Consumer Reports Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs

According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, fuel economy is a big factor toward rating their latest small and midsized SUV vehicle choices they recommend for new car shoppers who want both SUV utility and fuel efficiency to meet their driving needs.

“Our fuel-economy numbers are derived from a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon...overall mileage is calculated from equal portions of city and highway driving. SUVs are bought and tested with all-wheel drive.”

Fuel-Efficient Models Identified Are All Hybrids

Their latest recommendations omit plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles but focuses primarily on the fact that hybrids are the most fuel-efficient models you will find at an affordable price.CR analysts state that all of the SUVs featured returned 30 mpg overall or better in their road and highway tests.

That said, here is a summary of their top 10 choices among small and midsized SUVs you should be looking for as a smart fuel-efficient purchase that are ranked in order of their overall fuel economy test results.

 Related article: Best Hybrid Cars Under $35,000 Consumer Reports Update for the New Year

1. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $27,970 - $31,065

CR MPG:  Overall 41 / City 34 / Hwy 47 mpg

#2 of 13 Subcompact SUVs

2. Lexus NX Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $41,955 - $57,805

CR MPG:  Overall 38 / City 37 / Hwy 39 mpg

#2 of 24 Luxury compact SUVs

3. Lexus UX 2024

Price Range:  $35,540 - $44,370

CR MPG:  Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 42 mpg

#2 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

4. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $28,475 - $39,780

CR MPG:  Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 41 mpg

#8 of 29 Compact SUVs

5. Toyota Venza 2024

Price Range:  $35,070 - $43,215

CR MPG:  Overall 37 / City 31 / Hwy 42 mpg

#3 of 17 Midsized SUVs

6. Kia Sportage Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $28,590 - $44,090

CR MPG:  Overall 36 / City 31 / Hwy 39 mpg

#7 of 29 Compact SUVs

7. Honda CR-V Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $34,050 - $40,200

CR MPG:  Overall 35 / City 31 / Hwy 38 mpg

#5 of 29 Compact SUVs

8. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $32,575 - $45,450

CR MPG:  Overall 35 / City 29 / Hwy 40 mpg

#4 of 29 Compact SUVs

9. Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $39,120 - $53,125

CR MPG:  Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg

#1 of 20 Midsized SUVs 3-row

10. Ford Escape Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $28,000 - $40,500

CR MPG:  Overall 34 / City 30 / Hwy 38 mpg

#15 of 29 Compact SUVs

For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle’s features, please visit the Consumer Reports website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research. Furthermore, you can also use this site’s search engine to find past reviews of many of the models at no cost to you.

For more about Consumer Reports smart shopping for your next new car or truck, here are three selected articles to help you find the right vehicle to fit your needs:

• Consumer Reports Best American Cars, SUVs, and Trucks
• 10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends Update
• Consumer Reports' Most Popular New Cars and SUVs

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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