These SUVs Have the Best MPG for 2026

What Car Shoppers Need to Know

• Hybrid SUVs often achieve combined fuel economy in the mid-40 mpg range or better.
• Plug-in hybrids are even more impressive, with some returning more than 50 mpg combined.
• The most fuel-efficient models are compact or subcompact, yet they offer spacious interiors.

If you’ve been thinking it’s time for a new SUV but are concerned about rising fuel costs, we have some good news. Many hybrid SUVs can now return EPA-estimated combined fuel-economy ratings in the mid-40 mpg range or better thanks to advanced powertrains and other efforts aimed at maximizing fuel economy. We put together lists of the SUVs with the best combined fuel-economy rating by fuel type, including conventional gasoline-powered models, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Related: How to Save Money on Gas

Some PHEVs are even more impressive, returning more than 50 mpg combined. For the traditionalists, there are plenty of choices with conventional gasoline powertrains in the 30 mpg combined range.

All the vehicles that made the cut are either compact or subcompact models, combining fuel efficiency with a relatively small and easy-to-maneuver package. But don’t let their tidy dimensions fool you: Many of these models have surprisingly spacious interiors, with room for five occupants and plenty of cargo.

Conventional Gasoline SUVs With the Best MPG

1. Toyota Corolla Cross: 32 MPG

A subcompact SUV that’s long on value, the Toyota Corolla Cross offers seating for five, a large cargo area for its size, a generous list of standard safety and convenience features, and class-leading fuel economy. The Corolla Cross is offered with a gasoline powertrain and front- or all-wheel drive. As a hybrid, it comes with AWD only.

2. Nissan Rogue: 32 MPG

A well-rounded and popular choice with one of the nicest interiors of any mainstream compact SUV, the Nissan Rogue does a lot of things well and has been one of the top-scoring models in Cars.com comparison tests. Be careful with the options list, however, because the Rogue can quickly get expensive with add-ons. Nissan offers the Rogue with just one powertrain, a 201-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 225 pounds-feet of torque that can  be paired with either FWD or AWD.

3. Hyundai Kona: 31 MPG

One of the most affordably priced SUVs you can buy, the subcompact Hyundai Kona offers good occupant and cargo room for its size, straightforward controls, an impressive list of standard features and some upscale options not available with competitors. The Kona is available with a choice of two gasoline engines and FWD or AWD. An electrically powered version is also available.

All figures listed below are for FWD versions of the models.

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Hybrid SUVs With the Best MPG

1. Kia Niro: 53 MPG

The Kia Niro is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles you can buy in the U.S. Affordably priced and well equipped for the price, the Niro also offers decent interior room and was named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2023 when the current generation made its debut. Initially offered with fully electric, hybrid and PHEV powertrains, the first two remain available, but the plug-in version has been discontinued for 2026. The Niro is only offered with FWD.

2. Lexus UX 300h: 43 MPG

The Lexus UX 300h is the smallest, most affordable vehicle in the luxury brand’s lineup, offering buyers the option of great fuel economy combined with Lexus luxury for a starting price less than the roughly $50,000 current average cost for a new car. The standard powertrain combines a 2.0-liter gas engine with two electric motors for a total of 196 hp driving the front wheels. Optional AWD adds a third motor driving the rear wheels.

3. Toyota RAV4: 43 MPG

Redesigned for 2026, the popular Toyota RAV4 compact SUV is now available only with a hybrid or PHEV powertrain, delivering the most powerful base model in the category while also bringing big improvements in fuel economy. Other updates include a larger center touchscreen, a digital instrument panel and improved interior ergonomics. The RAV4 is offered with either FWD or AWD.

PHEVs With the Best MPG

1. Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid: 101 MPG-Equivalent (Manufacturer-Estimated)

The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was redesigned for 2026, bringing both more power and increased fuel economy in addition to the same updates listed above for the non-plug-in RAV4 hybrid. According to Toyota, maximum range on electric power increases from 42 miles to as much as 54 miles, depending on trim, and power has increased from 302 hp to 324 hp. The RAV4 PHEV is only available with AWD.

2. Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid: 101 MPG-E

The Ford Escape compact SUV offers relatively agile handling, lots of standard comfort features, and is available with a variety of powertrains that includes two gas engines, a hybrid and a PHEV. Of these, the PHEV is the fuel-economy champ, with an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined and up to 37 miles of range on electric power. Just one well-equipped trim level is available with plug-in versions of the Escape and with a choice of FWD or AWD.

3. Lexus NX 450h+: 84 MPG-E (Manufacturer-Estimated)

In an age of ever-increasing sticker shock at dealerships, the Lexus NX 450h+ compact SUV is a bright spot for 2026, as the PHEV powertrain is now available in lower Premium trim, resulting in a lower base price. Combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with three electric motors and standard AWD, the NX 450h+ is available only with AWD and is good for 34 mpg overall and 37 miles of driving on electric power.

More From Cars.com:

• What Are the Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2026?
• These Hybrid SUVs Have the Best MPG
• The 12 Most Fuel-Efficient New Cars You Can Buy for Under $35,000
• What’s the Most Fuel-Efficient SUV (2025)?
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