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SUVs aren’t exactly famous for fuel efficiency, but that’s changing. Hybrid technology has come a long way, so you no longer have to compromise between space, towing power and mileage. Many of the SUVs with the best gas mileage in 2024 outperform even sedans of yesteryear.
If you’re in the market for an efficient but spacious car, here’s a look at 10 SUVs with the best gas mileage available today. You’ll notice a lot of crossover with our 2023 most efficient SUV list, but some cars have changed in the rankings as new models came out.
1. Kia Niro — 53 mpg
Leading the pack is the 2024 Kia Niro, which gets a whopping 53 miles to the gallon. Sustainability is easily the key selling point of this hybrid. Mileage aside, it’s chock-full of recycled and natural materials, including eucalyptus leaves in the headliner.
If you want even more green for your money, there is an EV version of the Niro. However, the base model’s sub-$30,000 price tag is hard to ignore.
2. Kia Sportage Hybrid — 43 mpg
Kia lands in second place, too, with the Sportage Hybrid. While it gets 10 fewer miles to the gallon than the Niro, it also delivers more power. The Sportage Hybrid offers 226 horsepower, whereas the Niro gets just 139.
You can also get a four-wheel-drive version of the Sportage Hybrid, but it comes with a significant drop in mileage. The front-drive version is nothing to sniff at, though, especially given its storage space and legroom, both of which beat out the Niro.
3. Lexus UX Hybrid — 42 mpg
Not far behind the Sportage Hybrid is Lexus’s hybrid UX. Unlike Kia’s offering, the UX is more of a city car than one for hauling many goods or people. It’s small for an SUV and not all that powerful, but you get a lot of features you’d have to pay extra for in other cars.
All UX Hybrid models have a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is usually only available in the priciest versions of other vehicles. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard, as do an eight-inch touchscreen and four USB ports. It’s a tad more expensive than others on this list but an excellent choice for comfort and convenience.
4. Honda CR-V Hybrid — 40 mpg
The CR-V is one of the most recognizable SUVs around, and its 2024 hybrid model is one of the top SUVs with the best gas mileage. It gets an impressive 40 mpg, up to 204 horsepower and plenty of legroom.
The hybrid CR-V also drives better than many similar-sized hybrid SUVs. You also get Honda’s trademark reliability, so you know your investment is a safe one.
5. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — 40 mpg
The Toyota RAV4 is even more popular than the CR-V and one of the best cars for college students, thanks to its reliability and affordability. The latest hybrid version adds category-leading mileage to that list of benefits.
On top of being more efficient than the standard RAV4, the hybrid is faster and handles better. There’s also a plug-in hybrid version that lets you drive over 40 miles on electricity alone, but expect less overall efficiency as a trade-off.
6. Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid — 40 mpg
Unlike full hybrids, plug-in hybrids rely mainly on a battery you recharge with an external power source, using the engine as a backup. Usually, that means the engine is less efficient, but that’s not the case with the Ford Escape.
The 2024 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid gets more miles to the gallon than its full hybrid and all-gas versions. It also gets a whopping 250 horsepower — more than most others on this list.
7. Lexus NX 350h — 39 mpg
The Lexus NX 350h is another powerful but efficient hybrid. While it falls short of the Escape, it still gets 239 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid version — the 450h+ — can get up to 302, but it’s less fuel efficient, so it didn’t make this list.
Power aside, the NX 350h has plenty of cargo space, a sleek, modern appearance and many optional add-ons like heated seats and adaptive headlights. However, it is relatively expensive, especially for a souped-up RAV4.
8. Toyota Venza — 39 mpg
If you want something a little kinder to your wallet, check out the 2024 Toyota Venza. Its starting price is just above the average of $34,876, and it’s still one of the most impressive SUVs with the best gas mileage in 2024.
The Venza has three electric motors instead of the standard two, allowing for standard all-wheel-drive without sacrificing efficiency. It also comes packed with features, though its cargo space is lacking.
9. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid — 38 mpg
Even cheaper is the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, though it’s slightly less efficient, too. Still, 38 miles to the gallon is nothing to frown at, especially considering its impressive torque and surprisingly quick handling.
The Tucson Hybrid is quiet, even at highway speeds, making for a more comfortable drive. A large — if somewhat awkward-to-use — standard touchscreen provides an additional illusion of luxury despite the friendly price tag.
10. Kia Sorento Hybrid — 37 mpg
The last SUV with the best gas mileage in 2024 is another Kia — the hybrid Sorento. This mid-size SUV has three full rows of seats and still manages to squeeze out 37 miles to the gallon.
The engine is relatively small for a car this size, but the electric motors make up any loss of power you’d expect with that. It’s not the most feature-rich or heaviest-towing SUV, but its performance is impressive, given its mileage and price.
What’s a Good Mileage for an SUV in 2024?
Most new SUVs should be able to get around 30 mpg. Fully gas models will likely get less, while hybrids — which make up the entirety of this list — can get significantly more in some cases. Plug-in hybrids usually offer lower mileage, but you’ll use the gas engine less often, so your spending may even out.
Should You Buy a Gas or Electric SUV?
As fully electric SUVs become more common, it’s worth considering an EV if you’re already in the market for something efficient. On average, it costs $25 less to recharge an EV than to refill a gas car. If your SUV gets 40-plus mpg, you will have to refuel less often, but that may still be more expensive than more frequent but cheaper recharging times.
The big question is one of upfront price. All-electric SUVs cost significantly more than hybrids, even though they cost less to own over time. If you can afford a higher price tag and live in an area with many charging stations, an electric car is the way to go. If not, stick to the efficiency of a hybrid.
These SUVs Have The Best Gas Mileage Available
The SUVs with the best gas mileage today are a far cry from similar models in years prior. This vehicle class has become remarkably efficient in a minimal amount of time. If you want efficiency, power and storage space all in one package, start with this list. There’s an option here for any budget and need.
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
