Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs

Dustin Hawley | Sep 20, 2022

Recent events have clearly shown us that gas prices can get volatile. What seems like an affordable fill-up one week can become rather expensive the next. 

Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs

SUVs tend to consume more fuel than any other type of car. Would the circumstances be different, gas efficiency wouldn’t matter, but as gasoline prices rise, people tend to pay more and more attention to this factor. 

In this article, we will take a look at the most fuel-efficient SUVs. We will talk about five moderately priced vehicles, touch upon fuel efficiency tests and discuss technical aspects of these car models. 

Top 5 Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs 

When car manufacturers develop a particular model, they run multiple tests. When they finish, the results are transferred to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), which conducts even more tests under laboratory conditions to confirm the results. While we will not go into specifics, it is crucial to know that one of these “trials” is for fuel economy.

The result of a fuel-efficiency test is an indicator called mpg or miles per gallon. It represents the distance measured in miles that a car can travel per gallon of fuel. The higher a car’s MPG, the more fuel-efficient it is.

We browsed the car market and picked five moderately priced SUVs that will save you money on fuel. Electrical SUVs are more fuel-efficient than their counterparts, but their sticker price is markedly higher. While we did include a couple of hybrids, we understand not everyone is up for expensive purchases. With that in mind, here are our top picks:

  • 2022 Mazda CX-30
  • 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
  • 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
  • 2022 Buick Envision
  • 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander 

Fully redesigned for 2022, Mitsubishi Outlander is a small crossover that is a decent deal for the money. A premium-trimmed cabin, well-balanced driving dynamics, and many infotainment and driver assistance features come with a moderate price tag of $26,095-$42,965. 

This car model has an engine capable of outputting 181 horsepower and has variable automatic transmission. EPA rated Outlander at 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, bringing it to 25 mpg overall. 

2022 Buick Envision 

Buick is a well-recognized domestic brand that produces high-quality vehicles. In 2022 it introduced a redesigned Buick Envision and addressed the flaws of the first generation. This car has several handy features: heated front seats with lumbar support, automatic climate control, and Active Noise Cancellation. It also boasts a 26 mpg in overall fuel efficiency. 

Comfortable, quiet, and mildly upscale, this SUV feels excellent when driving. It has a 228-horsepower engine, nicely complemented by a nine-speed automatic transmission. The asking price for this model is $31,500-$41,650.

2022 Mazda CX-30 

Priced at around $22,000 - $34,000, Mazda CX-30 is a good pick if you are looking for fuel efficiency. This car will satisfy, especially for its asking price, and it has a respectable fuel-efficiency factor (27 mpg overall). 

CX-30 is a relatively small SUV with a great interior. It has advanced safety features, responsive handling, excellent ride quality, and a powerful turbocharged engine. This model will offer you a comfortable ride with plenty of room for storage. 

2022 Ford Escape Hybrid 

The 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid is a fantastic car for its fuel efficiency. This vehicle offers everything for your comfort and sits pretty at 34 mpg overall. 

This car offers responsive handling, comfortable seats, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. It has an all-electric driving range of up to 37 miles and offers seating space for adults in both rows while incorporating a host of solid safety features.

Reasonably priced at around $26,510-$39,185, this vehicle is beat by our next contender, but only by a hair.

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 

As you can guess by the name, the Toyota Highlander hybrid is a gas/electric version of the mid-sized crossover that delivers fuel efficiency at over 35 mpg. The Highlander also has a roomy and comfortable cabin with an elegant design.

The Highlander comes in five trims, and standard features include various critical accident-avoidance safety systems. Its engine can achieve 243 horsepower with the help of two electric motors, a 2.5-liter gas engine, and a continuously variable transmission. 

For this particular vehicle, you will have to set aside $35,405-$50,960. While the price is steep, keep in mind that you will be saving considerable sums of money on fuel. 

Summary

With gas prices rising, fuel efficiency becomes an increasingly important factor when choosing a vehicle. We offered you five to choose from, but there are many other models with great mileage, and some may just attract you more. 

All in all, we hope we’ve managed to help you narrow down your purchase. Happy driving!

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