What Hybrid SUV Gets the Best Gas Mileage? 2026 Edition

For those who are buying a car and want to be a little more conscious of the environment (and, let’s be honest, save tons of gas money), a hybrid is a great choice.

And SUVs are still an excellent option for many families. But what hybrid SUV gets the best gas mileage?

The Kia Niro Hybrid is the kind of mileage, as it can get 53 mpg. Not only that, but it’s no the most expensive car on the list. So, if you want a fuel-friendly SUV that can squeezes as much as it can out of its tank, the Niro is the choice for you.

As technology has improved, there are more options in the hybrid segment. In fact, we first published this article in 2021, and three of the original candidates are out of the list. Their replacements outperform them by a lot.

So, with that said, let’s discuss several options for the best large, mid-size, and small SUV hybrids. Each of these has great mpg ratings for its weight class.

Recommended Reading: Our Top Picks — 10 Used SUVs with Best Gas Mileage

These are the

Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro Hybrid has made a name for itself for being the hybrid SUV with the best gas mileage out of all in the market. Its combined mileage of 53 mpg earns it high praise.

However, it’s not only about economy. The Niro has won fans thanks to its great looks and fun driving characteristics. It’s not a sportscar, but it can get around corners in a peppy, happy way.

The last, and sometimes most important advantage, is the Kia Niro’s price. When looking at what hybrid SUV gets the best gas mileage, it’s clear that price is critical. The Kia Niro Hybrid is actually one of the cheapest in the market.

Lexus UX300h

Imagine a Corolla Cross, and then put a lot of bling on top (we mean, a LOT), and you get the Lexus UX lineup, out of which the most fuel efficient for the American market is the Lexus UX300h.

While it’s not the cheapest in the list, the Lexus UX300h is a strong candidate for what hybrid SUV gets the best gas mileage, as it averages 44 mpg. Plus, it’s comfortable and has an upscale interior. However, don’t expect a lot of cargo space.

Toyota RAV4 AWD SE

As part of Toyota’s efforts to shift towards electrification, the 2026 RAV4 only comes at a hybrid, and it’s a top candidate in what hybrid SUV gets the best gas mileage, with an average of 44 mpg.

The RAV4 also comes with new trims, come of which are actually quite exciting. We particularly find the Woodland edition a cool one, ideal for light adventures.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD

Another top candidate for what hybrid SUV gets the best gas mileage is the Toyota Corolla Cross. Granted, it’s basic, boring and slow, but hey, you get excellent fuel economy, as it can average 44 mpg.

The Corolla Cross is as barebones as it can get, and that’s exactly the purpose. If you want a practical car that has decent cargo room and no one, absolutely NO ONE, will turn to look, then this SUV is for you.

These are some of the best candidates for compact hybrid SUVs that get excellent mileage. There are also larger options, such as the following.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander was one of the first large SUVs to come out with a hybrid option, so, unsurprisingly, it makes the list. 

The Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive and averages at 36 MPG combined, with 36 MPG in the city and 35 on the highway, making it possible for you to get great gas mileage wherever you go.

The Highlander Hybrid’s base model is priced to start at $38,735, but, unlike its sister car, the Lexus RX, this one seats 8 at the base trim level, going down to 7 in the upper trims. 

Riding in an older Highlander hybrid’s third row can be a bit cramped, specifically in regards to legroom, even for those who are of average height. 

However, the Highlander now offers a comfortable ride for everyone in the vehicle.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

The Kia Sorento Hybrid’s base price is $33,990, putting it below the Highlander in price even though it tops it in gas mileage.

Though the gas mileage for the all-wheel-drive Sorento remains unannounced, the front-wheel-drive model gets 37 MPG combined, with 39 in the city and 35 on the highway. 

This puts it neck and neck with the Honda CR-V. 

The 6-seater mid-size SUV is built on the same platform as its sister car, the Hyundai Santa Fe.

In older models, the Kia Sorento made it difficult to get into the backseat, but now, 2nd-row captain’s chairs offer easy access to the third row, as well as great legroom.

What Are Some Used Hybrid SUVs That Get Great Mileage?

With new car prices being so high, some people looking at what hybrid SUV gets the best gas mileage might also be looking for used options. That’s where the following options come into play.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

The Honda CR-V is a fan and tester favorite, evidenced by the many times it has won MotorTrend‘s SUV of the Year award. 

The CR-V Hybrid comes next with 38 MPG combined, 40 MPG in the city, and 35 MPG on the highway.This 5-seater is perfect for small families or even for seniors.

This SUV also comes standard with all-wheel drive, bringing that extra level of safety to your everyday commute.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets 40 MPG combined, with 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway.

This SUV has the second-best gas mileage on our list, along with the second-best price. 

The RAV4 is another model with a large following, especially coming from a brand as well known as Toyota. 

Able to seat 5 people, the RAV4 is the perfect small SUV for any journey, whether it’s a weekend camping trip or the 20-minute commute to work.

The RAV4 is also available as a RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid version of the regular hybrid. 

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid is reported to get an astounding 44 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, giving it a combined average of 41 MPG. 

This combination makes it perfect for small families.

It comes standard with front-wheel drive and Ford Co-Pilot360° technology.

The only spot the Ford Escape loses points is the design, in both the exterior and interior. 

Escape owners usually criticize the cheap and plasticky inserts, along with what MotorTrend calls “forgettable” styling. 

But if you’re just looking for the best gas mileage, the Ford Escape Hybrid is the SUV for you.