SUVs have been gaining popularity for decades, supplanting traditional sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks as the go-to choice for both family and personal transport.
But which SUVs have the best mpg? We crunched the numbers and came up with the most efficient SUVs for 2020 in a wide variety of classes and sizes.
2020 Lexus UX Hybrid:
Lexus goes light on updates for the 2020 UX by only adding a couple of new features.
The hybridized UX is better suited to saving fuel when driving around town, with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The gas-only model is rated at 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.Â
It has one of the lowest base prices in the luxury hybrid and electric SUV class, and it comes with lots of standard safety features. It also has plenty of space in its first row of seats and a fair amount of room in the second row for adult passengers to sit comfortably. In addition to its excellent fuel economy, this Lexus delivered a smooth ride and poised handling. However, it doesn’t have as much cargo space as many competitors, and its infotainment system can be tricky to use.
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid:
The Escape Hybrid is a functional SUV that sits in the middle of our hybrid and electric SUV rankings. It earns praise for its extensive set of standard equipment, including a full suite of high-tech safety features.
Ford brings back the Escape Hybrid for 2020 after an eight-year absence, and it gets the best fuel economy in city driving among our list of gas-sipping SUVs. The model is rated at 44mpg in the city and 37mpg on the highway.Â
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:
This electrified version of the RAV4 offers the same practical and spacious cabin as the regular model and low-cost value trims and high-end near-luxury models. However, the hybrid tech does add a price premium.
The RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine assisted by two electric motors for a combined output of 219 horsepower.
The EPA estimates it’ll achieve 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined, beating the regular RAV4 by 14 mpg, 5 mpg, and 11 mpg.
2020 Nissan Kicks:
Nissan doesn’t make any significant changes to the 2020 Kicks lineup. Every 2020 Kicks model is powered by a 125-hp four-cylinder engine that provides adequate but far from thrilling acceleration.
The EPA estimates it’ll achieve 31 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway.
