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Extra space without the big gas bills
While the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the U.S. are still sedans and hatchbacks, there are now several SUVs that can comfortably hit over 40 mpg combined. We have advanced hybrid powertrains to thank for this, of course. These crossovers have the raised body style and enhanced practicality most Americans desire, but they keep running costs admirably low. We’ve found the five most fuel-efficient SUVs you can buy in 2026, ranked from least to most efficient by their combined mpg rating. The following criteria was considered:
Only non-hybrids, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids are considered—not EVs
Combined gas-only MPG ratings used for PHEVs, not MPGe rating, as efficiency is based on potentially not having access to a charger
Where one model has several variants that qualify for a spot on the list, we’ve only ranked the most efficient variant
With all that being said, here’s a look at the models with the best gas mileage you can get out of an SUV.
5. Kia Sportage Hybrid: 42 MPG
2026 Sportage HEVKia (Kia)
Most crossovers with the best gas mileage are subcompact models, but the Kia is one of only two compact crossovers on this list. The Sportage Hybrid gets an impressive 41/44/42 mpg city/highway/combined in front-wheel-drive guise. With all-wheel drive, those figures drop to 35/36/35 mpg, so we’d recommend sticking with FWD unless you absolutely need the security of AWD grip.
The Sportage Hybrid has a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor, combining for 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Not only is it a lot quicker than the non-hybrid Sportage, but it can cover up to 575 miles when the 13.7-gallon gas tank is full. The Sportage is also particularly stylish and has a comfortable, high-tech interior.
There’s also a Sportage plug-in hybrid, but that gets 36 mpg on gas alone. With the electric motor in action, this model manages 83 MPGe and can travel for over 30 miles on electric power alone.
4. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: 42 MPG
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross HybridToyota (Toyota)
The Corolla Cross Hybrid has the same best combined consumption as the Sportage, but we’ve ranked the Toyota a spot higher as it’s much more efficient when comparing AWD examples of both. The Corolla Cross Hybrid with standard AWD gets 46/39/42 mpg; the combined figure is 10 mpg better than the non-hybrid model.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor combine for 196 hp, so this fuel efficient SUV is also quicker than the non-hybrid version. A CVT is standard and, when the 10.6-gallon tank is full, it can get around 445 miles.
For 2026, the Corolla Cross was updated with a bolder, color-matched grille design for hybrid models and a revised interior. At $29,395, it’s the cheapest hybrid crossover from Toyota.
3. Lexus UX: 44 MPG
2026 Lexus UXLexus (Lexus)
Impressively, the third most efficient SUV in the country is a luxury model. Available solely with a hybrid powertrain, the Lexus UX 300h gets up to 46/42/44 mpg with FWD. The optional AWD system drops the combined figure down by just 1 mpg, so regardless of the drivetrain you go for, this is one seriously thrifty crossover.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor combine for the same 196-hp output as the Corolla Cross, so it’s adequately quick rather than exciting to drive. At 10.6 gallons, the gas tank is quite small, but that’s still enough for a 466-mile range for the FWD model.
Not only is it one of the SUVs with the best gas mileage, but the Lexus brings upscale sophistication to the subcompact segment; it’s quieter and smoother than other models here.
2. Toyota RAV4: 44 MPG
2026 Toyota RAV4Toyota (Toyota)
The new Toyota RAV4 is the economy champion in its segment. With FWD, it gets 48/42/44 mpg—that’s the best mpg rating for an SUV in the compact segment. The brilliant city mpg rating is why we’ve ranked this ahead of the UX, which has the same 44-mpg combined rating. Adding AWD to the RAV4 doesn’t change much, as the SE and LE trims manage 46/39/43 mpg, which is better than the much less powerful and heavier Corolla Cross Hybrid. The least efficient RAV4 Woodland Edition still gets 42/35/38 mpg.
In standard form, the RAV4 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors. It makes 226 hp with FWD and 232 hp with AWD. When the 14.5-gallon gas tank is full, the FWD model can cover 638 miles, so you can go weeks without filling up if your commute isn’t a long one. A plug-in hybrid version of the RAV4 is also available. It produces a potent 324 hp, so is far quicker than rivals, and the most efficient variant gets 41 mpg combined.
Between the Toyota badge, a more refined interior, and stellar efficiency, the 2026 RAV4 is hard to beat.
Related: Buying a Toyota RAV4? Here’s What It Costs to Run
1. Kia Niro Hybrid: 53 MPG
2026 Kia Niro HybridKia (Kia)
By a decent margin, the Kia Niro Hybrid is the most fuel efficient SUV you can buy new in 2026. Available with three different powertrains, the standard hybrid’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor return up to 53/54/53 mpg. Yes, the hybrid powertrain only makes 139 hp combined, but for quick trips around the city, there are almost no better answers to rising gas prices than the Niro.
The 11.1-gallon gas tank means you can cover around 588 miles between visits to the pumps, regardless of whether you’re doing city or highway driving. A 180-hp Niro plug-in hybrid is also available, which gets 48 mpg/108 MPGe combined. It also has a 33-mile all-electric range, but starts at $34,490—$7,100 more than the standard Niro hybrid.
If you want an SUV that sips gas like a much smaller hatchback, you can’t do any better than the Kia Niro.
Related: Kia’s New 2026 Niro HEV Price Tag Could Shake Up the Hybrid Market
Final Thoughts
While all these SUVs deliver excellent gas mileage, choosing another style of vehicle can get you even better efficiency. The Toyota Prius gets a remarkable 57 mpg combined, while the larger Camry is up there with the best at 51 mpg. Hyundai is another strong player in this area, as the Elantra Hybrid has a best rating of 54 mpg. The lower, sleeker bodies of these sedans/hatchbacks play a role in their superior efficiency. If you don’t want a hybrid, there are numerous new cars that can hit over 35 mpg in 2026.
Related: Most Fuel-Efficient Gas Cars That Still Deliver 35+ MPG in 2026
This story was originally published by Autoblog on Mar 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
