Looking for a vehicle that saves you money at the pump? With rising fuel costs and a growing awareness of environmental impact, fuel efficiency is a top priority for many car buyers. While compact cars and sedans have traditionally been the go-to for maximizing miles per gallon, the SUV segment is now offering impressive fuel economy without sacrificing space and versatility. If you need the extra cargo room and passenger capacity of an SUV but don’t want to compromise on fuel mileage, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of top SUVs that offer some of the best fuel mileage in their class, helping you make an informed decision for your next vehicle purchase.
10. 2019 GMC Acadia
Starting at $29,000 – $47,500
The GMC Acadia, entering the competitive mid-size crossover SUV market, offers a blend of space and reasonable fuel consumption. This SUV, with a starting price under $30,000, provides three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. It’s designed to transport families comfortably while also being mindful of fuel efficiency.
20 MPG – Combined
The 2019 GMC Acadia achieves a combined fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon, balancing its size and passenger capacity with decent mileage for its class. This makes it a practical choice for families needing space without completely sacrificing fuel efficiency.
9. 2019 Dodge Durango
Starting at $30,445 – $63,245
The Dodge Durango, with a starting price around $30,000, presents itself as a strong value proposition in the full-size SUV category. It combines robust features with a focus on providing a comfortable and feature-rich driving experience.
15 MPG – Combined
While the 2019 Dodge Durango is a full-size SUV, its available 8-speed transmission and other features contribute to a combined fuel economy of 15 MPG. This figure, while lower than smaller SUVs, is competitive for its size class and the power it offers. Standard remote keyless entry and three-zone climate control add to its appeal as a family vehicle.
8. 2019 Subaru Ascent
Starting at $31,995 – $44,695
Subaru’s success with models like the Outback and Forester has paved the way for the Ascent, leveraging Subaru’s reputation for reliable and comfortable driving experiences. A key factor in Subaru’s appeal is the car-like handling and ease of driving they offer, even in larger models.
22 MPG – Combined
The 2019 Subaru Ascent delivers a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG, a notable achievement for a three-row SUV. This fuel efficiency, combined with Subaru’s renowned driving dynamics, makes the Ascent an attractive option for those seeking a larger SUV without excessive fuel consumption.
7. 2019 Nissan Pathfinder
Starting at $31,530 – $44,560
The Nissan Pathfinder balances passenger capacity with fuel economy, making it a practical choice for families. Historically, Pathfinders were more aligned with truck-like SUVs, but the 2019 model shifted towards a more crossover-oriented design, enhancing its fuel efficiency and on-road comfort.
21 MPG – Combined
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder achieves a combined fuel economy of 21 MPG. This balance of fuel efficiency and seating capacity makes it a compelling option in the competitive SUV market, particularly for those who prioritize practicality and value.
6. 2019 Honda Pilot
Starting at $31,450 – $48,020
The redesigned Honda Pilot crossover utility vehicle prioritizes interior space, comfort, and versatility. It’s engineered to offer the passenger and cargo benefits typically associated with minivans, while maintaining the driving characteristics and fuel efficiency of a crossover SUV.
22 MPG – Combined
The 2019 Honda Pilot boasts a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG. This fuel efficiency, coupled with its spacious three-row interior and Honda’s reputation for reliability, positions the Pilot as a strong contender for families seeking a practical and economical SUV.
5. 2019 Chevrolet Traverse
Starting at $29,930 – $53,200
The SUV segment is highly competitive, and Chevrolet has focused on making its lineup stand out. The Traverse aims to differentiate itself by offering significant interior space and features that cater to family needs, while also considering fuel consumption.
20 MPG – Combined
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse achieves a combined fuel economy of 20 MPG. This fuel efficiency, combined with its spacious interior and Chevrolet’s focus on value, makes the Traverse a noteworthy option in the competitive SUV market, especially for larger families.
4. 2019 Chevrolet Blazer
Starting at $28,800 – $45,600
The Chevrolet Blazer, with a starting price around $29,000, enters the mid-size SUV category with a competitive price point. SUVs are generally expected to be versatile and practical, and the Blazer aims to meet these expectations while also offering reasonable fuel economy.
21 MPG – Combined
The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer provides a combined fuel economy of 21 MPG. Positioned in the mid-sized SUV segment, the Blazer balances fuel efficiency with the versatility and features expected of an SUV, making it a practical choice for a variety of buyers.
3. 2019 Kia Sorento
Starting at $26,290 – $46,490
The Kia Sorento competes in the highly populated mid-size SUV segment. Fortunately for Kia, the Sorento distinguishes itself through its stylish design and a wide array of available features, offering versatility and value to consumers looking for fuel-efficient options.
21 MPG – Combined
The 2019 Kia Sorento achieves a combined fuel economy of 21 MPG. In a crowded market, the Sorento’s combination of fuel efficiency, bold styling, and versatile options helps it stand out as a compelling choice for SUV buyers seeking to minimize fuel costs.
2. 2019 Mazda CX-9
Starting at $32,280 – $45,365
The CX-9 is Mazda’s flagship crossover SUV, designed to comfortably carry up to seven passengers. It focuses on blending passenger capacity with driving enjoyment and fuel efficiency, making it a well-rounded option for families and individuals alike.
23 MPG – Combined
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 boasts a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG. This impressive figure is due in part to its fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, making it a leader in fuel economy among three-row SUVs. It’s an excellent choice for those who need space without wanting to compromise on fuel efficiency.
1. 2023 Mazda CX-5
Starting at $26,700 – $39,650
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 competes in a very popular segment against models like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. Even among these strong competitors, the CX-5 stands out for its sporty driving dynamics and surprisingly good fuel economy.
24 MPG – Combined
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 achieves a combined fuel economy of 24 MPG, making it a leader in its class for fuel efficiency. Its combination of sporty handling and excellent gas mileage, even when compared to its rivals, makes the CX-5 a top pick for those prioritizing both driving experience and fuel savings in a compact SUV.
Choosing a car with the best fuel mileage doesn’t mean sacrificing style, space, or features. As this list demonstrates, many SUVs offer impressive fuel economy, making them a smart choice for today’s drivers. Whether you prioritize passenger space, cargo room, or sporty handling, there’s a fuel-efficient SUV on this list that can meet your needs and help you save money at the pump.
