Back to GuidesIf you are looking to get a new crossover SUV, but you also need the best gas mileage possible, you are in luck. The popularity of crossovers over family sedans in recent years has spurred manufacturers to offer more fuel-efficient options. There are more hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available than at any other time in the past, but gasoline engine technology has also gotten better.
If you are still not ready to explore the hybrid options currently available, there are still plenty of non-hybrid SUVs that return excellent fuel economy numbers. Not everybody wants to or is able to get into an electric vehicle yet, either. There are plenty of non-hybrid and hybrid options on the market to fit your lifestyle and budget needs without having to sacrifice fuel economy.
Here are our picks for the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market in 2023:
1. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
2. 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
3. 2023 Toyota Venza
4. 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
5. 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
6. 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid
7. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
8. 2024 Mazda CX-90
9. 2023 Nissan Kicks
10. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
11. 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
12. 2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV
13. 2023 Kia Niro
14. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
15. 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
1. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage was Kia’s best-selling vehicle in 2022, so it only made sense that they offer one in a hybrid version for 2023. They also have a PHEV variant if you want to benefit from an all-electric range, but that vehicle carries a starting price of over $40,000. For under $29,000, the Sportage Hybrid offers great fuel economy ratings in addition to a reasonable starting price.
The best MPG comes with the base FWD LX model. A combined EPA estimate of 43 MPG comes courtesy of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that send 227 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission. With its stellar fuel economy and attractive price come even more goodies.
Standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless device connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and dual-zone climate control will be sure to keep your passengers happy within its roomy cabin. Safety features like lane-keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, and pedestrian detection highlight Kia’s dedication to safety.
Browse 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid listings here.
2. 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Fresh off of a redesign for the 2023 model year, the Honda CR-V remains the same practical, well-built, and spacious crossover that it has always been but with a more grown-up appearance. The CR-V Hybrid is not the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class, but it still ranks high among other compact SUVs.
It does rank at the top when it comes to cargo space. 39.9 cubic feet are available behind the second row, which is a comfortable place to sit, even for adult passengers. The 7-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital gauge cluster are a little smaller than some competitors, but the rest of the interior makes up for it. It is filled with high-quality materials and soft-touch areas.
Power delivery comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain produces 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque combined. Standard front-wheel drive models benefit from 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway while all-wheel drive models get 37 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
Browse 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid listings here.
3. 2023 Toyota Venza
The 2023 Toyota Venza is beautifully styled and built. It features a much more coupe-like roofline than its siblings and rivals, cutting down on some of its overall practicality. It still features a comfortable cabin and a newly updated infotainment system for the 2023 model year, just like several other Toyota models on this list.
It utilizes the same 219-horsepower hybrid powertrain setup as the more popular RAV4 Hybrid: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a CVT. Fuel economy estimates of 40 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway are strong for a vehicle with standard all-wheel drive.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking all highlight the standard driver assistance features list while an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless smartphone connectivity, and wireless device charging highlight the standard technology features that it has.
Browse 2023 Toyota Venza listings here.
4. 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Our first midsize SUV on the list, the Kia Sorento Hybrid, is a great choice that offers quite a bit for its $38,000 starting price. To start, you get a fuel-efficient front-wheel drive hybrid powertrain setup that makes 227 horsepower. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that helps you see 39 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. All-wheel drive is available but drops fuel economy by a few MPG.
In addition to its excellent standard warranty, you get other great standard features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, and dual-zone climate control. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention monitoring are all standard on the safety front.
Practicality comes in the form of a third row of seats. It is snug and cuts cargo capacity down to just 12.6 cubic feet, but you can get up to 45 if you fold the third row down. The Sorento’s corporate cousin, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, does not offer third-row seating from the factory, but it features less conventional styling and is less fuel-efficient than the Kia.
Browse 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid listings here.
5. 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
Lexus represents luxury SUVs well with its range of fuel-efficient crossovers. The midsize Lexus RX 350h is not as engaging to drive as rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar, but its 2023 redesign works to keep it fresh in the segment while toning back some of the love-it or hate-it styling that Lexus has adopted over the past several years.
Third-row seating has been eliminated for the 2023 model year, but cargo space still falls on the lower side of the totem pole compared to others in the class. Plenty of front and rear-seat space, an elegant, understated cabin, and features like a 9.8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 12-speaker audio system all greet passengers as they step inside.
