Midsize SUVs offer more passenger room and cargo space than many compact crossovers without requiring the size of a full-size SUV. But their fuel economy varies considerably, especially when comparing hybrids with conventional gasoline models.

The Toyota Crown Signia leads this two-row midsize SUV comparison with an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined for both 2026 and 2027. The Jeep Cherokee Turbo Hybrid follows with a manufacturer-estimated 37 MPG combined, while the Subaru Outback is among the more efficient conventional gasoline choices at 27 MPG combined for 2026.

Below, we compare two-row midsize SUVs sold in the United States, including hybrid and gasoline powertrains. We also examine all-wheel-drive efficiency, annual fuel consumption, and which models make the most sense for different buyers.

Every Two-Row Midsize SUV Ranked by MPG (2026–2027)

The table uses the most efficient identified gasoline or conventional hybrid configuration for each model. Verified EPA ratings and manufacturer estimates are labeled separately. The model year shown is the year to which the listed rating applies.

*The Jeep Cherokee’s 37 MPG figure is manufacturer-estimated and is not treated here as an independently verified final EPA rating. Other entries are based on published EPA estimates for the listed configurations. This table covers selected mainstream two-row midsize SUVs, not every luxury or off-road specialty model. The Toyota Crown Signia is also marketed as a premium crossover and has wagon-like proportions.

There are two distinct groups in this comparison. The Crown Signia and Cherokee Hybrid emphasize fuel efficiency, while vehicles such as the Honda Passport, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Grand Cherokee place greater emphasis on capability, towing, or rugged construction.

1. Toyota Crown Signia — 38 MPG Combined

Best configuration: 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid, electronic all-wheel drive

2026 MPG: 39 city / 37 highway / 38 combined

2027 MPG: 38 combined

The Toyota Crown Signia is the most fuel-efficient SUV in this two-row midsize comparison.

Its conventional hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with electric assistance. The 2026 version produces 240 combined horsepower, while Toyota lists 238 horsepower for 2027.

All-wheel drive is standard, so buyers do not need to choose between the most efficient powertrain and AWD capability.

The Crown Signia’s low roofline and long, wagon-like body distinguish it from more upright SUVs. That design helps explain why it can achieve fuel economy more commonly associated with smaller crossovers.

It also offers a comfortable cabin and fold-flat rear seating for carrying larger items.

Best for: Buyers who want maximum fuel efficiency, standard AWD, and a comfortable two-row vehicle.

2. Jeep Cherokee Turbo Hybrid — Manufacturer-Estimated 37 MPG Combined

Powertrain: 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, AWD

2026 MPG: Manufacturer-estimated 37 combined

2027 MPG: Manufacturer-estimated 37 combined, excluding certain trims

The revived Jeep Cherokee uses a conventional hybrid powertrain that combines a turbocharged gasoline engine with electric assistance.

Jeep lists 210 horsepower and a combined fuel-economy estimate of 37 MPG for the standard hybrid configuration.

The Cherokee does not need to be plugged in. Its battery recovers energy through regenerative braking and is supported by the gasoline engine.

Jeep also advertises a driving range exceeding 500 miles on a tank of gasoline.

The Cherokee’s appeal is its combination of SUV practicality, standard all-wheel drive, and significantly lower expected fuel consumption than traditional gasoline-powered Jeep SUVs.

However, the 37 MPG figure cited here is a manufacturer estimate. Buyers should check the final EPA listing for the exact model year and trim.

Best for: Buyers wanting an efficient hybrid SUV with Jeep styling and AWD.

3. Subaru Outback — 27 MPG Combined

Best configuration: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, AWD

2026 MPG: 25 city / 31 highway / 27 combined

2027 MPG: Not verified for this comparison

The redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback adopts a taller, more SUV-like body while retaining its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

The most efficient 2.5-liter gasoline configurations achieve 27 MPG combined.

More powerful turbocharged XT models return 24 MPG combined, while the off-road-oriented Wilderness version is rated at 23 MPG combined.

The Outback offers a useful combination of cargo space, visibility, and all-weather traction. Its fuel economy is especially respectable considering that AWD is standard.

Unlike the Crown Signia or Cherokee, the 2026 Outback does not rely on a conventional hybrid system.

Best for: Drivers who want a gasoline-powered AWD vehicle with strong practicality and good highway efficiency.

4. Chevrolet Blazer — 25 MPG Combined

Best configuration: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, FWD

2026 MPG: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined

2027 MPG: Not verified for this comparison

The gasoline-powered Chevrolet Blazer is a sporty-looking midsize crossover with seating for five.

Its standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The most efficient front-wheel-drive configuration achieves 25 MPG combined.

Buyers can also choose an available 3.6-liter V6 in selected configurations, although fuel economy differs.

