Sport utility vehicles are the most popular vehicle segment in the United States by a wide margin. Gaining popularity since the 1990s, SUV sales overtook sedans for the first time in 2015. By 2019, SUVs outsold sedans two-to-one.
From the 1940s up through the ‘80s, SUVs were bare-bones four-by-fours that sold mostly to off-roaders and outdoor adventure seekers. In the decades since, the segment’s mass market appeal gained traction as automakers refined their SUV nameplates, transforming them into more practical, family vehicles – while still incorporating the off-road capabilities of their predecessors in many cases. (Here is a look at the 15 cars that hold their value the longest.)
While SUVs have evolved considerably over the years, one characteristic that has not changed – particularly for full-size SUVs – is their stigma as gas guzzlers. Due to their weight, larger engines, and higher ground clearance, SUVs will likely never achieve the efficiency of smaller sedans. Still, for those in the market for a new full-size SUV, some models are far more fuel efficient than others.
Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 25 most fuel efficient full-size SUVs on the market, ranked by best available combined miles per gallon. We only considered vehicles for the 2023 model year, excluding plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles. Full-size SUVs are defined by the EPA as those weighing between 6,000 and 9,999 pounds.
Variations of the SUV nameplates on this list are capable of anything from 21 to 35 miles per gallon of combined city and highway driving. It is important to note that though variations of these models are capable of relatively high fuel efficiency, many of these models are also available with far less efficient engines. For example though the Dodge Durango ranks on this list, the Durango is also available in an 8 cylinder engine that gets 13 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.
The three highest ranking vehicles on this list are hybrids, which combine a traditional internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors powered by batteries. Hybrid batteries, which charge automatically, offer supplementary power, resulting in reduced fuel usage. (Here is a look at the cars that have been completely redesigned for 2023.)
Click here to see most fuel efficient full-size SUVs.
Click here to see our detailed methodology.
Source: Courtesy of Dodge
25. Dodge Durango
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 12-19 city; 17-26 highway; 13-21 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 & 8 cylinder; 3.6, 5.7, 6.2 & 6.4 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $4,200
> Base MSRP: $38,890
[in-text-ad]
Source: Courtesy of Audi
24. Audi Q7
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 14-19 city; 20-25 highway; 17-21 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 & 8 cylinder & 6 cylinder hybrid; 2.0, 3.0, & 4.0 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,600 – $3,200
> Base MSRP: $59,200
Source: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
23. Jeep Grand Cherokee
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 14-19 city; 22-26 highway; 17-21 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 & 8 cylinder; 3.6 & 5.7 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $3,000
> Base MSRP: $41,530
Source: Courtesy of Honda
22. Honda Pilot (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 18-19 city; 23-25 highway; 20-21 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder; 3.5 & 6.0 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $2,200
> Base MSRP: $39,150
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Althom / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
21. Lincoln Aviator (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 17-18 city; 24-26 highway; 20-21 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder; 3.0 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $2,200
> Base MSRP: $56,990
Source: Courtesy of Chevrolet
20. Chevrolet Traverse (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 17-18 city; 25-27 highway; 20-21 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder; 3.6 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $2,200
> Base MSRP: $34,520
[in-text-ad]
Source: Courtesy of Buick
19. Buick Enclave (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 17-18 city; 25-26 highway; 20-21 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder; 3.6 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $2,200
> Base MSRP: $44,800
Source: Courtesy of Land Rover
18. Land Rover New Range Rover Sport (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 16-19 city; 21-26 highway; 18-22 combined
> Available engine(s): 8 cylinder & 6 cylinder hybrid; 3.0 & 4.4 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,500 – $3,050
> Base MSRP: $83,000
Source: Courtesy of BMW
17. BMW X7 (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 16-21 city; 21-25 highway; 18-22 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 & 8 cylinder hybrid; 3.0 & 4.4 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,500 – $3,050
> Base MSRP: $77,850
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Artistic Operations / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
16. Hyundai Genesis GV80
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 18-20 city; 23-24 highway; 20-22 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 & 6 cylinder; 2.5 & 3.5 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,500 – $2,750
> Base MSRP: $55,800
Source: Scott Olson / Getty Images News via Getty Images
15. Toyota Sequoia
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 19-21 city; 22-24 highway; 20-22 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder hybrid; 3.4 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,000 – $2,200
> Base MSRP: $58,365
[in-text-ad]
Source: Courtesy of Land Rover
14. Land Rover Discovery
