Planning a long road trip means finding the right SUV that offers both comfort and great fuel efficiency. With rising fuel costs, it’s more important than ever to choose a vehicle that gets the most out of every gallon. In this article, we’ll explore 20 of the most fuel-efficient SUVs that are perfect for extended journeys, combining performance with the savings you need for your adventure.
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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a top pick for fuel-conscious road trippers, delivering up to 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Its hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, ensures both performance and efficiency. With a spacious interior and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, it’s ideal for long journeys with family or gear. Toyota’s safety technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, makes highway driving easier.
Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V Hybrid offers an impressive 40 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it a great choice for road trips. Its hybrid system combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing a combined 212 horsepower. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid is roomy and practical, with 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space that easily accommodates luggage. Honda’s suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, ensures a safer drive.
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid is built for efficiency, delivering up to 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, it strikes a balance between performance and economy. The Escape offers a comfortable interior with 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space, making it perfect for hauling gear on road trips. Standard features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist make long drives easier and safer.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
If you need a larger SUV without sacrificing fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a standout, achieving 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Powered by a 2.5-liter engine and electric motors, it produces 243 horsepower while comfortably seating up to eight passengers. Despite its size, the Highlander Hybrid offers a smooth and quiet ride, ideal for family road trips. With 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, it can handle both passengers and luggage.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impresses with its balanced performance and fuel efficiency, achieving 38 mpg in both city and highway driving. A 1.6-liter turbocharged engine combined with electric motors produces 226 horsepower, giving it plenty of power for long trips. Its modern, tech-packed interior features wireless smartphone connectivity and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. With 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space, it offers plenty of room for road trip essentials.
Kia Sorento Hybrid
For those who need more room, the Kia Sorento Hybrid provides third-row seating while delivering up to 39 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors for a total of 227 horsepower, offering both efficiency and power. The Sorento Hybrid has a flexible interior with room for up to seven passengers and 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Kia’s standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, enhance the overall driving experience.
Lexus NX 350h
The Lexus NX 350h blends luxury and efficiency, with an estimated 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Powered by a 2.5-liter engine and electric motors, this hybrid SUV generates 239 horsepower for a smooth yet powerful drive. Its upscale interior, complete with a 9.8-inch touchscreen and premium materials, ensures comfort on long road trips. The NX 350h offers 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space, making it practical for weekend getaways or longer vacations.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a rugged, fuel-efficient SUV perfect for road trips, offering 35 mpg combined and an additional 17 miles of electric-only range. With its 2.0-liter engine and electric motors producing 148 horsepower, it’s well-suited for eco-conscious adventurers. Standard all-wheel drive makes the Crosstrek Hybrid a capable choice for off-the-beaten-path road trips. The cargo area offers 15.9 cubic feet of space, ideal for outdoor gear.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a versatile plug-in hybrid, delivering 38 miles of all-electric range and 64 MPGe combined. A 2.4-liter engine and electric motors produce 248 horsepower, providing ample performance for long road trips. Its spacious interior offers seating for up to seven and 30.4 cubic feet of cargo space, making it perfect for family adventures. Standard all-wheel drive and modern tech features, like an 8-inch touchscreen, enhance the driving experience.
Volvo XC60 Recharge
The Volvo XC60 Recharge combines luxury and eco-friendliness, offering 57 MPGe and an all-electric range of 35 miles. Its turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter engine works with electric motors to produce 455 horsepower, providing thrilling performance and excellent efficiency. Inside, the XC60 Recharge offers an elegant, high-tech cabin, making long road trips more enjoyable. It also provides 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for carrying road trip essentials. Volvo’s safety technology ensures a secure, comfortable journey, no matter how far you travel.
Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency, delivering up to 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. A 2.5-liter engine combined with electric motors generates 219 horsepower, providing a smooth and quiet ride. The Venza offers a well-appointed interior with modern tech, perfect for long-distance travel. With 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space, it has plenty of room for luggage. Its all-wheel-drive capability and advanced safety features make it a reliable option for road trips.
Nissan Rogue Hybrid
The Nissan Rogue Hybrid offers impressive fuel economy, with an estimated 33 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, making it a solid choice for long journeys. A 2.0-liter engine paired with an electric motor provides a combined output of 176 horsepower, ensuring a balanced performance. The Rogue Hybrid features a spacious cabin with 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space, ideal for packing gear. Safety features like rear cross-traffic alert and automatic emergency braking are standard, enhancing safety on the road. Its comfortable ride and tech-forward features make it a favorite among road trippers.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox provides a reliable and fuel-efficient option for road trips, with an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, it produces 170 horsepower, offering solid performance without excessive fuel consumption. The Equinox features a roomy interior with 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for road trip gear. Its user-friendly infotainment system, along with available advanced safety features, enhances the driving experience.
Mazda CX-5
With up to 31 mpg on the highway, the Mazda CX-5 is a stylish and fuel-efficient option for road trips. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 187 horsepower, balancing performance with fuel economy. The CX-5 offers an upscale interior with premium materials, making it comfortable for long drives. Cargo space measures 30.9 cubic feet, providing plenty of room for luggage or gear. The available all-wheel drive ensures the CX-5 can handle different terrains, adding to its versatility on road trips.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers an impressive fuel economy for a midsize SUV, delivering 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and electric motors, generating 226 horsepower for smooth and efficient driving. Inside, the Santa Fe Hybrid provides a spacious cabin with 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for family road trips. Hyundai’s advanced safety features, like lane-keeping assist, add to its appeal for long journeys.
Ford Explorer Hybrid
For those who need a larger SUV with good fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer Hybrid is a strong contender, offering 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Its hybrid powertrain combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with electric motors, providing 318 horsepower. With seating for up to seven and 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, the Explorer Hybrid is perfect for group road trips. Its standard all-wheel drive and comprehensive safety features ensure a safe and comfortable journey. The powerful engine and roomy interior make it a great choice for long-distance travel.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe offers a unique combination of off-road capability and fuel efficiency, with 49 MPGe and an all-electric range of 21 miles. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and electric motors, it delivers 375 horsepower, providing plenty of power for long trips. The Wrangler 4xe’s rugged design and all-wheel-drive capabilities make it ideal for adventurous road trips. With 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, it has enough room for gear.
Kia Niro Hybrid
The Kia Niro Hybrid is an excellent compact SUV option, delivering up to 53 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient in its class. Its 1.6-liter engine and electric motor combine for 139 horsepower, providing a smooth and efficient ride. Inside, the Niro Hybrid offers a practical layout with 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver, while features like adaptive cruise control make long drives more comfortable. For eco-conscious travelers, the Niro Hybrid is a standout choice.
BMW X5 xDrive45e
For those seeking luxury and efficiency, the BMW X5 xDrive45e offers the best of both worlds, with 50 MPGe and 31 miles of all-electric range. A 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with electric motors generates 389 horsepower, providing robust performance for long trips. The X5 xDrive45e’s interior is luxurious, with advanced tech and premium materials that make it a pleasure to drive. With 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space, it’s practical for packing road trip essentials. BMW’s safety features and comfortable ride make this a great option for luxury road trips.
Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is a compact SUV that offers an impressive fuel economy of up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 141 horsepower, providing enough power for everyday drives and road trips alike. Inside, the HR-V offers a versatile cargo area with up to 58.8 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded. Its small footprint makes it easy to handle on tight roads, and features like Honda Sensing provide additional safety.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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