You need something with decent cargo space but you don't want to sacrifice fuel-efficiency. If that sounds like you, then we suspect you're in the market for an SUV with good gas mileage, and if you're budget conscious, then the used-car market is where you'll likely find the best deals.
Here’s our list of some of the most fuel-efficient used SUVs available today. We included hybrids but not plug-in hybrids, as the latter can run solely on electricity for some distance, which skews the mileage rankings. We also did not include electric vehicles, as they do not use gasoline (though they’ll get you the best mpg).
The Top Used SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage
- What Is Good Gas Mileage for a Used SUV?
- 2017-2024 Kia Niro
- 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- 2006-2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3
- 2016-2024 Honda HR-V
- 2020-2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid
- 2015-2024 Lexus NX Hybrid
- 2006-2008 Lexus RX Hybrid
- 2013-2022 Buick Encore
- 2011-2017 Nissan Juke
- Honorable Mentions
- Tips for Getting Good Gas Mileage in Older SUVs
What Is Good Gas Mileage for a Used SUV?
If you’re shopping on the used-car market for an SUV with good fuel economy, the smaller the better. There are several subcompact and compact models that achieve an EPA combined rating of 30 mpg or better. Generally speaking, the larger, more capable, and more off-road-oriented SUVs will see significantly lower fuel consumption than 25 mpg.
2017-2024 Kia Niro Hybrid
The Kia Niro is a tall subcompact crossover with several powertrain options, including hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, and electric offerings. The traditional-hybrid version — using a motor-enhanced 1.6-liter gas engine — returns stellar fuel economy: 43 to 50 mpg combined, depending on the trim level. Unfortunately, all-wheel drive (AWD) is unavailable.
2016-2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota has offered a hybrid version of its wildly popular RAV4 crossover since 2016. It comes standard with AWD and employs a 2.5-liter gas engine and three electric motors, one of which drives the rear wheels. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasts a combined 32-mpg fuel-economy estimate.
2006-2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Launched in 2006 as the first seven-passenger hybrid SUV, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has kept drivers and families happy with its spacious interior, adequate horsepower, and non-truck-like driving manners. The original front-wheel-drive (FWD) version, offered only in 2006 and 2007, gets about 27 mpg combined, while the 2006-10 AWD model sees 26 mpg. In 2011, the model received a larger engine and an increase in fuel efficiency, to 28 mpg. While these numbers may seem somewhat low, they’re not bad for such a large vehicle.
2016-2021 Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 is among the most sporty SUVs on this list, but as it’s a subcompact, it offers modest cargo space (12.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 44.5 cubic feet with the seats down). It has excellent driving dynamics and a modern, attractive design inside and out. In the FWD configuration, the CX-3 returns an estimated 31 mpg combined; the AWD version delivers 29 mpg.
2016-2024 Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover with impressive cargo capacity thanks to its second-row Magic Seats, which let you flip up the seat bottoms to accommodate large items in the rear footwells or fold the seatbacks to create a larger cargo hold. In the latter configuration, the car provides an impressive 58.8 cubic feet of cargo volume (whereas others in the class have about 45 cubic feet). As for fuel economy, an automatic-equipped HR-V is rated at 31 mpg combined with FWD; that number drops to 29 mpg when the vehicle is equipped with AWD.
2020-2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V is a high-volume sales leader in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V Hybrid, first launched in 2020, has a 2.0-liter gasoline engine combined with an electric motor and battery that helps the vehicle achieve an EPA estimate of 38 mpg. While the CR-V Hybrid won’t be the cheapest vehicle on the used-car market, its terrific fuel efficiency and infotainment system (with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity) make it a highly attractive package.
2015-2024 Lexus NX Hybrid
The Lexus NX Hybrid compact luxury SUV debuted in 2015, serving as an affordable option in the automaker’s lineup. As we noted in our review, the NX Hybrid is lacking in cargo space compared to other small SUVs of the day, but it uses the same reliable powertrain as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and returns impressive EPA numbers: The FWD version gets 32 mpg combined, while the AWD model sees 31 mpg.
2006-2008 Lexus RX Hybrid
If you're after a spacious, reliable, and luxurious midsize SUV with room for five and decent fuel economy, the Lexus RX 400h is a wise choice. It uses a punchy hybrid powertrain based on a V6 engine. When it first came to market, the FWD version was good for an estimated 27 mpg, while the AWD version achieved 26 mpg.
2013-2022 Buick Encore
The subcompact Buick Encore, equipped with a turbocharged engine, is available in both FWD and AWD configurations. The former has an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, while the AWD version returns 25 mpg. Cargo room is middling for something in the subcompact SUV segment, however, with 19 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 48 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
2011-2017 Nissan Juke
We saved the smallest and funkiest for last. The Nissan Juke, sold in the U.S. for model years 2011 through 2017, has only 10 cubic feet of cargo capacity and polarizing styling inside and out. But it offers personality, not to mention sprightly acceleration from its turbo engine. Fuel efficiency is respectable, at 29 mpg for FWD variants and 27 mpg for AWD models.
Honorable Mentions
The affordable 2009-12 Ford Escape Hybrid is a good choice for the budget-minded shopper. At least one report indicates that the boxy crossover is still running strong in taxi service with 400,000 miles on the odometer. In the FWD configuration, the Escape Hybrid gets 32 mpg.
The Nissan Kicks is another option worth considering, especially if you value interesting design at a good price. For the 2018 model year, this FWD-only subcompact crossover effectively replaced the Juke and bested its fuel-economy rating, seeing an estimated 33 mpg combined.
For those living in rural, dirt-road environments or parts of the country that suffer heavy snowfalls, a late-model Subaru Forester may make for a good companion, as we noted in our article of the best used SUVs of 2024. Subies are known for their reliability, AWD capabilities, and off-road prowess. And while the 2020 Forester’s combined EPA estimate of 29 mpg isn’t stellar compared to other vehicles on this list, it’s decent for something with an off-road bent.
The 2022-and-later Hyundai Tucson Hybrid delivers an impressive 37 mpg combined. As we noted in our review, it’s a good choice for anyone seeking a compact SUV with plenty of cargo space and several standard advanced safety features.
Used-vehicle shoppers who value terrific interior and exterior design and engaging driving dynamics may want to look at a used Mazda CX-5. The 2020 model gets 28 mpg combined with FWD, which isn’t tops but is more than acceptable for something that’s really fun to drive.
Lastly, we’d like to mention the 2018-24 Volkswagen Tiguan. With 24 mpg combined, it isn’t particularly fuel efficient for a compact crossover, but it may appeal to those who need something with a third row, which VW offered.
Tips for Getting Good Gas Mileage in Older SUVs
To get the best fuel efficiency, we advise that you:
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Ensure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the recommended air pressure.
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Don’t carry any unnecessary gear. Weight is the enemy of efficiency.
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Avoiding fast launches from a stop.
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Coast gradually to stop signs and stop lights (if traffic permits) and apply light pressure to the accelerator.
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Drive at the posted speed, especially on the highway.