In an era marked by a growing awareness of environmental sustainability and rising fuel costs, the quest for fuel-efficient transportation has become paramount. Amidst this landscape, non-hybrid crossovers and SUVs have emerged as unexpected heroes, offering both versatility and remarkable fuel efficiency. In this exploration, we embark on a journey to discover the most economical and eco-conscious options in the SUV market.
While SUVs have traditionally been associated with gas-guzzling tendencies, recent advancements in technology and engineering have led to a remarkable shift. Today, a new generation of non-hybrid SUVs showcases innovative designs, lightweight materials, and highly efficient engines that prove you don't need a hybrid powertrain to achieve impressive miles per gallon. This list highlights the most frugal non-hybrid SUVs on sale today.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, such as fueleconomy.gov which provided the fuel efficiency statistics of each model.
17 Non-Hybrid SUVs With The Best Fuel Efficiency
This list has been updated to include even more awesome and efficient SUVs. With the growing interest in hybrid power, it's understandable to discount gas-powered efficiency. However, there are plenty of options that stretch fuel further than ever before.
An SUV that tends to hang out with the posh crowd is the Lincoln Corsair. A small ute that does the family name proud by not only offering premium fittings, but respectable performance. The exterior design is on par with modern Lincoln design language, which is bold styling with mature contours and a respect-commanding presence.
The standard powertrain is a 2.0-liter turbo-four, though the Corsair, like many on this list, offers a PHEV option that excels in fuel economy - but we digress. The gas-powered Corsair is fairly proficient at delivering a berthy push when the gas pedal is pressed, as well as allowing the driver to pass on the pump a few times before filling up.
Engine | 2.0-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder |
Horsepower | 250 hp |
Torque | 275 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 22 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 30 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 25 MPG |
The cabin won't disappoint, as it includes premium materials, well-applied character flair, and ample standard tech. Those who enjoy large screens will like the standard 13.2-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital cluster, both of which are standard on all 2025 Corsairs. Available options include a heads-up display, 24-way power-adjustable seating, and a 14-speaker Revel sound system, though tread carefully in the options, as the bill can quickly add up in these upscale models.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a very compelling choice for those who enjoy some luxury without overdoing it. It offers an upscale-feeling cabin with smooth driving dynamics that makes for a relaxing, plush experience. If that's not enough, even the base model includes extra standard features, and that's before we get into available options.
Engine | 2.5-Liter Inline-4 |
Horsepower | 187 hp |
Torque | 178 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 25 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 33 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 28 MPG |
The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder provides 187 horses to either the front wheel or all four, depending on which you prefer. Also standard is an eight-speed automatic transmission, which isn't as frugal as a CVT in terms of fuel economy, though the difference is hardly worth fussing over.
The cabin appointments are on the premium side, with the modern Hyundai design language moving toward simplistic, modern sophistication. This sentiment is observed in other current Hyundai models, including the flagship Palisade, as well as the re-designed Sonata and Elantra sedans. Quality materials and clean tech populate the cabin, with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, Apple and Android capability, and a stacked driver assist suite included on the standard equipment list.
The Subaru Crosstrek sets itself apart from the competition with its off-roading features, which include 8.7 inches of ground clearance and driver aids like hill-descent control. It's not much, but it's a lot more than what most subcompact SUVs offer. Engine options are a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter or a more potent 2.5-liter and all-wheel drive is standard. The lesser-powered mill offers negligible fuel-saving benefits and should be avoided.
Engine | 2.5-Liter Inline-4 |
Horsepower | 182 hp |
Torque | 178 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 27 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 34 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 29 MPG |
Space inside is plenty, and the Crosstrek's sound-deadening materials facilitate a quiet ride. The interior, dominated by a horizontal infotainment screen, is spatan and lacking in luxury features, though leather upholstery is offered as an option. Regular off-roaders should opt for the Wilderness trim that offers more off-road equipment, including a higher ground clearance and all-terrain tires. However, the trade-off is reduced fuel efficiency.
