrueCar highlighted the 2021 Kia Niro. At the heart of the new Kia Niro is a 1.6-liter engine with a hybrid electric motor. According to the EPA, the setup delivers an impressive 53 mpg in the city and 58 mpg on the highway. Overall, the EPA reports that the 2021 Kia Niro’s base engine will save drivers up to $4,000 in fuel costs over the first five years of ownership.

A fuel-efficient engine isn’t all this new compact SUV has going for it either. It also offers up a “comfortable and user-friendly cabin,” TrueCar added. The backseat provides ample amounts of space for kids and teens alike. The new Kia Niro also offers a slew of people-pleasing features, including standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

And when it comes to pricing? The 2021 Kia Niro finds itself among the most affordable new compact SUVs under $25,000. In fact, opt for a base model, and you’ll be spending only $24,690. If you’re shopping for a new SUV under $30,000, that price tag is certainly manageable.

Which fuel-efficient option is the best SUV for you?

If you’re in the market for the best, most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021, TrueCar’s picks make for a great place to start. To determine which fuel-efficient new SUV is the best fit for you, we recommend hitting the road for a few test drives.

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