Driving a bona fide SUV as an alternative of a crossover doesn’t imply limitless ache on the pumps. We’ve discovered probably the most fuel-efficient 4×4 SUVs to provide you most functionality with minimal fueling prices.
The line between crossover and SUV may be fairly blurry. Call us old school as a result of we consider an SUV as having a body that’s separate from the physique of the automobile. The suspension and physique are bolted to that body. It’s what offers the SUV its ruggedness — truck-like bones beneath that allow it work laborious.
Are there exceptions to that rule? Of course. So, we’ll name out the crossovers that may work simply as laborious as an SUV. Their credentials embody off-road energy and high-capacity towing, however they don’t have a body-on-frame chassis.
Why do we want the separation? Because we consider {that a} hardcore SUV fulfills our heavy-duty towing and all-around utility calls for. At the identical time, that ruggedness comes at the price of poor gasoline financial system.
We’ve used the EPA’s official gasoline financial system scores to search out the 12 SUVs that provide the perfect gasoline financial system and the go-anywhere traction of 4×4 or all-wheel drive (AWD). Some of those shocked us with their effectivity and the number of powertrains on the listing.
Here we’ve probably the most fuel-efficient SUVs, ranked from worst to greatest, sorted by the EPA combined-cycle gasoline financial system ranking.
(If vans are extra your factor, take a look at The 10 Most Fuel-Efficient 2022 4×4/AWD Pickups.)
The 12 Most Fuel-Efficient 2023 4×4 SUVs
12. Infiniti QX80 (15 MPG)
The QX80 is Infiniti’s luxurious off-road brute. This massive, three-row SUV comes with a 5.6L V8 that makes 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automated does its greatest to assist gasoline financial system, however it’s working with a number of weight and horsepower.
Despite luxurious options like quilted leather-based seats, it presents actual off-road functionality. It additionally presents Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension that may ship stress to the interior or outer suspension to assist cut back roll.
Infiniti’s QX80 can tow as much as 8,500 kilos. Its EPA estimate says it ought to return 13 mpg metropolis and 19 freeway.
2023 Infiniti QX80 Specs
- Engine: 5.6L 32-valve V8
- Horsepower: 400 hp at 5,800 rpm
- Torque: 413 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm
- Transmission: Seven-speed automated w/ adaptive shift management and handbook shift mode w/downshift rev-matching
- Drive sort: Infiniti All-Mode 4WD
- Max tow capability: 8,500 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 13 / 19 / 15 mpg
- Range: 390 miles
11. Mercedes-Benz G 550 (16 MPG)
Beauty meets beast within the 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Looking fairly in contrast to the rest within the German luxurious automaker’s lineup, the G-Wagen (because the SUV can also be identified), is constructed for going locations the place others dare not. The German tank boasts a ladder-type body with a mounted physique that accounts for its off-roading energy and stability, plus it aids safety of the underbody components.
A 4.0L turbocharged V8 rated at 416 horsepower lies underneath the bonnet of the G 550. Combined metropolis and freeway driving will web 16 mpg as per EPA estimates.
For others who scoff on the considered decreasing their carbon footprint, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 packs a bi-turbo model of the motor, conjuring an imposing 577 horsepower.
2023 Mercedes-Benz G 550 Specs
- Engine: 4.0L V8 bi-turbo
- Horsepower: 416 hp at 5,250-5,500 rpm
- Torque: 450 lb.-ft. at 2,000-4,750 rpm
- Transmission: 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automated
- Drive sort: Full-time AWD w/2-speed switch case
- Max tow capability: 7,000 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 14 / 17 / 16 mpg
- Range: 416 miles
10. Lexus GX 460 (16 MPG)
The Lexus GX 460 is a rugged off-road body-on-frame SUV that has been on sale for the reason that 2010 mannequin 12 months. Off-road devoted {hardware} consists of full-time four-wheel drive, a two-speed switch case, and Torsen locking heart differential. The better part about quantity 10 on our listing of most fuel-efficient SUVs means you don’t must accept a stripped-down econobox.
Powering the GX 460 is a 4.6L V8 that makes 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automated. This modest mixture returns an EPA-estimated 16 mpg mixed metropolis and freeway driving.
