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  • MY2023

Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs of 2023

The most efficient 2023 SUV is the Kia Sportage (Hybrid · 1.6 L · FWD) at 43 MPG combined, 19 MPG above the median SUV (24 MPG) among the 119 SUVs ranked. The Kia Sportage costs about $1,510 a year to fuel, $1,560 less than the median SUV ($3,070).

The top 10 run from 43 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

43MPG

Kia Sportage

Median model

24MPG

119 models

Top-10 median

39MPG

Models ranked

119

one row per model

Full ranking

Showing the top 50 of 119 models. Every column is sortable.

Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs of 2023: top 50 of 119 models
1
Kia Sportage
Hybrid · 1.6 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
434244$1,510+19
2
Toyota Corolla Cross
Hybrid · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
424538$1,560+18
3
Honda CR-V
Hybrid · 2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
404336$1,620+16
3
Toyota RAV4
Hybrid · 2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
404138$1,630+16
5
Ford Escape
HEV · 2.5 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
394236$1,670+15
5
Toyota Venza
2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
394037$1,690+15
5
Lexus NX
350h · 2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
394137$2,060+15
8
Hyundai Tucson
Hybrid Blue · 1.6 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
383838$1,730+14
9
Kia Sorento
Hybrid · 1.6 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
373935$1,760+13
10
Toyota Highlander
Hybrid · 2.5 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
363635$1,820+12
10
Lexus RX
350h · 2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
363734$2,230+12
12
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hybrid Blue · 1.6 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid
343631$1,920+10
13
Nissan Rogue
1.5 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
333037$1,960+9
14
Hyundai Kona
2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
323035$2,050+8
15
Kia Seltos
2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
312935$2,070+7
15
Volkswagen Taos
1.5 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
312836$2,100+7
15
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
1.3 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
312933$2,130+7
18
Buick Encore
GX · 1.2 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
302931$2,170+6
18
Subaru Crosstrek
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
302833$2,180+6
20
Mazda CX-30
2.5 L · 4WD
Small SUVs · Gas
292633$2,270+5
20
Subaru Forester
2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
292633$2,280+5
22
Subaru Outback
2.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
282632$2,320+4
22
Chevrolet Equinox
1.5 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
282631$2,330+4
22
BMW X1
xDrive28i · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
282534$2,870+4
22
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
GLC300 · 2.0 L · RWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
282532$2,880+4
26
Ford Explorer
HEV · 3.3 L · RWD
Standard SUVs · Hybrid
272728$2,380+3
26
Mitsubishi Outlander
2.5 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
272431$2,400+3
26
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
ES · 1.5 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
272629$2,420+3
26
Jeep Compass
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
272432$2,430+3
26
Volkswagen Tiguan
S · 2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
272431$2,430+3
26
Mazda CX-50
2.5 L · 4WD
Small SUVs · Gas
272430$2,460+3
26
Volvo XC40
B4 · 2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
272432$3,010+3
33
GMC Terrain
1.5 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
262429$2,470+2
33
Fiat 500
X · 1.3 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
262430$2,480+2
33
Buick Envision
2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
262331$2,490+2
33
Mazda CX-5
2.5 L · 4WD
Small SUVs · Gas
262430$2,490+2
33
Ford Bronco Sport
1.5 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
262528$2,510+2
33
Jeep Renegade
1.3 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
262329$2,510+2
33
Cadillac XT4
2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
262330$3,060+2
33
Infiniti QX50
2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
262329$3,090+2
33
Volvo XC60
B5 · 2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
262330$3,120+2
42
Chevrolet Blazer
2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
252229$2,580+1
42
GMC Acadia
2.0 L · FWD
Standard SUVs · Gas
252229$2,580+1
42
Lincoln Corsair
2.0 L · FWD
Small SUVs · Gas
252230$2,630+1
42
Audi Q3
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas
252229$2,660+1
42
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
2.0 L · RWD
Small SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
252229$3,170+1
42
Audi Q5
quattro · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
252329$3,170+1
42
Infiniti QX55
2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
252228$3,200+1
42
BMW X3
sDrive30i · 2.0 L · RWD
Small SUVs · Gas · Premium fuel
252329$3,220+1
42
Maserati Grecale
Modena · 2.0 L · AWD
Small SUVs · Hybrid · Premium fuel
252229$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.
  • 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 2023 SUV gets the best gas mileage?

The most efficient 2023 SUV is the Kia Sportage (Hybrid · 1.6 L · FWD) at 43 MPG combined, 19 MPG above the median SUV (24 MPG) among the 119 SUVs ranked. The Kia Sportage costs about $1,510 a year to fuel, $1,560 less than the median SUV ($3,070).

How much does the Kia Sportage cost to fuel per year?

About $1,510 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 $3,070 a year.

How many SUVs are ranked for 2023?

119 models qualify, one row each. The median is 24 MPG, and the top 10 run from 43 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