Its base hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter engine, two electric motors, and a continuously variable transmission, producing a total of 246 horsepower. Standard all-wheel drive on each model works with one of the most comprehensive standard safety features lists in the segment to deliver smooth acceleration with some additional driving confidence when driving conditions deteriorate.
Browse 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid listings here.
6. 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid
The Lexus NX slots just below the larger Lexus RX and above the smaller Lexus UX. The UX Hybrid is a great, fuel-efficient choice if you can get by with something a tad smaller, but the NX is a more usable small SUV. It is essentially a ritzier version of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid since it shares the same platform and utilizes several pieces of the same equipment. That is not bad, though.
You do pay more for the NX than the RAV4, but you still get excellent fuel economy ratings of 41 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. Power is sent to all four wheels via a four-cylinder engine, three electric motors, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Combined, the hybrid powertrain output comes to a healthy 240 horsepower.
Even the sportiest NX models cannot keep up with the sportiest Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz competitors, but it is easy to drive and does feel not overly top-heavy in the corners. A comprehensive and competitive set of standard tech features as well as a long list of standard safety features make the NX hybrid a great new car to choose if your goal is to bridge the gap between affordable practicality and true luxury.
Browse 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid listings here.
7. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
If you are the adventurous type who likes to get dirty every once in a while, you should check out the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. It is not quite as off-road capable as the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, but it is much more efficient, earning a combined EPA-estimated 35 MPG. Since it is a PHEV, you also get a combined 90 MPGe rating and 17 miles of all-electric range.
Its starting price is steep for a subcompact SUV at just over $38,000. Its small size is also not conducive to taller rear-seat passengers, and it only offers 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space. You will like it if you prefer excellent maneuverability, hatchback styling, and the confidence that comes with Subaru’s all-wheel drive system, though.
A slightly less confidence-inspiring element is its 148-horsepower hybrid powertrain. It features a 2.0-liter flat-four, two electric motors, a continuously variable transmission, and an 8.8-kWh battery pack. Luckily, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, and lane-keeping assist all come standard.
Browse 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid listings here.
8. 2024 Mazda CX-90
The all-new 2024 Mazda CX-90 is one of the most highly anticipated new crossovers to hit dealerships in 2023. Like all other Mazdas, it is engaging to drive, despite its midsize SUV status. That also means that you benefit from a third row of seating. It is a little tight, but the CX-90’s gorgeous styling will help you overlook its lack of sheer size.
Each trim level boasts a 280-horsepower or 340-horsepower inline-six turbo setup, which, according to Mazda, is inspired by powertrains from luxury automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. An 11-kWh mild hybrid system and standard all-wheel drive boost fuel economy while inspiring driving confidence.
The CX-90 is not the most efficient midsize hybrid, but its 25 MPG combined EPA fuel economy estimate is quite good for an AWD vehicle of its size. If you add its stellar interior, 5,000-pound towing capacity, $40,000 starting price tag, hill descent control, sport and off-road driving modes, and rear-biased drivetrain, it looks to be quite special.
If you want the added electric range offered by a PHEV, you are in luck. You can have a base CX-90 PHEV for about $10,000 more than the standard model. You can pick up a CX-90 or CX-90 PHEV if you head to your local Mazda dealership right now.
9. 2023 Nissan Kicks
Nissan has several electric vehicle options from which to choose, but they lack hybrid models to bridge the gap between gasoline and electric. Even though the Nissan Rogue and Pathfinder get excellent fuel economy in their respective segments, the Nissan Kicks is the one to get if you want the best fuel economy in the form of an SUV.
The Kicks is large for a subcompact SUV, with a roomy cabin and 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Unfortunately, it only comes as a FWD model. 122 horsepower is on tap from its four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy estimates come in at 31 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. The Nissan Rogue can actually match the Kicks’ combined rating, but its lower city rating pushes it far enough away to keep the Kicks in first place.
Standard features on the Kicks include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Additionally, you get just enough attitude to keep your morning commutes to work or school interesting enough to help your day gets started the right way.
Browse 2023 Nissan Kicks listings here.
10. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Even though the Toyota Corolla Cross made its debut last year, the hybrid model is brand new for the 2023 model year. It barely squeezes into the subcompact SUV class and therefore has a little less cargo and passenger space than the larger Toyota RAV4. Though this cuts down on its practicality, it comes with some of the best fuel economy numbers of any small SUV.
Its 196-horsepower hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter engine, three electric motors, standard all-wheel drive, and a CVT transmission. This translates to 45 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. In typical Toyota fashion, passengers are treated to a quiet, comfortable ride while they utilize the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rear-seat reminder system, and pedestrian detection are all standard, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert do not come into the picture unless you opt for the pricier mid-level SE trim.
