11 Best Gas Mileage SUVs in 2021 & Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

suv with best gas mileage

For few years, gas mileage is more important when choosing new cars for buyers, and car buyers now prefer the best gas mileage SUV over sedans due to the small size of the small SUV. 

Gas prices seem to be rising steadily, so it’s no wonder people are always looking for ways to increase their fuel economy. 

Cars with premium gas take advantage of advances in engineering and technology that make these vehicles more fuel-efficient.

In the early years, SUVs weren’t very good at fuel economy, but today’s SUVs have better fuel economy than ever. Now the SUV is at the forefront of all vehicles in terms of gas mileage or fuel efficiency. 

Small SUVs, like the smallest cars, achieve better mileage than larger ones due to the weight of the vehicle. The smaller the engine, the lighter the weight and the less fuel is required. 

Here we come to the SUV with the best gas mileage of the year 2021, sorted by combined fuel consumption, if it is equipped with an automatic transmission.

Which SUVs Have the Best Gas Mileage?

A vehicle’s gas mileage depends on many factors and is calculated in MPG, miles per gallon. The best SUV for gas mileage has the highest MPG number. 

In the US, the EPA, or US Environmental Protection Agency, is the government agency responsible for certifying a vehicle’s MPG values. 

Below, we highlight the best results from the MPG-based SUV fuel economy and overall fuel economy tests offered for each of the SUVs with the best gas mileage for the 2021 model year.

  1. Kia Niro Hybrid
  2. Ford Escape Hybrid
  3. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  4. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
  5. Lexus NX
  6. Kia Sorento
  7. Honda CRV
  8. Toyota Venza
  9. Volvo XC60
  10. Hyundai Tucson
  11. Nissan Kicks

5 Amazing Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

Improving fuel economy not only saves drivers money but also benefits the environment by reducing air emissions and a country’s dependence on oil and gas imports. 

Reducing the volume of driving, through carpooling, using public transportation, and combining trips, has the biggest impact on anyone’s fuel consumption. 

You’ll be happy to know that there are five easy steps you can take to achieve better gas mileage.

– Replace Spark Plugs

Defective spark plugs can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% and cost the driver up to 94 cents per gallon at current prices. Buy Online at Lowest Price

You’ll need to replace your spark plugs anyway, so do this early and save the savings. Even if you have to swap out the plugs again during the life of your car, you are way ahead.

– Stay within the speed limit

After hitting 45-50 mph, the best SUV for gas mileage will start to lose fuel efficiency. And the faster you go, the worse it gets. 

It is best to drive at the speed limit and use cruise control whenever possible. Accelerating quickly and braking hard consumes fuel quickly, so avoid these actions whenever possible.

– Check a Failing Thermostat

A thermostat that opens too quickly or stays open can drastically lower the coolant temperature and cool your gas mileage dramatically. Buy Online at Lowest Price

If your engine is running hot and the thermometer reads below 160 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re wasting gas and its time. to replace the thermostat. 

A new thermostat will cost you a few dollars and is easy to replace.

– Dirty Air Filters Reduce Gas Mileage

Think of your engine air filter as a vacuum cleaner. The suction force is affected by bag clogging. When the bag is full, emptying or replacing it will bring the absorbency back to full strength.

When your engine’s air filter becomes clogged with dust and debris, your engine will have to work harder to suck in air and mix it with the fuel. Replacing the engine air filter will immediately result in better fuel efficiency.

– Check the Alignment

Improper alignment can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%, about 31 cents per gallon. In addition, tires can wear out faster. It’s an easy way to check your alignment without taking your car to the repair shop. 

Use a tread depth gauge and measure the tread depth on both edges of each tire (including the rear tire). If one side of the tire is worn more than the other, your car should be in a line.

Top 11 SUV With Best Gas Mileage That You Can Buy in 2021

You can save money by choosing an SUV with the best gas mileage. Some of these models haven’t changed much in recent years, so you can get a best-used vehicle with design, features, and other benefits nearly identical to a new model, but for thousands of dollars less. 