2023 Lexus GX 460 Specs
- Engine: 4.6L DOHC 32-valve VVT-i V8
- Horsepower: 301 hp at 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 329 lb.-ft. at 3,500 rpm
- Transmission: Six-speed automated ECT
- Drive sort: Full-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 6,500 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 15 / 19 / 16 mpg
- Range: 368 miles
9. Toyota 4Runner (17 MPG)
The Toyota 4Runner is similar to the Lexus GX listed above — 4×4 and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension are each provided, as is a locking rear differential. And the 4Runner is available in TRD particular variations that add much more spectacular off-road functionality options, together with tuned off-road shocks and is derived.
Unlike the Lexus, the 4Runner comes with a V6 as an alternative of a V8. It means barely much less energy, at 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a five-speed automated, the Toyota is ready to supply barely improved gasoline financial system.
It can handle an EPA-estimated 16 mpg on metropolis streets and 19 mpg on the open freeway.
2023 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Specs
- Engine: 4.0L DOHC V6 VVT-i
- Horsepower: 270 hp at 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 278 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm
- Transmission: Five-speed automated
- Drive sort: Part-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 5,000 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 16 / 19 / 17 mpg
- Range: 391 miles
8. Ford Expedition / Lincoln Navigator (18 MPG)
The Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator appear like very totally different automobiles from the surface and from behind the motive force’s seat. But beneath, they’re almost the identical. That features a absolutely boxed body, which additionally underpins the F-150 — the bestselling pickup on this planet.
Though it’s body-on-frame, utilizing aluminum for the bodywork trims some kilos out of the 2 massive SUVs. That can assist save gasoline. Instead of a V8, the pair use a 3.5L V6 with two turbochargers.
The XL, XLT, and STX trims of the Expedition make 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The top-end trims, the Timberline and Stealth, develop as a lot horsepower because the Navigator: 440. All fashions, no matter trim stage, use a 10-speed automated transmission.
Government gasoline financial system estimates for the decrease trims of the four-wheel drive Expedition sit at 18 mpg in mixed driving. According to the EPA, the heavier and higher-powered 4×4 Lincoln Navigator additionally returns 18 mpg.
2023 Ford Expedition (XL, XLT, STX) 4WD Specs
- Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6 w/auto start-stop
- Horsepower: 380 hp at 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 470 lb.-ft. at 2,250 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automated w/SelectShift
- Drive sort: Part-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 9,200 lbs. (w/Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing Package)
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 16 / 22 / 18 mpg
- Range: 418 miles
7. Jeep Wagoneer / Grand Wagoneer Hurricane (19 MPG)
The acclaimed V8 engine from Stellantis will quickly be a part of the dodo fowl as Dodge, RAM, and Jeep transition towards electrification. Assuming the mantle of industrial quality hauler is an all-new 3.0L turbocharged inline-six dubbed the Hurricane. Two variations of the Hurricane will go into the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
The first variant of the twin-turbo engine will summon 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque, and a big enhance in gasoline financial savings over the 6.4L V8. The second variant, the Hurricane 510, rustles up 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Put all that energy into play, and trailering capability maxes out at 9,800 to 10,000 kilos.
The Grand Wagoneer is a critical luxurious mannequin with an effortlessly easy powertrain boasting unbelievable capabilities and refinement. Low-range gearing, Selec-Terrain traction administration, and an obtainable electronically managed air suspension with adjustable experience peak are all a part of the equation.
EPA estimates for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Hurricane culminate at 19 mpg in mixed freeway and metropolis driving.
2023 Grand Wagoneer Hurricane Specs
- Engine: 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo
- Horsepower: 420 hp at 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 468 lb.-ft. at 3,500 rpm
- Transmission: Eight-speed automated
- Drive sort: AWD
- Max tow capability: 9,800 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 16 / 23 / 19 mpg
- Range: 494 miles
6. Lexus LX 600 (19 MPG)
The luxurious counterpart of the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser makes use of the identical platform because the all-new Toyota Tundra. It additionally will get a model of the truck’s new powertrain: a 409-horsepower twin-turbo 3.4L V6 and 10-speed automated. The Lexus LX 600 underwent a whole redesign in 2022, so solely a bit has modified for 2023.
