There isn’t a lot to hate about SUVs, but the poor gas mileage is definitely at the top of the list. Thankfully, there are some great SUVs that are surprisingly good on gas. Technology has gotten better, so automakers are upping their game in an effort to draw in new consumers. Lexus, which has revolutionized the auto industry in many ways, is ahead of the game in this area.

Not only does the Japanese automaker plan to offer an electric option for each of its vehicles, but the 2020 UX Hybrid was ranked as the most fuel-efficient SUV by U.S. News. Here’s how it compares to its rivals and other great features that make the UX hybrid stand out from the crowd.

The Lexus UX Hybrid

Before we discuss why the Lexus UX hybrid is considered to be the most fuel-efficient SUV by U.S. News, let’s check out some facts about the UX. At first glance, it may look like a large sedan, but that’s because it’s a compact crossover. In other words, you get the best of both worlds. 

The UX Hybrid comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). There are both a four-cylinder gas engine and dual electric motors. Together, these can generate up to 181 hp, which isn’t exactly the best. If you’re looking for an SUV that has some great acceleration, the UX Hybrid is definitely not it.

Car and Driver reports that it takes 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. While not everyone cares about speed, if you’re trying to pull out and there is a whole flock of cars descending upon you, then you need to get out of the way as quickly as possible. With the Lexus UX Hybrid, you might have to sit there for a while so that you can safely turn. 

While the lack of speed may be off-putting, there are plenty of great features that make the UX Hybrid worth buying. It has a quiet interior, drives like a dream, and has some great safety ratings. According to Car and Driver, “the 2020 UX earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).” 

Some other features include Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, a Wi-Fi hotspot, standard lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, and a limited warranty that covers 4 years or 50,000 miles. The Lexus UX Hybrid starts at $33,325, making it a very affordable small SUV.

How did the Lexus UX Hybrid earn such a prestigious award?

While U.S. News tends to give out a lot of awards, being named the No. 1 fuel-efficient SUV is probably one of the best. Consumers who are looking for an SUV that doesn’t guzzle gas will probably be more likely to purchase the one with the highest rating. That’s why it’s such a big deal that the UX Hybrid earned this award.

According to U.S. News, the UX Hybrid costs approximately $850/year in fuel costs to drive. That’s not bad at all. It also gets 43/41 mpg city/highway, giving it better fuel mileage than many sedans out there.

How does it compare to the competition?

The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid came in second place and costs $900 to drive per year in fuel costs. It gets 44/37 mpg city/highway, but some think it looks too much like a car. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was the third-place winner, and it costs $750 worth of fuel to drive per year. It might cost less money-wise, but it is less fuel-efficient, with only 41/38 mpg city/highway. The SUV that came in last was the 2020 Toyota C-HR, and it costs $1,250 a year to drive fuel-wise. 

The Lexus UX Hybrid has the best gas mileage out of all the SUVs that made the list, and it’s one of the cheapest. If you’re looking for a great SUV that is small and easy on gas, then the UX Hybrid may be exactly what you want.