Along with listed below, you’ll find information on sports cars with good gas mileage with proper design and features. 

Without further delay, here are the 11 SUVs with the best gas mileage you can buy today, all in one place.

1. Kia Niro Hybrid

When it comes to the best gas mileage SUV, the Niro is hard to beat. It gives you the choice between a standard hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, all of which translate into excellent fuel economy. 

best gas mileage suv

Niro gets along well with the composer and offers a quiet ride. It has nimble handling and a spacious interior. 

Plus, it throttles enough so you can handle almost any driving situation, including highway entry and overtaking maneuvers, without too much trouble.

Suggestion For Reading: 7 Best Handling Cars You Can Go For in 2021 – Reviews & Specification

 For 2021, Kia has added wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a more advanced navigation-based cruise control system.

Key Specification Of Kia Niro Hybrid

  • MSRP: $24,690 – $32,950 (Updated)
  • Engine: 1.6 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 48 City / 53 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage Of Kia Niro Hybrid?

SUV with the best gas mileage, Niro Hybrid 2021 is rated at 53 mpg city, 48 mpg highway, and 50 mpg combined. These are excellent ratings, even for a hybrid. The electric and plug-in hybrid models also achieve impressive ratings.

2. Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford Escape Hybrid is a great all-terrain vehicle with a smooth ride. It offers good fuel economy, a smooth ride, and easy maneuverability.

best suv gas mileage

You also get a spacious cabin and a generous number of safety and infotainment features. It comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder front-wheel-drive model and offers the highest fuel economy estimates among Hybrid Escape models.

This compact SUV is not only the best SUV gas mileage, but it is also safe and easy to drive. Its performance specifications, interior dimensions, and fuel consumption figures make it the perfect choice for you.

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Key Specification Of Ford Escape Hybrid

  • MSRP: $27,605 – $34,800 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 37 City / 44 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage Of Ford Escape Hybrid?

The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid has received strong EPA ratings for fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive Hybrid Escape was EPA rated at 44 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 41 mpg combined.

3. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has perfect angular styling and a well-designed interior making it one of the best-selling cars in the US.

best suv for gas mileage

This Toyota offers an excellent combination of quality and value in its class. The RAV4 Hybrid’s cab is well built and well equipped, but it values ​​functionality over style. 

With a wide range of cabins and containers, you have plenty of space to stow small cargo. Overall, it impresses with its lively drivetrain and best SUV for gas mileage with the well-equipped infotainment system.

Key Specification Of Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

  • MSRP: $28,900 – $37,430 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 38 City / 41 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage Of Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?

Compared to an all-wheel-drive gasoline RAV4, the hybrid model is much more efficient. The EPA estimates it will achieve 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined.

4. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a great vehicle that is maneuverable, can handle snow, has high fuel economy, and should be considered on your list of the best SUV gas mileage.

suv best gas mileage

 It’s quite sporty and comfortable to drive on a day-to-day basis, and its standard all-wheel drive offers excellent traction in poor weather conditions.

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In typical Subaru styling, the Crosstrek has a robust, simple interior that places function over form.

The StarLink infotainment system from Subaru is structured, offers many connectivity functions as standard, and is easy to navigate in everyday life.

Key Specification Of Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

  • MSRP: $35,345 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.0 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 35 Combined
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage Of Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid?

With not only great EPA ratings but also some of the best results in real-world testing. The EPA estimates it’ll achieve at 28 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined

5. Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX is a luxury compact SUV with great safety features and plenty of good looks right out of the box. 

suv with the best gas mileage

On the road, the NX is a great vehicle for road trips thanks to its padded cab and flexible suspension.

Consider the Lexus NX, if you’re looking for an SUV best gas mileage. This model is the best SUV for gas mileage with an excellent 33/30 mpg city/highway performance. 

The Lexus has pleasant driving dynamics. It glides smoothly over bumps and drops in the road, feels stable and serene when cornering, and is easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

Key Specification Of Lexus NX

  • MSRP: $37,610 – $45,460 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.0 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage Of Lexus NX?

