Due to hybrid, diesel, and even totally electrical energy, driving an actual SUV doesn’t imply a world of gasoline pump ache anymore. We’ve discovered probably the most fuel-efficient 4×4 SUVs to present you most functionality with minimal fueling prices.
The road between crossover and SUV might be fairly blurry. Name us old style 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? After all. 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’d like the separation? As a result of we imagine {that a} hardcore SUV fulfills our heavy-duty towing and all-around utility calls for. On the similar time, that ruggedness comes at the price of much less spectacular gas economic system.
We’ve used the EPA’s official gas economic system scores to seek out the 12 SUVs that supply the most effective gas economic system and the go-anywhere traction of 4×4 or all-wheel drive (AWD). A few of these stunned us with their effectivity. And, the number of powertrains on the checklist is spectacular.
Right here, we’ve probably the most fuel-efficient SUVs, ranked from worst to greatest, sorted by the EPA combined-cycle gas economic system score.
(If vehicles are extra your factor, take a look at the ten Most Gasoline-Environment friendly 2024 4×4/AWD Pickups.)
The 12 Most Gasoline-Environment friendly 2024 4×4 SUVs
12. Lexus GX 550 (17 MPG)
In the end, Lexus has lastly utterly redesigned the Lexus GX. It’s now known as the GX 550, and it makes use of a totally fashionable twin-turbo V6 together with the body of the newest Lexus LX.
Regardless of the brand new design and boxy seems to be, it’s nonetheless a rugged off-road body-on-frame SUV. Off-road devoted {hardware} contains full-time four-wheel drive, a two-speed switch case, and Torsen locking and limited-slip heart differential.
New this yr is an Overtrail trim grade that features an digital locking rear differential, commonplace Digital Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System sway bar unlocks, and ahead and reverse Crawl Management off-road cruise management.
Powering the GX 550 is a 3.4L V6 that makes 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a 10-speed automated. This contemporary mixture returns an EPA-estimated 17 mpg mixed metropolis and freeway driving.
2024 Lexus GX 550 Specs
- Engine: 3.4L twin-turbo V6
- Horsepower: 349 hp at 4,800 rpm
- Torque: 479 lb.-ft. at 2,000- 3,600 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automated ECT
- Drive Kind: Full-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 9,096 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 15 / 21 / 17 mpg
- Vary: 359 miles
11. Toyota 4Runner (17 MPG)
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is about to reach at Toyota sellers very quickly, providing a totally new bundle with extra environment friendly energy. However till then, the 2024 mannequin’s 4.0L V6 finally ends up close to the thirstier finish of this checklist. It’s a critical off-roader; 4×4 and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension are each provided, as is a locking rear differential.
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.
The 4Runner comes with a V6 making 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Mixed with a five-speed automated, the Toyota is ready to handle an EPA-estimated 16 mpg on metropolis streets and 19 mpg on the open freeway.
2024 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: 5-speed automated
- Drive Kind: Half-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 5,000 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 16 / 19 / 17 mpg
- Vary: 391 miles
10. Ford Expedition / Lincoln Navigator (18 MPG)
The Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator appear to be very completely different automobiles from the skin, and from behind the motive force’s seat. However beneath, they’re almost the identical. That features a totally boxed body, which additionally underpins the F-150 — the bestselling pickup on the planet.
Although they’re body-on-frame, utilizing aluminum for the bodywork trims some kilos off the 2 huge SUVs, which may help save gas. As an alternative of a V8, the pair makes use of 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 highest-end trims, the Timberline and Stealth, develop as a lot horsepower because the Navigator: 440. All fashions, no matter trim degree, use a 10-speed automated transmission.
Authorities gas economic system estimates for the decrease trims of the four-wheel drive Expedition sit at 18 mpg in mixed driving. Based on the EPA, the heavier and higher-powered 4×4 Lincoln Navigator additionally returns 18 mpg.
2024 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 Kind: Half-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 9,200 lbs. (w/Heavy-Obligation Trailer Towing Package deal)
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 16 / 22 / 18 mpg
- Vary: 418 miles
9. Jeep Wagoneer / Grand Wagoneer Hurricane (19 MPG)
The acclaimed V8 engine from Stellantis will quickly be part of the dodo hen 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 primary variant of the twin-turbo engine will summon 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque, and a big increase in gas 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 unimaginable capabilities and refinement. Low-range gearing, Selec-Terrain traction administration, and an accessible 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.