The Blazer is a useful choice for buyers who prefer a conventional gasoline engine and want a midsize crossover with distinctive styling.

Best for: Buyers wanting a five-passenger gasoline SUV with sporty styling and reasonable highway MPG.

5. Jeep Grand Cherokee — Up to 23 MPG Combined

Best configuration: 2.0-liter Hurricane turbocharged four-cylinder, RWD

2027 MPG: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a more traditional SUV experience than the efficiency-focused Crown Signia.

For 2027, its turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane four-cylinder produces 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Rear-wheel-drive versions achieve 23 MPG combined, while four-wheel-drive versions return 22 MPG combined.

The available 3.6-liter V6 returns approximately 22 MPG combined in the configurations reviewed.

The Grand Cherokee’s strengths include available four-wheel-drive systems, towing capability, and a more rugged driving character.

The three-row Grand Cherokee L is excluded from this article because it belongs in the separate three-row SUV comparison.

Best for: Buyers who want a traditional midsize SUV with stronger towing and off-road capability.

6. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport — 23 MPG Combined

Best configuration: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, FWD

2026 MPG: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined

2027 MPG: Not verified for this comparison

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the two-row counterpart to the larger three-row Atlas.

Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Front-wheel-drive models achieve 23 MPG combined, while the available AWD configuration returns 22 MPG combined.

The Atlas Cross Sport offers a spacious cabin and substantial cargo capacity for a two-row SUV.

Its fuel economy is lower than the hybrid leaders, but it may appeal to buyers who value interior space and a conventional gasoline powertrain.

Best for: Buyers wanting a roomy five-passenger SUV with straightforward gasoline power.

7. Nissan Murano — 23 MPG Combined

Best configuration: 2.0-liter variable-compression turbocharged four-cylinder, AWD

2026 MPG: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined

2027 MPG: Not verified for this comparison

The Nissan Murano emphasizes comfort, quietness, and a more upscale driving experience.

Its 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The 2026 Murano achieves 23 MPG combined across its published trims.

Its standard AWD is a useful advantage for buyers who want all-weather traction without choosing an optional drivetrain package.

However, the Murano’s fuel consumption is substantially higher than that of the Toyota Crown Signia.

Best for: Buyers prioritizing comfort and standard AWD over maximum fuel economy.

8. Toyota 4Runner — Up to 23 MPG Combined

Best configuration: 2.4-liter i-FORCE MAX turbocharged hybrid, 4WD

2026 MPG: 23 city / 24 highway / 23 combined

2027 MPG: Not verified for this comparison

The Toyota 4Runner is different from most vehicles in this ranking because it uses body-on-frame construction and emphasizes off-road capability.

Its available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Despite being a hybrid, it achieves only 23 MPG combined. That is because Toyota designed the system to deliver substantial power and torque rather than maximize fuel economy.

The conventional turbocharged gasoline engine achieves up to 22 MPG combined with rear-wheel drive.

The 4Runner therefore illustrates an important distinction: a hybrid badge does not necessarily mean class-leading MPG.

Some 4Runner configurations offer a third row, but this comparison focuses on the two-row configurations. Buyers specifically seeking three-row seating should compare those versions separately.

Best for: Drivers prioritizing towing, off-road capability, and rugged construction.

9. Honda Passport — 21 MPG Combined

Best configuration: 3.5-liter V6, AWD

2026 MPG: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined

2027 MPG: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined

The Honda Passport uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Its standard all-wheel-drive system and 285-horsepower engine are designed to provide strong performance and useful towing capability.

The most efficient RTL configurations achieve 21 MPG combined.

TrailSport versions return 20 MPG combined, reflecting their more off-road-oriented equipment.

The Passport offers substantial cargo capacity and a spacious five-passenger interior. It is a practical choice for buyers who want more room and capability than a typical compact SUV provides.

Best for: Buyers who want a spacious V6-powered SUV with standard AWD and strong utility.

Gasoline-Only Midsize SUVs Ranked by MPG

Hybrid models offer the best fuel economy, but some shoppers prefer conventional gasoline engines.

The Subaru Outback leads this gasoline-only comparison at 27 MPG combined, despite having standard AWD.

The Chevrolet Blazer follows at 25 MPG combined in its front-wheel-drive configuration.

Which Midsize SUV Gets the Best MPG With AWD?

AWD is available or standard on most midsize SUVs, but efficiency varies considerably.

*Jeep Cherokee rating is manufacturer-estimated. Other values refer to the model years identified in the main table.

The Crown Signia stands out because it combines standard electronic AWD with 38 MPG combined.

For buyers who do not want a hybrid, the Subaru Outback is the most efficient AWD gasoline model in this group.