In the LX 600, you’ll discover full-time four-wheel drive, lively height-adjustable suspension, and even crawl management. It doesn’t appear like an off-roader, however don’t let the spindle grille idiot you. This massive ute can wheel.
It has an official estimate of 19 mpg total.
2023 Lexus LX 600 Specs
- Engine: 3.4L twin-turbo V6
- Horsepower: 409 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 479 lb.-ft. @ 2,000-3,600 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automated w/SelectShift
- Drive sort: Full-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 8,000 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 17 / 22 / 19 mpg
- Range: 401 miles
5. Ford Bronco 2-Door EcoBoost (20 MPG)
The first actual competitor to the Jeep Wrangler in years, the Ford Bronco places the Ford Ranger platform to good use. The trendy off-roader enables you to take away the doorways, the roof, and even the fenders. It additionally has automated and handbook transmission variations that provide the identical gasoline financial system ranking.
The shorter and lighter Bronco two-door will get the perfect gasoline financial system. It’s additionally the one one that gives the seven-speed keep on with crawler gear.
Fitted with the two.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, Bronco presents 275 horsepower and 315 pound-feet on common fuel. It’ll handle 300 horsepower in the event you spend further for premium gasoline.
The mighty little engine will reward you with 20 mpg in mixed metropolis and freeway driving.
2023 Ford Bronco 2-Door Specs
- Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 w/auto start-stop
- Horsepower: 300 hp at 5,700 rpm (premium gasoline)
- Torque: 325 lb.-ft. at 3,400 rpm (premium gasoline)
- Transmission: 10-speed automated w/SelectShift
- Drive sort: Part-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 3,500 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 20 / 21 / 20 mpg
- Range: 338 miles
4. Toyota Sequoia 4WD (20 MPG)
By and huge, the all-new 2023 Sequoia presents a really highly effective driving expertise. Bringing all that pressure to bear is an i-Force MAX 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid drivetrain that’s good for 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of twist. Part of that hybrid magic requires a 48-horsepower electrical motor sandwiched between the V6 and a 10-speed automated transmission.
The powerplant isn’t the one piece of contemporary tech in widespread with the Tundra. The redesigned Sequoia sits on a contemporary body-on-frame chassis with a completely boxed body additionally shared by the Tundra. Nonetheless, Toyota’s revamped SUV carries a beefy presence — and never simply because it pushes the restrict of each single parking area it occupies.
Do we miss the trusty V8? Yes, however the brand new Sequoia hybrid delivers extra energy, extra torque, spectacular gasoline financial system, and an total higher expertise. Read our assessment of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia to study extra particulars and insights.
2023 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4WD Specs
- Engine: i-FORCE MAX: 3.5L aluminum block V6 Hybrid, twin-turbochargers
- Horsepower: 437 hp at 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 583 lb.-ft. at 2,400 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automated
- Drive sort: Part-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 9,120 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 19 / 22 / 20 mpg
- Range: 450 miles
3. Cadillac Escalade/GMC Yukon XL/ Chevrolet Tahoe/Chevrolet Suburban 3.0 Duramax Diesel (22 MPG)
Yes, that’s a number of automobiles, all underneath one entry. While this gaggle of GM SUVs differs in seems and viewers, all of them share the identical chassis.
GM’s massive haulers can tow as much as 8,000 kilos when fitted with the three.0L Duramax diesel engine and four-wheel drive. The Duramax turbo inline-six makes 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 10-speed automated helps profit from that.
GM presents luxurious fashions, family-friendly carriages, and even SUVs designed for work obligation and off-roading, letting you decide one good to your wants. Whichever one fits your fancy, official estimates report 22 mpg for the diesel powerplant.
2023 GMC Yukon 4WD Specs
- Engine: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Duramax turbo-diesel
- Horsepower: 277 hp at 3,750 rpm (diesel gasoline)
- Torque: 460 lb.-ft. at 1,500 rpm (diesel gasoline)
- Transmission: 10-speed automated w/SelectShift
- Drive sort: Part-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 8,000 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 20 / 26 / 22 mpg (2022 EPA estimates)
- Range: 528 miles
2. Jeep Wrangler 4xe (49 MPGe)
The final off-roader with a plug. The Jeep Wrangler has been the king of manufacturing facility off-road SUVs for many years, with solely Ford’s Bronco making an attempt to wrestle away the crown.