2024 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 Kind: AWD
- Max tow capability: 9,800 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 16 / 23 / 19 mpg
- Vary: 494 miles
8. 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 underwent a whole redesign in 2022, so nothing has modified for this yr.
Within the LX 600, you’ll discover full-time four-wheel drive, energetic height-adjustable suspension, and even crawl management. It doesn’t appear to be an off-roader, however don’t let the spindle grille idiot you. This huge ute can wheel.
It has an official estimate of 19 mpg general.
2024 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 Kind: Full-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 8,000 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 17 / 22 / 19 mpg
- Vary: 401 miles
7. Ford Bronco 2-Door EcoBoost (20 MPG)
The primary actual competitor to the Jeep Wrangler in years, the Ford Bronco places the Ford Ranger platform to good use. The fashionable 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 similar gas economic system score.
The shorter and lighter Bronco two-door will get the most effective gas economic system. It’s additionally the one one that provides the seven-speed follow crawler gear.
Fitted with the two.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, Bronco gives 275 horsepower and 315 pound-feet on common gasoline. It’ll handle 300 horsepower if you happen to spend additional for premium gas.
The mighty little engine will reward you with 20 mpg in mixed metropolis and freeway driving.
2024 Ford Bronco 2-Door Specs
- Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 w/auto start-stop
- Horsepower: 300 hp at 5,700 rpm (premium gas)
- Torque: 325 lb.-ft. at 3,400 rpm (premium gas)
- Transmission: 10-speed automated w/SelectShift
- Drive Kind: Half-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 3,500 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 20 / 21 / 20 mpg
- Vary: 338 miles
6. Toyota Sequoia 4WD (20 MPG)
By and enormous, the all-new 2023 Sequoia gives a very highly effective driving expertise. Bringing all that drive to bear is an i-Pressure MAX 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain that’s good for 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of twist. A 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 recent tech in frequent with the Tundra pickup. 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 house it occupies.
Can we miss the trusty V8? Sure, however the brand new Sequoia hybrid delivers extra energy, extra torque, spectacular gas economic system, and an general higher expertise. Learn our evaluate of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia to be taught extra particulars and insights.
2024 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 Kind: Half-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 9,120 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 19 / 22 / 20 mpg
- Vary: 450 miles
5. Cadillac Escalade/GMC Yukon XL/ Chevrolet Tahoe/Chevrolet Suburban 3.0 Duramax Diesel (22 MPG)
Sure, that’s loads of automobiles, all underneath one entry. Whereas this gaggle of GM SUVs differs in seems to be and viewers, all of them share the identical chassis.
GM’s huge 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 take advantage of that.
GM gives luxurious fashions, family-friendly carriages, and even SUVs designed for work obligation and off-roading, letting you choose one excellent in your wants. Whichever one fits your fancy, official estimates report 22 mpg for the diesel powerplant.
2024 GMC Yukon 4WD Specs
- Engine: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Duramax turbo-diesel
- Horsepower: 277 hp at 3,750 rpm (diesel gas)
- Torque: 460 lb.-ft. at 1,500 rpm (diesel gas)
- Transmission: 10-speed automated w/SelectShift
- Drive Kind: Half-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 8,000 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 20 / 26 / 22 mpg (2022 EPA estimates)
- Vary: 528 miles
4. Toyota Land Cruiser (23 MPG)
The Toyota Land Cruiser is all-new for 2024, and it has ultra-cool retro seems to be meant to remind us of the basic Land Cruiser fashions which have come earlier than it. Nevertheless, regardless of the toy-car seems to be, that is nonetheless an actual SUV. It has a body beneath, full-time four-wheel drive, and locking entrance, rear, and heart differentials.