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 19 city; 24-25 highway; 21-22 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 cylinder & 6 cylinder hybrid; 2.0 & 3.0 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,500 – $2,600
> Base MSRP: $58,400
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Courtesy of Subaru
13. Subaru Ascent
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 19-20 city; 25-26 highway; 21-22 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 cylinder; 2.4 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,000 – $2,100
> Base MSRP: $33,895
Source: shaunl / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
12. Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 20 city; 25 highway; 22 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder hybrid; 3.0 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,500
> Base MSRP: $57,700
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Courtesy of Cadillac
11. Cadillac Escalade
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 11-21 city; 16-27 highway; 13-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 & 8 cylinder; 3.0 & 6.2 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2, 4×4, & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $4,200
> Base MSRP: $79,795
Source: Courtesy of BMW
10. BMW X6 (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 13-21 city; 18-25 highway; 15-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 8 cylinder & 6 cylinder hybrid; 3.0 & 4.4 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,400 – $3,650
> Base MSRP: $70,100
[in-text-ad]
Source: Courtesy of BMW
9. BMW X5 (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 13-21 city; 18-26 highway; 15-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 8 cylinder & 6 cylinder hybrid; 3.0 & 4.4 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,400 – $3,650
> Base MSRP: $61,600
Source: Courtesy of GMC
8. GMC Yukon (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 14-21 city; 18-27 highway; 16-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 & 8 cylinder; 3.0, 5.3, & 6.2 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $3,400
> Base MSRP: $57,400
Source: Courtesy of Chevrolet
7. Chevrolet Suburban (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 14-21 city; 18-27 highway; 16-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 & 8 cylinder; 3.0, 5.3, & 6.2 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $3,400
> Base MSRP: $56,900
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Courtesy of Infiniti
6. Infiniti QX60
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 20-21 city; 25-26 highway; 22-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder; 3.5 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,400 – $2,500
> Base MSRP: $49,200
Source: Courtesy of Chevrolet
5. Chevrolet Tahoe
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 14-21 city; 18-28 highway; 16-24 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 & 8 cylinder; 3.0, 5.3, & 6.2 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,000 – $3,400
> Base MSRP: $54,200
[in-text-ad]
Source: Courtesy of GMC
4. GMC Acadia
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 19-22 city; 26-29 highway; 21-25 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 & 6 cylinder; 2.0 & 3.6 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,750 – $2,100
> Base MSRP: $36,500
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Courtesy of Volvo
3. Volvo XC90
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 20-22 city; 26-28 highway; 22-25 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 cylinder hybrid; 2.0 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,200 – $2,500
> Base MSRP: $56,000
Source: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
2. Ford Explorer
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 17-27 city; 21-28 highway; 20-27 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 & 6 cylinder, 6 cylinder hybrid; 2.3, 3.0, & 3.3 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,650 – $2,200
> Base MSRP: $36,760
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Courtesy of Toyota
1. Toyota Highlander (hybrid model only)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 35 city; 34-35 highway; 35 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 cylinder hybrid; 2.5 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,250
> Base MSRP: $40,220
Methodology
To identify the most fuel efficient new full-size SUVs, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data on estimated miles per gallon from the Environmental Protection Agency. SUVs are ranked on the highest EPA combined MPG available for each nameplate. In the case of a tie, when possible, the vehicle with the highest combined MPG floor, or the lower estimated annual fuel costs, ranks higher. We did not include electric vehicles or plug-ins.
Full-size SUVs are defined as those weighing between 6,000 and 9,999 pounds. In cases where a vehicle nameplate has packages that both exceed and fall below 6,000 pounds, we only considered the 6,000 pound and up packages.
Though SUVs are ranked on the most efficient combination of engine and drivetrain for combined city and highway driving, we also provide the range of fuel efficiency for each nameplate for all models available.
Estimated annual fuel costs are also from the EPA and assume 15,000 miles of driving – 55% city and 45% highway – with fuel costs of $3.42/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, $3.88/gallon for mid-grade unleaded gasoline, and $4.19/gallon for premium.
Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With A Financial Advisor (Sponsored)
Take the quiz below to get matched with a financial advisor today.
Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.
Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the
advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future
Take the retirement quiz right here.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
