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  • SUVs
  • MY2010

Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs of 2010

3 SUVs tie for the most efficient 2010 SUV at 32 MPG combined, including the Ford Escape (Hybrid · 2.5 L · FWD); that is 13 MPG above the median (19 MPG) among the 92 SUVs ranked. The Ford Escape costs about $2,040 a year to fuel, $1,590 less than the median SUV ($3,630).

The top 10 run from 32 MPG to 26 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

32MPG

Ford Escape

Median model

19MPG

92 models

Top-10 median

27MPG

Models ranked

92

one row per model

Full ranking

Showing the top 50 of 92 models. Every column is sortable.

Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs of 2010: top 50 of 92 models
1
Ford Escape
Hybrid · 2.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
323431$2,040+13
1
Mazda Tribute
Hybrid · 2.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
323431$2,040+13
1
Mercury Mariner
Hybrid · 2.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
323431$2,040+13
4
Lexus RX
450h · 3.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
303228$2,680+11
5
Saturn Vue
Hybrid · 2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
282532$2,330+9
6
Chevrolet Equinox
2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
262232$2,510+7
6
Chevrolet HHR
2.2 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
262232$2,510+7
6
GMC Terrain
2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
262232$2,510+7
6
Hyundai Tucson
2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
262331$2,510+7
6
Toyota Highlander
Hybrid · 3.3 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
262725$2,510+7
11
Jeep Compass
2.0 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
252329$2,610+6
11
Jeep Patriot
2.0 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
252329$2,610+6
13
Honda CR-V
2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
242128$2,720+5
13
Mitsubishi Outlander
2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
242127$2,720+5
13
Nissan Rogue
2.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
242227$2,720+5
13
Toyota RAV4
2.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
242228$2,720+5
13
Toyota Venza
2.7 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
242129$2,720+5
18
Hyundai Santa Fe
2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
232028$2,840+4
18
Mazda CX-7
2.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
232028$2,840+4
20
Cadillac Escalade
Hybrid · 6.0 L · RWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
222122$2,970+3
20
Chevrolet Tahoe
Hybrid · 6.0 L · RWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
222122$2,970+3
20
GMC Yukon
1500 Hybrid · 6.0 L · RWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
222122$2,970+3
20
Honda Element
2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
222025$2,970+3
20
Kia Sportage
2.0 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
222025$2,970+3
20
Subaru Forester
2.5 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
222026$2,970+3
20
Suzuki Grand Vitara
2.4 L · RWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
221926$2,970+3
20
Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
ML450 Hybrid 4matic · 3.5 L · 4WD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
222124$3,650+3
20
BMW X5
xDrive35d · 3.0 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Diesel
221926$4,290+3
29
Cadillac SRX
3.0 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
211825$3,110+2
29
Chrysler PT Cruiser
2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
211924$3,110+2
29
Dodge Journey
2.4 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
211925$3,110+2
29
Honda Crosstour
Accord Crosstour · 3.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
211827$3,110+2
29
Volvo XC60
3.2 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
211827$3,140+2
29
Acura RDX
2.3 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
211924$3,830+2
29
Volkswagen Tiguan
2.0 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
211926$3,830+2
36
Ford Edge
3.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
201825$3,270+1
36
Ford Flex
3.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
201724$3,270+1
36
Lincoln MKX
3.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
201825$3,270+1
36
Toyota 4Runner
2.7 L · RWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
201823$3,270+1
36
BMW X3
xDrive30i · 3.0 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
201724$4,020+1
36
Nissan Murano
3.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
201823$4,020+1
36
Audi Q5
3.2 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
201823$4,060+1
36
Audi Q7
3.0 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Diesel
201724$4,720+1
36
Volkswagen Touareg
3.0 L · AWD
Standard SUVs · Diesel
201824$4,720+1
45
Buick Enclave
3.6 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
191724$3,4400
45
Chevrolet Traverse
3.6 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
191724$3,4400
45
GMC Acadia
3.6 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
191724$3,4400
45
Honda Pilot
3.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
191723$3,4400
45
Hyundai Veracruz
3.8 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
191723$3,4400
45
Lincoln MKT
3.5 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
191723$3,4400

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.
  • 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 MY2000 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 2010 SUV gets the best gas mileage?

3 SUVs tie for the most efficient 2010 SUV at 32 MPG combined, including the Ford Escape (Hybrid · 2.5 L · FWD); that is 13 MPG above the median (19 MPG) among the 92 SUVs ranked. The Ford Escape costs about $2,040 a year to fuel, $1,590 less than the median SUV ($3,630).

How much does the Ford Escape cost to fuel per year?

About $2,040 a year at 15,000 miles a year, using the prices stamped at the bottom of this page. The median SUV in this list costs $3,630 a year.

How many SUVs are ranked for 2010?

92 models qualify, one row each. The median is 19 MPG, and the top 10 run from 32 MPG to 26 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