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The Chevrolet Trax received a much-needed complete redesign for 2024, adopting a sleeker appearance, a new engine, up-to-date technology, and a larger interior. Following the 2024 refresh, the 2025 model arrives largely unchanged. All trims feature a 137 horsepower engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Most rivals come with a CVT, which offers fuel-saving benefits but produces an annoying drone.
Engine | 1.2-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Three |
Horsepower | 137 HP |
Torque | 162 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 28 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 32 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 30 MPG |
Despite featuring an auto, the Trax makes it into our list of most efficient non-hybrid SUVs. Though you won't win many drag races with the Trax, its turbo engine provides enough power for everyday driving. The Trax offers incredible value given its low sticker price, though you may have to go for the mid-range trims to get the best bang for your buck.
The Buick Envista flatters to deceive, with its fastback styling falsely suggesting that it is a performance SUV. While we appreciate the Envista's good looks, it is quite sluggish, especially when its 1.2-liter turbocharged mill runs out of steam. It is, therefore, best used for short commutes and in urban areas where there's little need for hard acceleration. Having a small engine does have some benefits, however, including high fuel efficiency.
Engine | 1.2-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Three |
Horsepower | 137 HP |
Torque | 162 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 28 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 32 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 30 MPG |
The Buick also offers decent value for money. Being a new offering from Buick, the Envista offers up-to-date tech, including an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.0-inch infotainment display housed in a trapezoid glass panel. Standard features increase as you scale the trim ladder. Furthermore, interior room is plentiful and the sloping roofline doesn't impact rear headroom.
The CR-V is a legend of the SUV world, having dominated the compact SUV segment for decades. The Honda CR-V is an icon when it comes to pure reliability and value for money.
Engine | 1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
Horsepower | 190 HP |
Torque | 179 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 28 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 34 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 30 MPG |
The 2025 Honda CR-V goes the way of a small 1.5-liter engine, but its turbocharger ensures that it has enough oomph, both off the line and at highway speeds. While it musters the lowest MPG, its efficiency on the highway is actually better than a lot of the SUVs on this list.
The CR-V is an SUV where its legacy speaks for itself. Over the years, it's gotten a little more expensive than it used to be, but Hondas' brilliantly designed exterior and interior and their great list of standard equipment has earned them a little wiggle room in this department. It stands out as what we believe is the best compact SUV on the market today.
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The Ford Escape is a prime example of a straightforward, no-gimmick, efficient family hauler. The competitive price range is just a conversation starter, as the performance and interior options draw buyers in further. This is a good thing, as the Escape offers enough to make it one of the most compelling options on this list, even if only based on its bang-for-your-buck appeal.
Engine | 1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-3 |
Horsepower | 181 hp |
Torque | 199 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 34 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 27 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 30 MPG |
Two engine options present themselves for the gas-powered 2025 model year, those being the standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, and the top-rated 2.0-liter turbo-four. The base 3-pot pumps out a respectable 181 horses, which is enough to make the ute sprint when the situation calls for it. And while the top-rated turbo-four is compelling, it's the base engine in front-wheel drive configuration that offers superb fuel economy. The Escape is a humble SUV that has fallen behind in the mainstream race, though that doesn't mean it's lost its charm. It simply means that the competition is tough, which is rewarding for those in the market for a fuel-efficient SUV.
The only other compact SUV on this list other than the CR-V is the Toyota RAV4. This seems fitting considering that the CR-V and the RAV4 have been battling out for decades trying to claim the spot of most successful compact SUV.
Engine | 2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
Horsepower | 203 hp |
Torque | 184 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 27 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 35 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 30 MPG |
The Toyota RAV4 comes equipped either with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. However, if youre looking to achieve the best fuel economy, youll have to stick to the front-wheel drive model. This compact SUV may not perform excellently in cities compared to others on this list, but its 35 MPG rating on highways means its perfect for those with longer commutes.