The Lexus NX 300 reaches 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA.

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That rating falls to 22/27 mpg city/highway for the F Sport model. These fuel consumption estimates are above the average for the SUV’s best gas mileage.

6. Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento is a great option for you, offering more interior space, an all-new powertrain option, and everything you could want in a modern SUV.

best gas mileage cars

Sorento is available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, helping to maximize fuel efficiency. The Sorento has a large interior with three rows of seats and many easy-to-use technical functions. 

The entire package is coherent and packed with popular standard and optional features, making the Sorento 2022 one of the best options in its class.

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The Sorento’s excellent combination of quality and value has led us to call it the SUV with the best gas mileage.

Key Specification Of Kia Sorento

  • MSRP: $29,390 – $42,590 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 7

What is the Gas Mileage Of  Kia Sorento?

With its base engine and front-wheel drive, the Sorento EPA gets 21 mpg City and 29 Highway mpg, which are among the top ratings in the mid-size SUV class. 

The turbocharged engine is almost as fuel-efficient, with ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

7. Honda CRV

Honda CR-V is a high-end compact SUV that offers an excellent combination of quality and value in its class. 

suv with good gas mileage

Its spacious interior and fuel-efficient transmissions make it the best gas mileage SUV. It’s roomy without being too bulky, comfortable without feeling squishy or stretchy, and thanks to its large cargo space, it can be used endlessly.

 It’s easy to drive, too, and has available all-wheel drive. Overall, this off-road vehicle is rounded, with lively acceleration, great fuel economy, and forgiving ride quality.

Key Specification Of Honda CRV

  • MSRP: $25,350 – $35,150 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.0 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage Of  Honda CRV?

The 2021 CR-V offers excellent fuel economy for a compact SUV. It’s estimated at 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with standard front-wheel drive. 

All-wheel-drive models are rated at 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

8. Toyota Venza

Best Japanese car brand Toyota Venza is a powerful off-road vehicle with safe handling and a smooth ride. Inside, this crossover is attractive and exclusive, with supportive seats and many standard features.

best gas mileage suv in USA 2021

The new model is good-looking, hybrid-only, and ready to take its place in Toyota’s line of higher-powered SUVs.

Inside, this crossover is attractive and exclusive, with supportive seats and many standard features. 

The Venza has many qualities that will appeal to buyers looking for the best gas mileage SUV, and you can look for them.

Key Specification Of Toyota Venza

  • MSRP: $32,670 – $40,000 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 37 City / 40 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage Of Toyota Venza?

The EPA estimates that the Venza will deliver 40 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, which is almost double the ratings of other two-row mid-size SUVs.

9. Volvo XC60

The XC60 is a prominent luxury SUV with the strongest entry points in its segment. Give the same meaning to the style. Under and out, it’s one of the SUVs with the best gas mileage.

best gas mileage suv

The XC60 moves effortlessly on the road, no matter which powertrain you choose. If you are on a winding road, the XC60 can cross it calmly and safely thanks to its stable driving behavior. The quiet and comfortable cabin also offers space for adults in both rows.

Key Specification Of Volvo XC60

  • MSRP: $41,700 – $69,500 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.0 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage Of Volvo XC60?

With the T5 and front-wheel drive, the XC60 gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which are typical ratings for the best gas mileage SUV. 

10. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is an excellent compact SUV with its spacious five-seat interior, high-quality cabin materials, and plenty of cargo space.

suv with the best gas mileage

The new Hyundai Tucson changes the hierarchy of the SUV class with the best SUV gas mileage. It’s comfortable to drive, saves fuel, and is attractively priced.

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The new Tucson has a sleek yet modern dash design with a digital meter display, push-button switch, and touch-sensitive control panel. 

Tucson’s overall refinement, feature set, and long warranty make it one of the best in its competitive segment.

Key Specification Of Hyundai Tucson

  • MSRP: $24,950 – $37,350 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 26 City / 33 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage of Hyundai Tucson?

