When it comes to SUVs, fuel efficiency isn’t always top of mind for every model. Some SUVs might deliver power and space, but at the cost of guzzling gas like there’s no tomorrow. In this list, we’ll take a look at 25 inefficient SUVs that drained the gas tank faster than you’d expect, making frequent trips to the pump an unavoidable part of the drive. If you’re in the market for an SUV, these are the models you might want to avoid.
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Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 is infamous for its extreme fuel consumption, averaging around 9-12 miles per gallon (mpg). Its massive weight, combined with a 6.0-liter or 6.2-liter V8 engine, made it one of the least fuel-efficient vehicles of its time. The H2 prioritized rugged looks and off-road capability over efficiency, making gas station visits frequent.
Chevrolet Suburban
Known for its size and towing capacity, the Chevrolet Suburban is a powerhouse that sacrifices fuel efficiency for space. With a V8 engine and seating for up to nine passengers, it struggles to achieve more than 14-16 mpg, especially in older models. Its large frame and weight contribute to its high fuel consumption.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
While the Trackhawk’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine delivers 707 horsepower, it comes at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk averages just 11-13 mpg in city driving, which is a steep trade-off for its high performance.
Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade is known for its luxury and presence, but its 6.2-liter V8 engine and heavyweight design mean poor fuel efficiency. With an average of around 14-15 mpg, this SUV sacrifices efficiency for a plush driving experience and advanced features.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada offers power and space with a 5.6-liter V8 engine, but this large SUV averages only around 14-16 mpg. While it excels in towing and off-road capability, it’s an inefficient choice for everyday driving.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser is legendary for its durability and off-road prowess, but its 5.7-liter V8 engine makes it one of the most inefficient Toyota models in terms of fuel consumption, averaging around 13-15 mpg. Its heavy build and advanced off-road systems further reduce fuel economy.
Ford Expedition
This full-size SUV, with its powerful V6 or V8 engine options, is designed for towing and family road trips. However, its size and weight lead to a fuel economy of around 15-17 mpg, making it less than ideal for those concerned with fuel costs.
Infiniti QX80
The QX80 is Infiniti’s flagship luxury SUV, but with a 5.6-liter V8 engine, it offers only 13-15 mpg. Its spacious interior and high-end features come at a high fuel price, especially for daily commuting.
Lexus LX 570
The LX 570 is known for being luxurious and capable off-road, thanks to its powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine. However, it averages just 12-14 mpg, making it one of the least fuel-efficient SUVs in Lexus’s lineup.
Dodge Durango SRT
The Dodge Durango SRT is a performance-focused SUV with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine, producing 475 horsepower. Despite its power, it offers just 13-15 mpg, meaning its thrilling drive comes with significant fuel costs.
Range Rover SVR
With a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, the Range Rover SVR is built for performance, delivering 575 horsepower. However, it guzzles gas at a rate of around 14-16 mpg, making it one of the least efficient luxury SUVs available.
Lincoln Navigator
Known for its bold design and luxury, the Lincoln Navigator features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. While advanced, its large size and weight result in an average of 16-18 mpg, making it far from efficient.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G-Wagon)
The iconic G-Wagon is known for its rugged off-road capability, but its boxy design and powerful V8 engine lead to poor aerodynamics and fuel economy. The G-Wagon averages only around 13-15 mpg, making it one of the most inefficient luxury SUVs.
GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon XL is a large SUV built for towing and family travel. It comes with a V8 engine, but its sheer size and weight limit it to an average of 14-16 mpg, making it a gas guzzler on long road trips.
BMW X7
BMW’s flagship SUV, the X7, offers luxury and performance, but with its V6 or V8 engine options, it averages only 16-18 mpg. Its luxurious features and large size add to its inefficiency in terms of fuel consumption.
Audi Q7 V6
The Audi Q7, while powerful and technologically advanced, offers poor fuel economy with its V6 engine. It averages around 18-20 mpg, which is low compared to other vehicles in its class, particularly for city driving.
Mitsubishi Montero
Older models of the Mitsubishi Montero were equipped with less fuel-efficient engines, and they averaged around 14-16 mpg. Its off-road capabilities and large size contributed to its inefficient fuel consumption.
Volkswagen Touareg V8
The Touareg with a V8 engine is a luxury SUV that offers great performance, but its fuel economy falls short at around 13-15 mpg. Its focus on power over efficiency earned it a spot on this list.
Chevrolet Tahoe
Like its sibling the Suburban, the Chevrolet Tahoe is built for size and towing, and its 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V8 engines result in fuel economy around 14-16 mpg, making it a less efficient option for daily driving.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo
The Cayenne Turbo offers sports-car-like performance in an SUV, but its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine averages around 15-17 mpg. While fast and fun, it comes with a hefty fuel bill.
Jeep Wrangler (older models)
While beloved for its off-road capability, older models of the Jeep Wrangler were notoriously inefficient, averaging around 15-17 mpg. Their boxy design and large tires reduce aerodynamics, further contributing to poor fuel economy.
Ford Excursion
As one of the largest SUVs ever built, the Ford Excursion was equipped with powerful V8 and V10 engine options, but it averaged only 10-14 mpg. Its massive size and weight made it highly inefficient at the pump.
Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is popular for its spacious interior and advanced technology, but its fuel economy of around 19-21 mpg is below average for its class, especially for city driving.
Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery offers impressive off-road capabilities, but its fuel efficiency suffers with an average of 15-17 mpg. Its weight and rugged design make it less than ideal for fuel-conscious drivers.
Buick Enclave
Known for its comfort and spacious interior, the Buick Enclave is a solid family SUV, but with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, it struggles to achieve more than 17-19 mpg, making it inefficient for its size and class.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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