Browse 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid listings here.
11. 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Another Toyota model makes our list. This time it is the three-row midsize Toyota Highlander Hybrid. As with other Toyota models on our list, the Highlander benefits from an updated infotainment system for the 2023 model year in an attempt to keep it fresh and competitive within the segment.
Even as one of just a handful of three-row hybrids in the segment, the third row is tight. It certainly works in a pinch, but most buyers will likely put it down in favor of the available 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. First and second-row passengers will likely be more than happy with the space that they have available to them.
All Highlander Hybrid models come with a 243-horsepower hybrid powertrain, featuring a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Front-wheel drive models see the best MPG numbers, returning 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. Opting for an all-wheel drive model does not hurt fuel economy too much with those estimates only dropping by 1 MPG each.
Each Highlander Hybrid comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning.
Browse 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid listings here.
12. 2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV
With the Ford Escape PHEV’s production issues creating low supply numbers, the Hyundai Tucson PHEV is the plug-in hybrid front-runner among small SUVs. With EPA fuel economy estimates of 35 MPG across the board, the Tucson PHEV is not as fuel efficient as some of its competitors, but its 33 miles of all-electric range makes it appealing.
Standard all-wheel drive is accompanied by a four-cylinder turbo, an electric motor, a 13.8-kWh battery, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Its 261 combined horsepower scoots it off the line quickly, though it is tuned more for comfort than handling. Passengers will likewise be comfortable in its roomy cabin, complete with nearly 32 cubic feet of cargo space.
A starting price of just under $39,000 gets you adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless device charging. The only thing we think might turn potential buyers away is the Tucson’s love-it or leave-it styling.
Browse 2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV listings here.
13. 2023 Kia Niro
If you choose to leave the Tucson’s styling behind, you can take a look at the Kia Niro. It is much smaller than the Tucson, but its styling is a little more desirable, it is less expensive, it is more fuel-efficient, and you get the same 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Unfortunately, the Niro is also only available in front-wheel drive.
At a starting price of just under $28,000, the Niro is one of the most affordable hybrid crossovers. It offers plenty of features too. An 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring, and vehicle exit warning all come standard on each trim level.
A four-cylinder engine and electric motor help boost fuel economy to 53 MPG in the city and 54 MPG on the highway. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is also available for a steeper price, but you also benefit from 108 combined MPGe and 33 miles of electric range.
Despite its small size the Niro even edges out its cousin, the Hyundai Kona for passenger and cargo space. You do have to pay around $5,000 more for a base Niro than a base Kona, but the Niro’s efficiency and conventional hatchback styling give it a one-up on the Kona.
Browse 2023 Kia Niro listings here.
14. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Compared to others in the compact SUV segment, the Toyota RAV4 is starting to feel dated. To try and combat that, Toyota gave its flagship crossover a larger, newly updated infotainment system and introduced the Woodland Edition, an off-road-focused trim level that adds items like TRD suspension and all-terrain tires.
Unlike the CR-V Hybrid, all RAV4 Hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive. Its hybrid powertrain mates a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors together with a continuously variable transmission to motivate the small SUV with 219 combined horsepower. Its EPA-combined 40 MPG is, again, good for the class but does not lead it.
Each RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. If you want just a few extra standard safety features and the benefit of all-electric range, you can step up to the Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV. It is not quite as fuel-efficient and costs quite a bit more than the regular hybrid option but will certainly still do the trick.
Browse 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid listings here.
15. 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe will likely not spring to anybody’s mind as a fuel-efficient SUV. It is, however, the most fuel-efficient option if you need a full-size SUV, even edging out the hybrid Toyota Sequoia. The Tahoe is a huge, traditional three-row SUV, allowing large families the ability to vacation together, commute together, and work together.
The best gas mileage available on any Tahoe model comes from an available 277-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. In its standard rear-wheel drive layout, you will see 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Four-wheel drive models are slightly less efficient at 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
Those fuel economy estimates are good for such a large vehicle, and an added benefit of the turbodiesel option is its 8,200-pound maximum towing capacity. If diesel engines are not your thing, you will have to opt for one of two much less efficient V8 engines, likely making the Toyota Sequoia your large SUV of choice.
The GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban also come with the turbodiesel engine option if you just cannot stand the Tahoe, and both of them come with equally impressive dimensions. You will likely miss out on some of the standard safety features and higher-quality interiors that several of the smaller options on this list have, though.
