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  • SUVs
  • MY2022–2027

Most Fuel-Efficient Standard SUVs

The most efficient 2026 standard SUV is the Jeep Cherokee (1.6 L · AWD) at 37 MPG combined, 15 MPG above the median standard SUV (22 MPG) among the 53 standard SUVs ranked. The Jeep Cherokee costs about $1,760 a year to fuel, $1,690 less than the median standard SUV ($3,450).

The leader went from 27 MPG in MY2022 (Ford Explorer) to 37 MPG in MY2026 (Jeep Cherokee); the top-10 median went from 23 MPG to 26 MPG.

Partial model year: 36 MY2027 models rated as of Sep 29, 2026. This ranking will change as EPA adds more. MY2027 is still partial: see the 2027 ranking

Best combined

37MPG

Jeep Cherokee · 2026

Median model

22MPG

2026

Models ranked

53

2026

Model years covered

6

MY2022–2027

Top 10 for 2026

Most Fuel-Efficient Standard SUVs: top 10 of 53 models
1
Jeep Cherokee
1.6 L · AWD
Hybrid
373935$1,760+15
2
Toyota Grand Highlander
Hybrid · 2.5 L · FWD
Hybrid
363734$1,810+14
3
Toyota Highlander
Hybrid LTD/PLAT · 2.5 L · AWD
Hybrid
353534$1,860+13
4
Hyundai Palisade
Hybrid Blue · 2.5 L · FWD
Hybrid
343335$1,920+12
5
Lexus TX
500h · 2.4 L · AWD
Hybrid · Premium fuel
272728$2,940+5
6
Mazda CX-70
Hybrid Boost Low Power · 3.3 L · 4WD
Hybrid
252428$2,570+3
6
Mazda CX-90
3.3 L · 4WD
Hybrid
252328$2,620+3
6
BMW X5
xDrive40i · 3.0 L · AWD
Hybrid · Premium fuel
252327$3,220+3
9
Ford Explorer
2.3 L · RWD
Gas
242029$2,780+2
9
Volvo XC90
B5 · 2.0 L · AWD
Hybrid · Premium fuel
242227$3,340+2

See all 50 for 2026

Year by year: leader and top-10 median

The leader of each model year and the median of that year's top 10, both computed from the same rows as the yearly rankings. The leader's name opens that year's full ranking.

25 30 35 40 20222023202420262027
Most Fuel-Efficient Standard SUVs: leader and top-10 median by model year
2027
Kia Telluride
partial year
352436
2026 372653
2025 362551
2024 362452
2023 272347
2022 272345

Open a model year

How this list is built

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

  • Classes: Standard SUVs.
  • Powertrains: Gas, Hybrid, Diesel.
  • 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 standard SUV gets the best gas mileage?

The most efficient 2026 standard SUV is the Jeep Cherokee (1.6 L · AWD) at 37 MPG combined, 15 MPG above the median standard SUV (22 MPG) among the 53 standard SUVs ranked. The Jeep Cherokee costs about $1,760 a year to fuel, $1,690 less than the median standard SUV ($3,450).

Which model years does this ranking cover?

MY2022 to MY2027. A year gets its own page only when at least 10 models qualify, so the pages cover 6 model years.

Which model year does the top 10 above show?

MY2026, the latest complete model year. MY2027 is still being rated by EPA and is listed as a partial year.

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