Top Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs For Long Road Trips

When planning a long road trip, one of the biggest factors to consider is fuel efficiency. The last thing you want is to spend more time and money at the gas station than enjoying your adventure. For this reason, many travelers look for the most fuel-efficient SUVs — vehicles that combine comfort, space, and strong gas mileage.

At AutoTrek, we know how important it is to find a reliable ride that fits your lifestyle, especially if you’re preparing for long drives across highways, mountains, or scenic backroads.

Why Fuel Efficiency Matters on Road Trips

Fuel economy goes beyond simply saving money; it influences every part of your journey. When your SUV achieves higher gas mileage, you spend less time stopping for fuel and can make your travel budget last longer. This leaves extra room for discovering new destinations, enjoying local restaurants, and indulging in memorable activities along the way.

Fuel-efficient SUVs also tend to produce fewer emissions, which makes them a smarter choice for drivers who care about reducing their environmental impact. Modern manufacturers are designing SUVs that balance power with eco-friendly performance, so you no longer have to choose between comfort and efficiency.

Convenience is another advantage. On long stretches of highway or in rural areas where gas stations can be far apart, driving one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs allows you to travel farther on a single tank and gives you peace of mind.

What Makes an SUV Fuel-Efficient?

Several factors determine how fuel-efficient an SUV can be. Understanding them helps you know what to look for:

• Engine technology: Smaller turbocharged engines, hybrid powertrains, and even plug-in hybrid options can significantly improve fuel economy.
• Weight and aerodynamics: Lighter materials and sleeker designs reduce drag. This means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard.
• Transmission systems: Many modern SUVs use continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) or advanced automatic transmissions to optimize fuel efficiency.
• Drive modes: Eco-driving settings adjust throttle response and shift timing to maximize mileage.

The Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs for Long Road Trips

Here are some of the top contenders for travelers who want great gas mileage without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most popular choices among drivers who want efficiency and reliability. With an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, it’s one of the best in its class. The hybrid system balances gasoline power with electric assistance, making it responsive while still easy on fuel.

Inside, it offers generous cargo space and comfortable seating, which is perfect for long road trips. Toyota’s reputation for dependability also makes this SUV a smart pick if you plan to keep it for years.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

The CR-V Hybrid pairs Honda’s smooth ride quality with excellent fuel economy. Drivers can expect around 40 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, which makes it ideal for both urban commuting and long-distance travel.

What sets it apart is the interior comfort. The CR-V has spacious seating, high-quality materials, and advanced safety features that come standard. On a road trip, that means less driver fatigue and more enjoyable miles.

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has quickly become a favorite for those seeking value. It delivers 38 mpg combined, which makes it highly competitive in its segment. The SUV also features a modern, tech-forward interior with a large touchscreen, smart driver aids, and roomy seating.

On top of fuel efficiency, Hyundai offers a strong warranty, which is a big plus for drivers who want extra peace of mind during ownership.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Escape Hybrid is another strong option, with fuel economy ratings of 44 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Its compact size makes it nimble, while still offering the space families need for road trips.

Ford’s infotainment system, SYNC 4, makes it easy to connect your devices, stream music, and navigate to your destinations. The Escape Hybrid is ideal if you’re looking for a versatile SUV that balances efficiency with modern tech.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

For those who need more space, the Highlander Hybrid is a standout. With seating for up to eight and fuel economy of around 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, it’s a rare full-size SUV that doesn’t guzzle gas.

This makes it a great choice for families or groups who need extra room but don’t want to sacrifice efficiency on long road trips. Its advanced safety features and smooth ride make it one of the most well-rounded options available.

Lexus UX Hybrid

If you’re looking for a luxury option, the Lexus UX Hybrid delivers. With fuel economy ratings of around 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, it brings impressive efficiency along with premium materials, a quiet cabin, and refined handling that feels polished on every drive.

While smaller than some other SUVs, the UX is perfect for couples or solo travelers who want a touch of luxury without compromising on efficiency, comfort, or driving enjoyment during longer trips.

Kia Sportage Hybrid

Kia has stepped up in recent years, and the Sportage Hybrid is proof. With 42 mpg city and 44 mpg highway, it’s among the best for fuel efficiency in its class. It also has a bold design, user-friendly infotainment, and lots of standard safety features that enhance driver confidence.

The Sportage is a practical option for drivers who want a balance of affordability, comfort, technology, and high mileage without sacrificing style or interior space

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (Plug-In)

The Crosstrek Hybrid is Subaru’s plug-in hybrid SUV, offering up to 90 MPGe when driving on electric power and gasoline combined. It can run about 17 miles purely on electric charge, which is handy for shorter drives, while still giving you the range of a traditional engine for long trips.

With standard all-wheel drive, it’s also a great pick for road trips that involve mountain passes or unpredictable weather.

Toyota Venza Hybrid

The Toyota Venza Hybrid combines style with efficiency. It delivers 40 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, which makes it one of the top midsize SUVs for long drives. Inside, it features upscale materials and advanced driver assistance features, making the ride both comfortable and safe.

It’s an excellent choice if you want something stylish, modern, and efficient.

BMW X5 xDrive45e (Plug-In Hybrid)

For those who want luxury and power, the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid is worth considering. It offers up to 50 MPGe with combined electric and gasoline power, along with strong performance from its turbocharged engine.

The interior is packed with premium features, from high-quality leather to advanced driver tech. While more expensive, it proves that luxury and efficiency can go hand in hand.

Tips for Maximizing SUV Fuel Efficiency on Road Trips

Even when driving one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs, your habits on the road can make a big difference in how far you get on a tank of gas.

One of the simplest steps is to keep your tires properly inflated, since low tire pressure forces the engine to work harder and can quickly reduce fuel economy. The way you drive also matters; smooth acceleration and gradual braking are much more efficient than aggressive starts and stops. When traveling long stretches of highway, using cruise control can help maintain a steady speed, which naturally improves fuel efficiency.

It’s also smart to think about the weight and aerodynamics of your SUV. Carrying unnecessary cargo or adding bulky rooftop storage creates drag, which burns more fuel over time.

Finally, regular maintenance plays an important role. Clean air filters, timely oil changes, and a well-tuned engine all help your SUV perform at its best, so you get the most miles per gallon on every trip. With a combination of the right vehicle and mindful driving, your road trip will be both enjoyable and fuel-efficient.

Why Choose AutoTrek for Your Next SUV?

Shopping for an SUV can feel overwhelming, especially with so many models on the market. That’s where we come in. At AutoTrek, we specialize in high-quality vehicles in the $10K–$25K price range, and every car we sell goes through a thorough service inspection.

We also work with more than 20 credit union partners, which makes financing easy and straightforward. Our focus has always been on giving drivers a fast, friendly, and professional experience. With an A+ BBB rating, CarGurus Top Rated Dealer award, and CARFAX Top Rated Dealer recognition in 2024, we’re proud to be your credit union’s preferred auto buying service.

Choosing the Right SUV for Your Road Trips

The most fuel-efficient SUVs prove that you don’t have to compromise on comfort, space, or performance when planning your next road trip. From compact hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to full-size options like the Highlander Hybrid, there’s a fuel-efficient SUV to fit every traveler’s needs.

As you prepare for your next adventure, consider which model best matches your lifestyle, budget, and travel plans. And when you’re ready to find the right vehicle, AutoTrek is here to help with a trusted selection of inspected SUVs and financing options designed to make the buying process simple and stress-free.