SUV fuel economy now varies dramatically by size and powertrain. The most efficient hybrids can return well over 40 MPG, while large body-on-frame SUVs and off-road models often fall into the teens or low 20s. That makes engine choice just as important as vehicle size when comparing running costs.

This guide focuses on the SUV configurations most buyers are likely to cross-shop, using a shorter list of mainstream gas, hybrid, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models rather than every low-volume trim or exotic performance variant.

Top Fuel-Economy Winners

Plug-In Hybrid SUVs

Plug-in hybrids are still worth showing, but they should not clutter the main comparison. Their real-world fuel use depends heavily on charging habits, so they work better as a smaller side table.

Sources and Method

Primary grounding remained the 2026 DOE/EPA Fuel Economy Guide, with the article intentionally scoped to 2025-2026 because 2027 coverage is still uneven across the SUV market.