The 2024 RAV4 is a no-nonsense, no-fuss SUV and doesnt try to be fancy. That being said, it does everything youd expect a small SUV to do with ease and without any complaints. What is impressive about the RAV4, however, is how Toyota managed to achieve its fuel economy with a 2.5-liter engine.
Like many of the cars on this list, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV. In that segment, it is perhaps one of the most stylish options that you can go with, and it has some surprisingly impressive fuel economy to boot.
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Engine | 1.3-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Three |
Horsepower | 155 hp |
Torque | 174 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 29 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 33 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 31 MPG |
The EPA has only published figures for the Trailblazer with the 1.3-liter engine and not the base 1.2-liter. We assume that the smaller engine would do slightly better. However, the 1.3-liter inline three-cylinder handles itself quite well. The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is surprisingly spacious on the inside and offers a great infotainment system for its price. The main downside to this little subcompact is that it comes in a little more expensive than its rivals with a starting MSRP of 23,100 dollars.
While it falls short of performance with its standard engine, Chevrolet's mid-size SUV manages to come out on top for overall efficiency.
The average price of new cars has been skyrocketing over the last couple of years, and it has become harder and harder to find a good quality car without breaking the bank. Thats where Hyundai comes in, saving the day with their excellently priced Venue.
Engine | 1.6-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
Horsepower | 121 hp |
Torque | 113 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 29 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 32 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 31 MPG |
The Hyundai Venue offers excellent fuel economy, which isnt surprising considering its slightly underpowered engine. As a result, any kind of maneuver that requires any kind of speed whatsoever is going to be a difficult task in the Venue. On the other hand, though, the Venue is designed to be a cheap run around SUV, and we can forgive it for its lack of power due to the fact that it comes with a ton of standard features, a surprisingly large cabin, and a ton of driver assist tech given its price tag.
Still sitting in the realms of 31 MPG, we move on to Kias subcompact offering, the Seltos. Kia has been gaining a ton of attention for its bigger Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride, leaving the Seltos as the overlooked smaller sibling.
Engine | 2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
Horsepower | 146 hp |
Torque | 132 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 28 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 34 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 31 MPG |
To get the best fuel economy out of the Kia Seltos, youll have to opt for a front-wheel drive model. The base powertrain may not be the fastest on the market, but if speed isnt your priority, then the chances are youll be more than satisfied. The Seltos comes a little more expensive than some of the other subcompact SUVs on the market. However, Kia has slowly been establishing themselves as a high-quality brand offering luxe features well above the asking price, making the Seltos a solid sub-compact SUV option.
Hyundai made the list for a second time with the 2025 Kona. The Kona comes a little more expensive than the cheaper Venue but offers tons more features and a much more premium feel on the inside and outside. All in all, it fills the perfect spot in the stable of Hyundai SUVs.
Engine | 2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
Horsepower | 147 hp |
Torque | 132 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 29 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 34 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 31 MPG |
The Kona has a little more oomph than the smaller Venue. However, it still struggles a little bit to get up to speed compared to some of its competitors. If youre looking to get the best fuel economy without going hybrid, the front-wheel drive model is for you.
The Kona was completely redesigned for the 2024 model year and has a new look. The small crossover is used to stirring up controversy and its new facade has people debating once again. In our opinion, the Kona is pretty stylish, and it's exciting to see a different design on the roads. The interior matches the exterior in that it's modern and comfortable and comes with all the extra comforts weve come to expect from Hyundai.
Although hybrid cars have made great strides in fuel efficiency, there are still gasoline-only options that perform nearly as well.
Volkswagen is a German brand known for its sensibility and its reliability and the Volkswagen Taos is no exception. It delivers great value for money and excellent fuel economy.
Engine | 1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
Horsepower | 158 hp |
Torque | 184 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 28 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 36 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 31 MPG |
Unlike a lot of the other SUVs on this list, the Taos opts for forced induction with a turbocharged inline-four. This results in excellent highway fuel efficiency. It also means that passing other cars at highway speeds is not something that youre going to have any trouble with.
