Fuel efficiency is a top priority for car buyers today, especially when it comes to SUVs. These versatile vehicles offer space and utility, but traditionally, they haven’t been known for their gas mileage. However, the automotive industry has made significant strides in recent years, producing SUVs that are both spacious and surprisingly fuel-efficient. If you’re looking to maximize your miles per gallon without sacrificing the benefits of an SUV, explore our curated list of top contenders for the best MPG SUVs on the market.
1. 2023 Mazda CX-5: Setting the Standard for SUV Fuel Economy
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Alt text: 2023 Mazda CX-5 in white, showcasing its fuel-efficient SUV design.
Leading the pack with an impressive 24 MPG combined, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 stands out even in the competitive compact SUV segment. Matching up against rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the CX-5 distinguishes itself with a sporty driving experience and remarkable fuel economy. For drivers who want agility and efficiency, the Mazda CX-5 is a top choice in the Suvs Best Mpg category.
2. 2019 Mazda CX-9: Efficient Power for the Whole Family
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Alt text: White 2019 Mazda CX-9, a fuel-efficient SUV ideal for families.
The Mazda CX-9, Mazda’s flagship crossover SUV, achieves 23 MPG combined, a notable figure for a vehicle with seating for seven. Its turbocharged engine is engineered for fuel efficiency without compromising performance. This makes the CX-9 a smart option for families needing space and seeking SUVs with the best mpg in the larger category.
3. 2019 Subaru Ascent: Adventure-Ready with Respectable Mileage
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Alt text: 2019 Subaru Ascent in white, a fuel-efficient SUV built for adventure.
Subaru’s Ascent offers 22 MPG combined, blending Subaru’s renowned driving dynamics with a focus on fuel economy. Drawing on the success of models like the Outback and Forester, the Ascent provides a comfortable, car-like driving experience while being surprisingly efficient for its size. This SUV proves that capability and good gas mileage can go hand in hand.
4. 2019 Honda Pilot: Comfort and Versatility with a Focus on Efficiency
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Alt text: White 2019 Honda Pilot showcasing its interior comfort and fuel efficiency.
The Honda Pilot, redesigned with interior comfort and versatility in mind, also achieves 22 MPG combined. It provides minivan-like seating and space but within a more fuel-efficient SUV framework. The Pilot is a testament to Honda’s engineering, delivering a family-friendly SUV that doesn’t heavily compromise on fuel economy.
5. 2019 Nissan Pathfinder: Balanced Fuel Economy and Seating Capacity
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Alt text: 2019 Nissan Pathfinder in white, highlighting its fuel-efficient design and spacious interior.
The Nissan Pathfinder offers a balanced approach with 21 MPG combined. It merges seating capacity with reasonable fuel consumption, making it a practical choice for families. While earlier Pathfinders were more truck-like, the 2019 model prioritizes fuel efficiency without sacrificing the SUV’s core utility.
6. 2019 Chevrolet Blazer: Stylish Design Meets Decent MPG
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Alt text: 2019 Chevrolet Blazer in white, a stylish and relatively fuel-efficient mid-size SUV.
The Chevrolet Blazer, starting at a competitive price point, provides 21 MPG combined. Positioned in the mid-sized SUV segment, the Blazer aims to offer both versatility and style, along with better-than-average fuel economy for its class. For those seeking a blend of aesthetics and efficiency, the Blazer is worth considering.
7. 2019 Kia Sorento: Versatility and Value with Good Gas Mileage
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Alt text: White 2019 Kia Sorento showcasing its bold styling and fuel-efficient features.
Competing in the crowded mid-size SUV category, the Kia Sorento achieves 21 MPG combined. Its bold styling and range of options help it stand out, offering versatility and value alongside respectable fuel economy. The Sorento proves that you don’t have to sacrifice features for efficiency.
8. 2019 GMC Acadia: Mid-Size Comfort with a Nod to Fuel Savings
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Alt text: 2019 GMC Acadia in white, a mid-size SUV offering comfortable seating and reasonable fuel economy.
The GMC Acadia, entering the competitive mid-size crossover segment, gets 20 MPG combined. With three rows of seating, it aims to balance passenger capacity with fuel efficiency in a crowded market. The Acadia is a practical choice for families needing space and seeking to manage fuel costs.
9. 2019 Chevrolet Traverse: Spacious and Surprisingly Economical
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Alt text: 2019 Chevrolet Traverse in white, a spacious SUV with a focus on fuel economy in its segment.
The Chevrolet Traverse, in a highly competitive SUV landscape, also achieves 20 MPG combined. GM has focused on making its SUV lineup stand out, and the Traverse offers significant space with a fuel economy that is commendable for its size. It’s a strong contender for those prioritizing both roominess and efficiency.
10. 2019 Dodge Durango: Power and Features with Manageable MPG
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Alt text: 2019 Dodge Durango in white, a full-size SUV that balances power with reasonable fuel economy.
The Dodge Durango, a full-size SUV, achieves 15 MPG combined. While it’s at the lower end of this list, for a full-size SUV, it represents a balance between capability, features, and fuel consumption. With features like an 8-speed transmission and standard keyless entry, the Durango offers value in the full-size SUV category while keeping fuel efficiency in mind.
Conclusion:
Choosing an SUV no longer means sacrificing fuel economy. These top 10 models demonstrate that it’s possible to find SUVs with best mpg ratings, combining efficiency with the space and versatility SUVs are known for. As fuel prices fluctuate, opting for a fuel-efficient SUV is a smart financial decision and an environmentally conscious choice. Consider these models when you’re looking for an SUV that will take you further for less.
