The Best Used SUVs With Great Gas Mileage (And Solid Reliability)

We get it. You want an SUV, but you also want it to be fuel-efficient. Once upon a time, this was an unsolvable dilemma. However, in 2025, SUVs have never been more efficient, and many of today’s leading hybrid SUVs achieve figures that exceed 40 Combined MPG.

The reality is you have never been more spoiled for choice than right now when looking for a fuel-efficient SUV that doesn’t sacrifice reliability in the process. As a result, we assembled a list of the top ten most efficient used SUVs you can buy today. For the purpose of this list, we have excluded plug-in hybrid models and kept the list exclusive to hybrid SUVs. Join us as we break down each entry one by one.

The models on this list have been researched extensively, and all data provided is accurate as of the time and date of publishing. Models are listed in ascending order from least to most fuel efficient.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Average Fuel Economy: 37 MPG

While the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid may be the least efficient SUV on our list, its 37 MPG Combined is nothing to scoff at. The fourth generation of the Hyundai Tucson, introduced in 2022, also saw the first offering of a hybrid powertrain for Hyundai’s best-selling vehicle, the Tucson SUV. Considering the solid efficiency available in the Tucson Hybrid, its 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque offer respectable performance and responsiveness.

Considering this is one of the Korean brand’s first hybrid implementations on this platform, its refinement and functionality are impressive. We detract a couple of points because the turbocharged nature of this engine means it will have higher upkeep costs than a naturally aspirated equivalent in the long term. Yet, you also won’t be disappointed by the interior quality or ride quality, as Hyundai has turned making economy look and feel nice into an art form. Small gripes are things like the fact that the climate controls are unfortunately touch-screen based, and the piano black reflection of the large central infotainment panel produces a remarkable glare.

2024 Toyota Venza

Average Fuel Economy: 39 MPG

Want a Lexus luxury experience without paying Lexus prices? The 2024 Toyota Venza is effectively a restyled Lexus NX for less money, and its overall package provides undeniable value among fuel-efficient SUVs. The second-generation Toyota Venza may have had a short-lived production span (2021-2024), but we think that its quality is clear now more than ever. The 2024 Toyota Venza comes standard with AWD and Toyota’s leading hybrid 2.5-liter inline-four that achieves impressive efficiency without sacrificing reliability.

The exterior of the Toyota Venza looks sharp, and if you pulled the Toyota badges and replaced them with Lexus equivalents, 99 percent of onlookers wouldn’t bat an eye or recognize the difference. One thing you shouldn’t expect from a 2024 Toyota Venza is athletic performance, as its hybrid powertrain provides just enough juice to be adequate at best for an SUV of this size. However, the Toyota Venza is comfortable, looks and feels upscale, and provides more value than the majority of luxury SUVs.

2024 Lexus NX 350h

Average Fuel Economy: 39 MPG

If the aesthetic of the Toyota Venza doesn’t do it for you, but you see the appeal of an upscale AWD hybrid powertrain, that is where the 2024 Lexus NX 350h comes in. The sharper and more angular body style of the Lexus NX does look both lassier and more aggressive than the Toyota equivalent. Stepping inside, the Lexus NX looks a clear step above the Toyota Venza, both in quality and design. The infotainment system works and is integrated nicely into the cabin, and thank goodness, there are still usable rotary knobs for the climate controls.

If you enjoy a whisper-quiet ride quality and a cabin experience that produces a sense of calm, the Lexus NX 350h is one of the best SUVs on the market. Despite this calm demeanor, the Lexus NX still feels quite nice when bending around corners, even if road feedback is at a minimum. The size of the Lexus NX feels just about right, and even if it may feel a bit small for a growing family, it feels way more capable of handling that task than the smaller Lexus UX.

2024 Ford Escape Hybrid

Average Fuel Economy: 39 MPG

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The Ford Escape has been the American brand’s leading compact SUV for decades, and the best model available from the most recent generation, introduced in 2020, is the Hybrid variant. The 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid is powered by a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-four that is obviously inspired directly by Toyota’s dominant 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid powertrain. The Ford Escape Hybrid may not be quick, but it is darn efficient, and overall reliability and upkeep costs should be relatively low.

The Ford Escape saw a refresh for the 2023 model year that introduced changes like updated infotainment options. However, you will notice that the Ford Escape’s Achilles heel, its poor material quality, remains unchanged. When compared to an equivalent Hyundai SUV, the Ford Escape’s interior feels both cheap and uninspired. Ride comfort and spaciousness are competitive in its segment, but most of its rivals edge out the Escape in both these categories. It’s hard to overlook the lackluster standards of its interior quality, even if the Ford Escape Hybrid does offer great fuel efficiency.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Average Fuel Economy: 39 MPG

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The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in the U.S., and it’s held this title for just about as long as we can remember. Undoubtedly, the most appealing and attractive trim of the versatile RAV4 SUV is the Hybrid model. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is about as practical as a modern SUV can get. Is the 2024 Toyota RAV4 a beautiful SUV? We don’t think we’d describe it that way. Is the engine responsive and fun to experience? Not really, but it is better than the standard gas model.

Does it handle well? Not particularly, but it’s acceptable. Is the interior gorgeous? We think “plain” and “adequate” are probably better words to describe it. Yet, despite all these facts, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is more than enough SUV for most, and its stunning fuel economy will make you a believer. Do we recommend it? Of course! With the recent tech and infotainment updates in 2023, the RAV4 Hybrid has never felt more complete despite its mediocre performance in certain categories.