The VW Taos shouldn't be dismissed, taking everything we like about the Golf and everything we like about the Tiguan and blending it together to fill the space in between. Its roomy interior, particularly in the cargo area, means that you get that extra bit of practicality without having to sacrifice fuel efficiency or performance.
The Kia Soul is perhaps one of the most divisive car designs of this decade. However, if youre like us, the design grows on you, and you start to love how quirky it is.
Engine | 2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
Horsepower | 147 hp |
Torque | 132 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 29 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 35 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 31 MPG |
The Kia Soul has changed a lot over its lifetime and, in a couple of ways, it hasnt been for the better. The powertrain has lost its turbocharger and all-wheel drive is not an option. Despite this, though, it still remains a really attractive option with its striking looks and its great economy.
The Soul enters the 2025 model year with very few changes. One of the biggest draws for the Kia Soul outside its looks is its value for money. Kia offers tons of features on the Soul, and it does so for less money than some of its rivals, like the Jeep Renegade and the Chevrolet Trax.
At an incredibly impressive average of 31 MPG, the 2025 Nissan Kicks sits among the top performers on this list. The Kicks sat higher on this list in 2024, but a complete redesign of the model, which includes the adoption of a new engine, has reduced the model's efficiency. This affordable SUV is perfect for anyone wanting an affordable new car that offers that little bit of extra room on the inside.
Engine | 2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
Horsepower | 141 hp |
Torque | 140 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD/AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 35 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 28 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 31 MPG |
Whether you often take long trips or your daily commute is through crowded streets, the Nissan Kicks is going to offer you excellent gas mileage. It comes in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and pairs its 2.0-liter engine with a CVT.
The Nissan Kicks may not be the most well-equipped SUV in its segment, but its brilliantly low starting price point means that it can still compete with top performers. Youll have to surrender any sense of urgency, as the Kicks is slow, but if you can live with that, youre going to be paying a lot less when you stop at the gas pump.
With impressive gas mileage and battery support, the hybrid and PHEVs on this list promise a much higher range than any electric vehicle.
The Corolla Cross is essentially the bridge between the Corolla hatchback and the RAV4 SUV. If youre in the market for a Corolla but want a bit more room and ground clearance, then the 2024 Corolla Cross exists for you.
Engine | 2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
Horsepower | 169 hp |
Torque | 151 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 31 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 33 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 32 MPG |
The 2024 Corolla Cross features a four-cylinder engine that pairs with a CVT to achieve its excellent fuel economy. Once again, if youre looking for the best gas-mileage, stick with front-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross works especially well if youre someone who only makes small trips, with its city gas rating being higher than most.
Nearly doubling the cargo space that you get in the Corolla sedan, the Corolla Cross definitely brings in some extra utility. On top of this, you get the classic peace of mind that comes with driving a Toyota thanks to its generous warranties and its excellent reliability ratings.
Another top performer from the Nissan stable of efficient utes, the 2025 Rogue displays a superb sense of economy in any condition. From highway passing to stop-and-go city commuting, the 2025 Nissan Rogue makes use of its turbocharged three-cylinder mill, which produces a hard-working 201 horses at 5,600 rpm.
Engine | 1.5-Liter Turbocharged 3-Cylinder |
Horsepower | 201 hp |
Torque | 225 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Economy - City | 30 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Highway | 37 MPG |
Fuel Economy - Combined | 33 MPG |
Paired to the VC Turbo-three is a standard CVT, which aids in the Rogue's impressive economy. While not a coveted transmission option for driving purists, the XTronic CVT found in the 2025 Rogue does a fine job at putting the power to the wheels, making for an efficient hauler that's lighter on its feet than it may appear.
That said, don't expect a Durango Hellcat-level performance. Interior-wise, the 2025 Rogue includes all the contemporary tech and comfort Nissan has to offer, and more. Key features include NissanConnect with Wi-Fi mobile hotspot, OTA update compatibility, and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen display, among other comforts.
2023-10-18T04:05:35Z