10 Best SUVs and Minivans for Long Road Trip Fuel Economy

When You Know You Are Going to be on the Road Long Distance

Earlier, we’ve learned about ten SUV models worth considering that not only possess strong overall scores factoring in road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety; but, also ranged in discounts 6-7% below current MSRP sticker prices.

However, incentives come and go, and so does the focus on what car shoppers are looking for.

So, what if you are looking to make the most of your fuel dollar with a new SUV or Minivan because you plan on taking an extended road trip with the family? Does this mean that fuel economy is just not very realistic when it comes to a bigger vehicle with room for passengers and luggage?

Not necessarily, according to a recent Consumer Reports listing of the 10 Best SUVs and Minivans for highway fuel economy where analysts put the spotlight on the most fuel-efficient SUVs and minivans that meet their threshold to be considered a Consumer Reports recommendation.

Basing their choices on highway fuel consumption tests, CR analysts recently reported that they found 10 models that do well on fuel economy tests when driven at a steady speed of 65 mph.

Furthermore, another plus of the vehicles selected is that most of them are hybrids, many of which carry CR’s Green Choice designation, which highlights vehicles with the cleanest emissions.

The Top 10 List

Here is a summary of CR’s top 10 choices of new SUVs and Minivans that you should be considering as a potential smart fuel-efficient purchase for traveling on the highway.

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.

SMALL SUVs

1. 2022 Lexus UX
Price Range: $33,450 - $40,790
CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 42 mpg
Rated #3 of 12 Luxury entry-level sport-utility vehicles
Predicted Reliability: 3/5

2. 2022 Hyundai Tucson
Price Range: $24,950 - $43,200
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 29 / Hwy 40 mpg
Rated #2 of 22 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Predicted Reliability: 5/5

3. 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Price Range: $40,300 - $43,625
CR MPGE: Overall 72 / City 74 / Hwy 71 mpge
Rated #3 of 22 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Predicted Reliability: 5/5

4. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
Price Range: $23,145 - $36,345
CR MPGE: Overall 42 / City 38 / Hwy 45 mpge
Rated #1 of 14 Subcompact sport-utility vehicles
Predicted Reliability: 5/5

5. 2022 Subaru Forester
Price Range: $25,895 - $35,995
CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
Rated #1 of 22 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Predicted Reliability: 4/5

6. 2022 Honda CR-V
Price Range: $26,800 - $37,800
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 32 / Hwy 37 mpg
Rated #4 of 22 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Predicted Reliability: 4/5

MIDSIZED SUVs

7. 2022 Toyota Venza
Price Range: $33,240 - $40,730
CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 31 / Hwy 42 mpg
Rated #2 of 11 Midsized sport-utility vehicles
Predicted Reliability: 5/5

8. 2022 Toyota Highlander
Price Range: $35,855 - $51,460
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg
Rated #2 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row
Predicted Reliability: 5/5

MINIVANs

9. 2022 Toyota Sienna
Price Range: $35,285 - $51,485
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 28 / Hwy 43 mpg
Rated #2 of 6 Midsized minivans
Predicted Reliability: 3/5

10. 2022 Honda Odyssey
Price Range: $33,040 - $48,770
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 33 mpg
Rated #3 of 6 Midsized minivans
Predicted Reliability: 3/5

And finally…

For more about smart shopping for new vehicles, here are two selected articles to help you find the right car:

Worst Deals on New Cars are Dominated by This One Popular Make

Consumer Reports Best New Car Sedans, SUVs, and Pickup Deals for May

COMING UP NEXT: Best New Car Deals for Memorial Day Revealed by Consumer Reports

Timothy Boyer is Torque News reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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