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid FWD

Average Fuel Economy: 40 MPG

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The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the first model on our list that crosses the 40 MPG Combined threshold, and this Japanese SUV has a lot to offer for those looking for a well-styled and fuel-efficient SUV. The Honda CR-V has never looked better than now, since its redesign in 2023, both inside and out. The exterior design has matured in a way that is distinctive enough without looking too wacky. The interior provides an immediate impact by means of its quality and instantly feels like a warm and inviting place to be. Spaciousness for all occupants? Check.

Honda has also engineered the Honda CR-V Hybrid to drive particularly well for an SUV; it is responsive and engaging when it needs to be without sacrificing any comfort as a result. We wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s sporty, but transferring its weight around feels good. The engine’s character and output are still a bit lackluster, but we know this is not the intention nor the strong suit of most fuel-efficient SUVs. Although it may not feel as well-equipped as some other SUVs in its segment, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s amazing efficiency, strong build quality, and known reliability are a strong package that is guaranteed to make most drivers happy.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Average Fuel Economy: 42 MPG

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Love what the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has to offer, but its size and price are a bit too high to confidently pull the trigger? You’ll be happy to know that the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid offers much of the same experience at a significantly lower price point. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid was introduced in 2023, featuring standard AWD and a 196-horsepower hybrid 2.0-liter inline-four powertrain. That output may not seem like much, but the low weight and small size of the Corolla Cross shine with this versatile powerplant, providing an extremely respectable 7.3 0-to-60 MPH sprint time.

Does this engine sound good at full tilt? Nope. But 99.9 percent of people who end up buying this subcompact SUV won’t care about that when they see the 42 MPG Combined at work in real time. The Toyota Corolla Cross may look cute and compact on the outside, but it is surprisingly roomy once you take a step into the cabin. It sacrifices a bit of interior room compared to its rival to accommodate its hybrid powertrain, and we’d say the trade-off is well worth it. The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is by no means perfect, but for the price and efficiency it offers, its overall value is hard to beat.

2024 Lexus UX 250h FWD

Average Fuel Economy: 42 MPG

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The Lexus UX is the Japanese luxury brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV. Since the 2023 model year, the Lexus UX has exclusively been offered as a hybrid model, powered by the same hybrid 2.0-liter inline-four powertrain as the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The Lexus UX is the only Lexus model in the brand’s extensive vehicle line-up that utilizes this particular hybrid powertrain. Is this frugal engine setup truly worthy of a luxury vehicle like the 2024 Lexus UX 250h FWD? We think its buzzy and noisy quality detracts from the overall experience expected in a modern luxury vehicle, and its power output could only be described as lackadaisical.

Yet, despite being the Japanese luxury brand’s most affordable model, you don’t see any indication of immediate cost-cutting measures in the interior quality. Infotainment was specifically improved for 2024, and the polarizing Lexus trackpad that confused more people than it helped is officially gone. We wouldn’t call the Lexus UX a spacious SUV either, and adult rear-seat passengers are best reserved for short-distance journeys. The Lexus UX may not feel quite as refined as some of the more premium Lexus models, but its aesthetic, interior quality, and amazing fuel efficiency will provide a great overall package.

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid FWD

Average Fuel Economy: 43 MPG

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One of the most fuel-efficient SUVs you could buy today is the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid FWD. The current fifth generation of the Kia Sportage debuted in 2023, featuring a hybrid 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power unit offers solid performance along with its stellar efficiency standards. Torque steer is a good thing because it means your engine at least has enough grunt to have character. Stepping inside, the cabin of the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid both feels and looks great with many modern styling details that make this economy SUV look upscale and refined.

This central area, where the gear selector resides, will be a primary case study in the outright ban on piano black interior trim one day. The reflectiveness is unbearable, and scratches shine brighter than the core of the sun during a solar flare. The rotary knob gear selector is also hit or miss, as it simply functions more slowly than a traditional gear lever. The exterior design of the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid is also a point of contention, specifically its front fascia, which is very busy and ostentatious. Despite our little gripes, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is still an amazingly efficient SUV that is sure to win over more prospective buyers than not.

2024 Kia Niro

Average Fuel Economy: 53 MPG

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The absolute most efficient used SUV you could buy right now is the 2024 Kia Niro. Like its larger sibling, the Sportage, the Kia Niro debuted a new generation for the 2023 model year. The 2024 Kia Niro utilizes the same hybrid powerplant as the Sportage, but without the assistance of a turbocharger. This fact does miracles for its overall efficiency standards, but the trade-off is a significant decrease in performance. We aren’t talking about a loss of 20 or 30 horsepower here, but rather, an 88-horsepower difference between the two (227 horsepower vs. 139 horsepower).

Calling the 2024 Kia Niro lethargic and uninspired would be a compliment, considering its 10.8-second 0-to-60 MPH sprint time. No modern vehicle, hybrid or not, should be this slow, yet here we are. Regarding the interior, the Kia Niro shares nearly an identical layout to the Kia Sportage, so all our previous gripes about it still apply. However, the exterior is certainly a lot less overstyled than the Sportage, and that is something we do like. Regardless of the details, the 2024 Kia Niro is as efficient as it gets, and it manages this superb fuel economy at an impressively low price point. If you still have a young heart beating in your chest, you may want something with a little more grunt. Otherwise, the Kia Niro is just about the perfect affordable, fuel-efficient SUV you could get on the used market today.

Sources: Kia, Lexus, Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, Honda