The EPA estimates that nonhybrid versions of the Tucson should deliver as high as 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with front-wheel drive.

11. Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks 2021 is the company’s smallest SUV and is getting both a styling update and new equipment this year.

suv with good gas mileage

The small car size of the Nissan Kick makes it ideal for small townspeople who like the best SUV for gas mileage but don’t need or want a large SUV.

The benefits of the kick include lower fuel consumption and a much longer list of standard infotainment and safety technologies.

Key Specification Of Nissan Kicks

  • MSRP: $19,600 – $22,140 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.0 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 31 City / 36 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5

What is the Gas Mileage Of Nissan Kicks?

The 2021 Kicks gets among the best fuel economy in the best gas mileage SUV. It’s rated at an estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Top FAQ About SUV With The Best Gas Mileage

What is a small SUV with the best gas mileage?

We found some of the best small SUV options with the best gas mileage ratings in 2021.

  1. Toyota RAV4
  2. Chevrolet Trailblazer
  3. Mazda CX-3
  4. Kia Seltos
  5. Kia Seltos
  6. Lexus NX Hybrid
  7. Volvo XC60
  8. Audi Q5
What is a midsize SUV with the best gas mileage?

From a long list of SUVs, We selected the best gas mileage of 2021 for you.

  1. Subaru Outback Gas Mileage: 29 mpg combined
  2. Ford Explorer Hybrid Gas Mileage: 27 mpg combined
  3. Toyota Highlander Hybrid Gas Mileage: 36 mpg combined
  4. Toyota Venza Gas Mileage: 39 mpg combined
What SUV gets the best gas mileage?

Some SUVs achieve the best gas mileage on the market for the 2021 model year.

  1. Toyota Venza
  2. Lexus UX250h
  3. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  4. Ford Escape Hybrid
  5. Land Rover Range Rover
  6. Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
  7.  Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
  8. Jeep Wrangler 4xe
What is a large SUV with the best gas mileage?

After researching a lot of SUVs, we found the following large SUV with the best gas mileage.

  1. Land Rover Range Rover | 24 mpg
  2. Chevrolet Tahoe | 24 mpg
  3. GMC Yukon | 24 mpg 
  4. Chevrolet Suburban | 23 mpg
  5. Cadillac Escalade | 23 mpg 
  6. Ford Expedition | 19 mpg
  7. Lincoln Navigator | 18 mpg
  8. BMW X7 | 21 mpg
What is an SUV with 3rd-row seating and the best gas mileage?

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is currently the best three-row gasoline SUV on the market. This is due to its turbo-4 engine and electric motor, which together make 227 horsepower for 37 combined city/highway mpg.

What are some easy ways to improve gas mileage?

You can easily increase your car’s gasoline consumption by swapping your motor oil for the best synthetic oil on the market.

Add a small bottle of fuel treatment fluid to your gas tank every time you fill it, and add 1/2 liter of transmission treatment fluid to your gearbox.

What car brands provide good gas mileage?

Volkswagen’s “super-efficient vehicle” is characterized by new construction techniques, an innovative body with a futuristic look, and a hybrid drive to drastically reduce fuel consumption.

What is MPG in a car?

Miles per gallon. It’s a fuel-saving measure used in the US and UK as miles and gallons are common. The EPA, a government agency, is responsible for measuring the miles per gallon of vehicles in the United States.

Final Thought

Better gas mileage is good for you, good for your car, and good for the environment. It will save you money and give you the pleasure of owning a compact SUV best gas mileage.

You can take more proactive steps to improve fuel efficiency by observing and changing fuel-intensive driving habits and following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. We hope you enjoy the article. What will be your next vehicle with the best gas mileage?

Dylan Miller

I am a Chicago native and regular contributor to "Locar Deals". I have a master's degree in English, am an automobile content creation specialist, and have written professionally for a variety of automotive companies over the past few years. I write on a variety of vehicles, from high-end luxury cars to ten-year-old gas guzzlers and everything in between. And I love sharing valuable car buying tips with consumers from all walks of life.

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