Gas prices aren’t crashing anytime soon. If you’re driving an SUV and watching the pump spin like a roulette wheel, it’s probably time to look at something that burns less fuel without shrinking your entire car.
The good news? You don’t have to switch to a tiny hatchback to save gas anymore. There are SUVs out now that offer impressive fuel economy—some pushing 40 to 50 miles per gallon—and they still give you the space, ride height, and comfort you expect from an SUV.
In this guide, we’re going deep into the most fuel-efficient SUVs available in 2025, split by gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. We’ll show you what kind of mileage to expect, how they compare, and which ones are actually worth owning.
Let’s start with the basics—and then get into the rankings.
How We Ranked These SUVs
Fuel economy is the focus, but that’s not all that matters. These rankings are based on:
- EPA-estimated MPG or MPGe (electric equivalent)
- Real-world driving reports
- Cargo space and comfort (because saving gas doesn’t help if the vehicle doesn’t work for your life)
- Overall value and ease of ownership
- Availability in the U.S. (not concept cars or low-volume models)
Section 1: The Most Fuel-Efficient Gas-Only SUVs in 2025
Let’s start with the most efficient non-hybrids—just regular gas-powered SUVs that do more with less.
1. 2025 Nissan Kicks
MPG: 31 city / 36 highway
Starting Price: Around $22,500
Drive: FWD only
Why it works: The Kicks is light, simple, and surprisingly roomy for its size. No turbo. No AWD. Just low weight and a small engine.
2. 2025 Hyundai Venue
MPG: 29 city / 33 highway
Starting Price: Around $20,000
Drive: FWD
Why it works: The Venue doesn’t pretend to be rugged. It’s a compact, affordable urban SUV with solid fuel economy and easy parking.
3. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross (Gas)
MPG: 31 city / 33 highway
Starting Price: Around $24,500
Drive: FWD or AWD
Why it works: The Corolla Cross offers a bit more space and still manages great mileage. AWD does drop the numbers slightly.
Section 2: Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid SUVs in 2025
If you want the best mix of MPG and simplicity (no charging), hybrid SUVs are the sweet spot. These are self-charging hybrids—no plug needed.
1. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
MPG: 41 city / 38 highway
Starting Price: Around $33,700
Drive: AWD standard
Why it’s top-ranked: Toyota nailed the balance here. Excellent MPG, space for the family, standard AWD, and proven long-term reliability.
2. 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid (FWD)
MPG: 43 city / 36 highway
Starting Price: Around $34,000
Drive: FWD or AWD
Why it’s great: Smooth ride, polished interior, and excellent MPG with front-wheel drive. AWD versions drop to 40/34.
3. 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
MPG: 38 city / 38 highway
Starting Price: Around $34,000
Drive: AWD standard
Why it stands out: Great value, sharp design, and consistently strong mileage. Plus, it looks more expensive than it is.
4. 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid
MPG: 42 city / 36 highway (FWD)
Starting Price: Around $33,500
Drive: FWD standard, AWD optional
Why it’s worth considering: Strong fuel economy for the price. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done with low operating costs.
5. 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
MPG: 42 city / 44 highway (FWD)
Starting Price: Around $33,300
Drive: FWD or AWD
Why it’s rising fast: Quiet ride, big back seat, and extremely competitive mileage—especially in front-wheel-drive trims.
Section 3: Best MPG from Plug-In Hybrid SUVs (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrids give you electric-only range for daily errands, and great MPG once the battery’s gone. They’re ideal if you have a short commute but still need gas backup for longer trips.
1. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime
MPGe: 94
Gas-only MPG: 38 combined
EV Range: 42 miles
Price: Starts around $43,000 (before incentives)
Why it leads: Best all-around PHEV SUV. Excellent range, AWD, tons of power (over 300 hp), and full hybrid efficiency once the battery’s out.
2. 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
MPGe: 101
Gas-only MPG: 40 combined
EV Range: 37 miles
Price: Around $39,995
Why it’s a value pick: Cheaper than most PHEVs, with solid electric range and strong fuel economy once you’re running on gas.
3. 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
MPGe: 80
Gas-only MPG: 35 combined
EV Range: 33 miles
Price: Around $39,500
Why it’s worth it: Well-equipped, standard AWD, and fast charging. Just watch for local availability and incentive eligibility.
4. 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
MPGe: 84
Gas-only MPG: 35 combined
EV Range: 34 miles
Price: Around $40,000
Why people like it: Sporty look, solid EV range, and easy to live with. Feels upscale for the price.
5. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
MPGe: 56
Gas-only MPG: 23
EV Range: 25 miles
Price: Around $59,000
Why it makes the list: It’s expensive, yes—but it’s the only midsize PHEV with true off-road chops and towing ability. Good if you need power and plug-in tech.
Section 4: Most Efficient AWD SUVs (2025)
Here’s a quick look at the most fuel-efficient SUVs with all-wheel drive, across all categories:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – 41/38 MPG
- Kia Sportage Hybrid AWD – 38/38 MPG
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid AWD – 38/38 MPG
- Toyota RAV4 Prime (PHEV) – 94 MPGe / 38 MPG
- Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD – 40/34 MPG
- Ford Escape Hybrid AWD – 39/34 MPG
If you need AWD but don’t want to burn gas like a V8 pickup, these are your best options right now.
FAQs
What SUV has the best MPG in 2025?
In terms of gas-only, the Nissan Kicks is near the top. Among hybrids, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid (FWD) lead the way. For plug-ins, the RAV4 Prime offers top efficiency and electric range.
Do I have to plug in a hybrid SUV?
Not if it’s a standard hybrid. Only plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) need charging to access their electric range.
Are AWD hybrids fuel efficient?
Yes. Models like the RAV4 Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid AWD, and Tucson Hybrid offer AWD without killing MPG.
Is a plug-in hybrid worth it?
If you have short daily drives and can plug in at home or work, yes—PHEVs can cut fuel use dramatically.
Can you get high MPG and a roomy SUV?
Absolutely. The RAV4 Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, and Kia Sportage Hybrid all offer great mileage and cargo space.
Final Thoughts
Fuel efficiency matters more than ever, but you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or size to get it. Whether you want a simple gas-powered SUV, a self-charging hybrid, or a plug-in that lets you skip the pump altogether, 2025 has real options that won’t crush your budget or your expectations.
The best part? These are SUVs you can buy right now. No waitlists. No wishlists. Just real fuel savings, from real cars, that actually work for how you live.
Want more breakdowns like this? Stick with BidForAutos.com—we’ll keep giving you the truth about what’s worth your time, your money, and your gas card.
