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  • SUVs
  • MY2026

Most Fuel-Efficient AWD and 4WD SUVs of 2026

2 AWD and 4WD SUVs tie for the most efficient 2026 AWD or 4WD SUV at 42 MPG combined, including the Toyota Corolla Cross (Hybrid · 2.0 L · AWD); that is 18 MPG above the median (24 MPG) among the 114 AWD and 4WD SUVs ranked. The Toyota Corolla Cross costs about $1,560 a year to fuel, $1,460 less than the median AWD or 4WD SUV ($3,020).

The top 10 run from 42 MPG to 36 MPG. Each model is listed once, with its best qualifying configuration named in the row; models with the same displayed value share a rank.

Best combined

42MPG

Toyota Corolla Cross

Median model

24MPG

114 models

Top-10 median

38MPG

Models ranked

114

one row per model

Full ranking

Showing the top 50 of 114 models. Every column is sortable.

Most Fuel-Efficient AWD and 4WD SUVs of 2026: top 50 of 114 models
1
Toyota Corolla Cross
Hybrid · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
424639$1,560+18
1
Toyota RAV4
SE & LE · 2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
424639$1,560+18
3
Ford Escape
HEV · 2.5 L · Part-time 4WD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
394236$1,670+15
3
Lexus NX
350h · 2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
394137$2,060+15
5
Hyundai Tucson
Hybrid Blue · 1.6 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
383838$1,720+14
5
Mazda CX-50
2.5 L · 4WD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
383937$1,730+14
7
Honda CR-V
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
374034$1,750+13
7
Jeep Cherokee
1.6 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
373935$1,760+13
9
Subaru Crosstrek
Hybrid · 2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
363636$1,800+12
9
Lexus RX
350h · 2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
363734$2,230+12
11
Kia Sportage
Hybrid · 1.6 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
353536$1,850+11
11
Toyota Highlander
Hybrid LTD/PLAT · 2.5 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
353534$1,860+11
11
Subaru Forester
Hybrid · 2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
353534$1,890+11
14
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hybrid · 1.6 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
343534$1,900+10
14
Toyota Grand Highlander
Hybrid · 2.5 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
343632$1,930+10
14
Kia Sorento
Hybrid · 1.6 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
343235$1,940+10
17
Nissan Rogue
1.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
312835$2,100+7
18
Nissan Kicks
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
302734$2,150+6
18
Lincoln Nautilus
HEV · 2.0 L · Part-time 4WD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
302931$2,190+6
20
Hyundai Palisade
Hybrid · 2.5 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
292930$2,220+5
20
Kia Seltos
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
292731$2,280+5
20
BMW X3
xDrive30 · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
292733$2,750+5
23
Volkswagen Taos
4motion · 1.5 L · 4WD
Small SUVs · Gas
282533$2,330+4
23
Hyundai Kona
w/Stop-Start · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
282729$2,350+4
23
BMW X1
xDrive28i · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
282534$2,850+4
23
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
GLA250 4matic · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
282533$2,860+4
23
BMW X2
xDrive28i · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
282434$2,880+4
28
Ford Bronco Sport
1.5 L · Part-time 4WD
Small SUVs · Gas
272530$2,390+3
28
Mazda CX-30
2.5 L · 4WD
Small SUVs · Gas
272431$2,410+3
28
Buick Encore
GX · 1.3 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
272628$2,420+3
28
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
1.3 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
272629$2,420+3
28
Mitsubishi Outlander
1.5 L · 4WD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
272630$2,420+3
28
Subaru Outback
2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
272531$2,420+3
28
Lexus TX
500h · 2.4 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
272728$2,940+3
28
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
GLB250 4matic · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
272433$2,950+3
28
MINI Countryman
S All4 · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
272432$2,970+3
37
Jeep Compass
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
262331$2,470+2
37
Mazda CX-5
2.5 L · 4WD
Small SUVs · Gas
262430$2,490+2
37
Chevrolet Equinox
1.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
262529$2,510+2
37
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
ES · 1.5 L · 4WD
Small SUVs · Gas
262528$2,510+2
37
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
GLC300 4matic · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
262331$3,050+2
37
Volvo XC40
B5 · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
262330$3,090+2
37
Volvo XC60
B5 · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
262330$3,100+2
44
Mazda CX-70
Hybrid Boost Low Power · 3.3 L · 4WD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
252428$2,570+1
44
Volkswagen Tiguan
4motion · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
252230$2,580+1
44
GMC Terrain
1.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
252428$2,610+1
44
Mazda CX-90
3.3 L · 4WD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
252328$2,620+1
44
Buick Envision
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
252228$2,650+1
44
Audi Q3
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
252229$2,660+1
44
BMW X5
xDrive40i · 3.0 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
252327$3,220+1

How this list is built

Every line below is read from the list definition that produced the table.

  • Classes: Small SUVs, Standard SUVs.
  • Powertrains: Gas, Hybrid, Diesel.
  • Only all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations count.
  • Ranked by EPA combined MPG, highest first.
  • One row per model (make and model): the configuration that ranks best in this list is shown, with its trim, engine and drive named in the row.
  • Ties are decided on the displayed value (whole MPG or miles, kWh per 100 miles to one decimal, cost rounded to $10): tied models share a rank, then are ordered by a tie-breaker and by name.
  • Special-purpose vehicles, such as heavy-duty variants, are excluded.
  • Electric vehicles are ranked separately (see the EV rankings): gas, hybrid and diesel MPG is never mixed with MPGe.
  • Annual cost assumes 15,000 miles a year at the EPA rating and the dated national fuel prices stamped below; it is rounded to $10 and all differences use the rounded values.
  • Model years MY2022 to MY2027; a year is listed only when at least 10 models qualify.

Data and period

  • EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026
  • Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. average, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal); residential electricity, U.S. average, Jul 2026 (18.3¢/kWh)
  • 15,000 miles a year, 55% city and 45% highway

Frequently asked questions

Which 2026 AWD or 4WD SUV gets the best gas mileage?

2 AWD and 4WD SUVs tie for the most efficient 2026 AWD or 4WD SUV at 42 MPG combined, including the Toyota Corolla Cross (Hybrid · 2.0 L · AWD); that is 18 MPG above the median (24 MPG) among the 114 AWD and 4WD SUVs ranked. The Toyota Corolla Cross costs about $1,560 a year to fuel, $1,460 less than the median AWD or 4WD SUV ($3,020).

How much does the Toyota Corolla Cross cost to fuel per year?

About $1,560 a year at 15,000 miles a year, using the prices stamped at the bottom of this page. The median AWD or 4WD SUV in this list costs $3,020 a year.

How many AWD and 4WD SUVs are ranked for 2026?

114 models qualify, one row each. The median is 24 MPG, and the top 10 run from 42 MPG to 36 MPG.

How are ties, trims and drivetrains handled?

Each model appears once, with the configuration that ranks best in this list; its trim, engine and drive are named in the row. Models with the same displayed value share a rank (1, 2, 2, 4) and are then ordered by a tie-breaker and by name. See the methodology.

Are electric cars and plug-in hybrids included?

Not in this list. MPG rankings cover gas, hybrid and diesel models only. Electric cars are ranked in EV range and EV efficiency, and plug-in hybrids in electric range.

What does combined MPG mean?

EPA's combined rating blends 55% city and 45% highway driving. It comes from standardized laboratory tests, so your results will differ with driving style, weather and load. See the methodology.

EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026 · Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. average, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal); residential electricity, U.S. average, Jul 2026 (18.3¢/kWh) · 15,000 miles a year, 55% city and 45% highway