Now the Wrangler presents extra than simply rugged functionality, detachable doorways, and a high that may keep at residence. The Wrangler 4xe enables you to off-road silently, utilizing solely electrical energy.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the 4xe combines an electrical motor and a 2.0L turbo-four. The mixed energy output equals 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Not to say the power to drive on electrical energy for as much as 21 miles.
That’s sufficient to provide Wrangler 4xe a miles-per-gallon equal of 49. It will get 20 mpg mixed when the battery is empty.
Jeep additionally presents a 2.0L four-cylinder Wrangler that will have held this spot on our listing of most fuel-efficient SUVs — if the hybrid didn’t exist — with a 23 mpg mixed EPA ranking.
2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Specs
- Engine: 2.0L turbo I-4
- Horsepower: 270 hp at 5,250 rpm
- Torque: 295 lb.-ft. at 3,000 rpm
- eTorque belt-start generator/motor: 44 hp / 39 lb-ft
- Transmission: Plug-in hybrid 8-speed automated
- Integrated transmission traction motor: 134 hp / 181 lb.-ft.
- Total powertrain output:
- Horsepower: 375 hp at 5,250 rpm
- Torque: 470 lb.-ft. at 3,000 rpm
- Drive sort: 4WD
- Max tow capability: 3,500 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (MPGe/mixed): 49 / 20 mpg (2022 EPA estimates)
- Range: 370 miles
1. Rivian R1S (69 MPGe)
The first Rivian R1S SUVs began transport in 2022, making this electrical automobile the one body-on-frame SUV EV on sale now. Not 100% conventional, because the body holds the electrical battery and powertrain. But we are saying it nonetheless counts, as does 14.9 inches of floor clearance and as much as 7,700 kilos of towing.
Offered with a four-motor AWD making 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet or a dual-motor AWD with 600 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, the R1S has copious quantities of energy.
With a 135kWh battery pack, it presents as much as 316 miles of vary. All of that expertise equates to 69 MPGe.
2023 Rivian R1S Specs
- Motor: 2 AC everlasting magnet per wheel
- Horsepower: 600 hp
- Torque: 600 lb.-ft.
- Transmission: 1-Speed Automatic
- Battery pack: 135 kWh lithium-ion
- Drive sort: Quad-motor AWD
- Max tow capability: 7,700 lbs.
- Fuel financial system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 73 / 65 / 69 MPGe
- EV vary: 316 miles
The Most Fuel-Efficient Almost-SUVs
We know that discerning the distinctions between an SUV and a crossover are robust. That’s why we defined our methodology up high. But we additionally perceive that some crossovers significantly bridge the hole, just like the unibody-constructed automobiles beneath.
These automobiles can tow as a lot as conventional body-on-frame SUVs, and a few supply spectacular off-road capabilities. So, here’s a fast hit of those that we name “on the fence,” listed from good to exceptional for his or her gasoline financial system.
Land Rover Defender P400 (20 mpg): 18/23 metropolis/freeway. Both three-door 90 and five-door 110 fashions get the identical financial system in mild-hybrid 3.0L I6 trims.
Dodge Durango (21 mpg): 18/25 metropolis/freeway. The Durango presents one of many highest tow scores of any crossover — as much as 8,700 kilos — a formidable effort.
Hyundai Palisade/Kia Telluride (22 mpg): 19/27 metropolis/freeway. These two brutes are clearly making an attempt to appear like an SUV, even when they’ve a unibody chassis. Nevertheless, the three.8L V6 does it proper.
Nissan Pathfinder (23 mpg): 21/27 metropolis/freeway. The all-new Pathfinder can tow like an SUV — as much as 6,000 kilos — even when it’s a crossover.
Ford Explorer Hybrid (25 mpg): 23/26 metropolis/freeway. Brawny sufficient to deal with 5,000 kilos of trailer weight and have sufficient floor clearance to provide it above-average off-road functionality, the three-row Explorer Hybrid manages towing and hauling duties with aplomb.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (56 MPGe): 26-mile all-electric vary, 23 mpg mixed. The plug-in Grand Cherokee can supply spectacular gasoline financial savings.
The 10 Most Fuel-Efficient 2022 4×4/AWD Pickups