How Much Fuel Does Each Midsize SUV Use Per Year?

Annual fuel consumption can reveal how meaningful the MPG differences are.

The following estimates assume 15,000 miles per year and use the combined MPG figures from the main comparison.

Gallons are calculated as 15,000 divided by combined MPG and rounded to the nearest whole gallon. *The Cherokee figure is based on a manufacturer-estimated MPG rating.

At 15,000 miles per year, the Crown Signia uses approximately 319 fewer gallons than the Honda Passport.

At an illustrative gasoline price of $3.50 per gallon, that represents approximately $1,117 in annual fuel savings.

Over five years, the difference could exceed $5,500, assuming unchanged mileage, fuel prices, and vehicle efficiency.

That calculation excludes differences in purchase price, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.

Is a Hybrid Midsize SUV Worth It?

Hybrid midsize SUVs can offer substantial fuel savings, particularly for drivers who spend a lot of time in city traffic.

The Toyota Crown Signia demonstrates how effective a conventional hybrid system can be in a larger two-row vehicle.

However, not every hybrid SUV is designed primarily for efficiency.

The Toyota 4Runner Hybrid, for example, uses electric assistance to increase power and torque. Its 23 MPG combined rating is far below the Crown Signia’s 38 MPG.

Buyers should therefore compare actual EPA ratings rather than assuming all hybrids offer similar savings.

Why Do Some Midsize SUVs Get Much Worse MPG?

Several factors explain the difference between efficient crossovers and rugged SUVs.

Vehicle Weight and Aerodynamics

Heavier SUVs require more energy to accelerate. Taller bodies also tend to create more aerodynamic drag at highway speeds.

The Crown Signia’s relatively low, streamlined body contributes to its strong efficiency.

Four-Wheel-Drive Hardware

Traditional 4WD systems and off-road equipment add weight and mechanical complexity.

Vehicles such as the Toyota 4Runner are engineered for terrain and capability that many road-focused crossovers are not designed to handle.

Engine and Hybrid Design

A hybrid system optimized for low fuel consumption can provide a major efficiency advantage.

But a hybrid system designed primarily for performance may deliver relatively modest MPG improvements.

Tires and Off-Road Equipment

All-terrain tires, higher ride heights, and off-road accessories can reduce fuel economy.

For example, the Honda Passport TrailSport returns 20 MPG combined, compared with 21 MPG for the standard RTL.

Which Midsize SUV Gets the Best MPG in 2026–2027?

• Best overall verified rating: Toyota Crown Signia — 38 MPG combined.
• Efficient hybrid alternative: Jeep Cherokee — manufacturer-estimated 37 MPG combined.
• Best conventional gasoline model in this comparison: Subaru Outback — 27 MPG combined.
• Best AWD efficiency: Toyota Crown Signia — 38 MPG combined with standard AWD.
• Best for rugged capability: Toyota 4Runner Hybrid — 23 MPG combined, with a powertrain designed for strong torque and off-road use.

Bottom Line

The Toyota Crown Signia is the most fuel-efficient two-row midsize SUV in this comparison, achieving 38 MPG combined for both 2026 and 2027.

The Jeep Cherokee Turbo Hybrid is a promising alternative with a manufacturer-estimated 37 MPG combined, although buyers should verify final EPA certification.

Among conventional gasoline models, the 2026 Subaru Outback stands out at 27 MPG combined with standard AWD.

For buyers who prioritize towing, off-road capability, or a more traditional SUV design, the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Honda Passport offer different advantages, but they consume substantially more fuel.

The best choice depends on how the vehicle will be used. For mostly paved-road driving, the efficient hybrids are difficult to overlook. For frequent off-road use or heavy-duty utility, fuel economy may be a secondary consideration.

Sources and Methodology

This article compares selected two-row midsize SUVs sold in the United States for the 2026–2027 model years. Three-row family SUVs are covered separately. Compact SUVs, dedicated luxury-brand models, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles are excluded.

EPA combined MPG is used wherever a published rating could be verified. Manufacturer estimates are identified explicitly. Figures for 2026 are not assumed to apply to 2027 unless the newer model year has its own published information.

Actual fuel economy varies with driving conditions, speed, weather, tires, vehicle loading, and maintenance.

• EPA and U.S. Department of Energy — Official Fuel Economy Ratings
• Toyota — 2027 Crown Signia Specifications
• Toyota — 2026 Crown Signia EPA MPG
• Jeep — 2027 Cherokee Hybrid Fuel Economy
• Subaru — 2026 Outback Specifications
• Chevrolet — 2026 Blazer MPG
• Honda — 2027 Passport EPA Ratings
• Nissan — 2026 Murano EPA Ratings
• Cars.com — 2026 Atlas Cross Sport Specifications