It’s additionally a hybrid, with the Land Cruiser providing a 2.4L turbo-four-powered Hybrid Max system much like what you’ll discover in a Toyota Tacoma Hybrid pickup. The hybrid system helps give the brand new Land Cruiser higher gas economic system. It additionally permits for camping-friendly options like a built-in 2,400W AC inverter within the cargo bay.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Specs
- Engine: i-FORCE MAX: 2.4L I4 Hybrid, turbocharged
- Horsepower: 326 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 465 lb.-ft. at 1,700 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automated
- Drive Kind: Full-time 4WD
- Max tow capability: 6,000 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 22 / 25 / 23 mpg
- Vary: 412 miles
3. Jeep Wrangler 4xe (49 MPGe)
The last word off-roader with a plug. The Jeep Wrangler has been the king of manufacturing unit off-road SUVs for many years, with solely Ford’s Bronco making an attempt to wrestle away the crown.
Now the Wrangler gives extra than simply rugged functionality, detachable doorways, and a prime that may keep at dwelling. 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. To not point out the flexibility to drive on electrical energy for as much as 21 miles.
That’s sufficient to present Wrangler 4xe a miles-per-gallon equal of 49. It will get 20 mpg mixed when the battery is empty.
Jeep additionally gives a 2.0L four-cylinder Wrangler that may have held this spot on our checklist of most fuel-efficient SUVs — if the hybrid didn’t exist — with a 23 mpg mixed EPA score.
2024 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
- Built-in transmission traction motor: 134 hp / 181 lb.-ft.
- Complete powertrain output:
- Horsepower: 375 hp at 5,250 rpm
- Torque: 470 lb.-ft. at 3,000 rpm
- Drive Kind: 4WD
- Max tow capability: 3,500 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (MPGe/mixed): 49 / 20 mpg (2022 EPA estimates)
- Vary: 370 miles
2. Hummer EV SUV (53 MPGe)
The GMC Hummer EV SUV has taken longer than anticipated to make it to sellers, however now that it’s right here, it’s a formidable accomplishment. It’s a mix of body and unibody design, just like the Rivian you’ll see within the primary spot on this checklist. But it surely positively has the ruggedness wanted to make it a real SUV.
Whereas extra fashions with fewer motors and extra towing functionality will come later, the unique Version 1 is actually no slouch. 830 horses from its three motors and crab-walk steering that lets it transfer diagonally to get out and in of tight areas off-road for a begin.
Plus, accessible packages so as to add beefier skid plates, electronically locking differentials, and even rocker protectors all contribute to the reborn Hummer’s talents to get you locations you’d by no means anticipate finding an EV.
2024 Hummer EV SUV (Version 1) Specs
- Motor: 3 AC everlasting magnet motor
- Horsepower: 830 hp
- Torque: N/A lb.-ft.
- Transmission: 1-Velocity Automated
- Battery pack: 170 kWh lithium-ion
- Drive Kind: Twin-motor AWD
- Max tow capability: 7,500 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 59 / 48 / 53 MPGe
- EV vary: 314 miles
1. Rivian R1S Twin Max (82MPGe)
When the first Rivian R1S SUVs began transport in 2022, the mannequin was the one one among its form in the marketplace. Not 100% conventional, because the body holds the electrical battery and powertrain. However we are saying it nonetheless counts, as does 14.9 inches of floor clearance and as much as 7,700 kilos of towing.
Rivian gives a three-motor Tri-Max mannequin with 850 horsepower and 1,103 pound-feet of torque for many who need most assault, and it might handle a formidable 405-mile vary.
Probably the most environment friendly mannequin, although, the one which tops this gas economic system checklist, is the twin-motor Twin Max. Its 533 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque handle an estimated 410-mile vary.
Since GMC launched the Hummer EV SUV, the R1S is now not the one EV SUV on the town. However with 410 miles of vary from a 149 kWh battery pack, it’s much more environment friendly. The Rivian’s huge dose of excessive tech inside and beneath equates to 82 MPGe.
2024 Rivian R1S Specs
- Motor: 2 AC everlasting magnet per wheel
- Horsepower: 533 hp
- Torque: 610 lb.-ft.
- Transmission: 1-Velocity Automated
- Battery pack: 149 kWh lithium-ion
- Drive Kind: Twin-motor AWD
- Max tow capability: 7,700 lbs.
- Gasoline economic system (metropolis/hwy/mixed): 89 / 76 / 82 MPGe
- EV vary: 410 miles
The Most Gasoline-Environment friendly Nearly-SUVs
We all know that discerning the distinctions between an SUV and a crossover are robust. That’s why we defined our methodology up prime. However, 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 provide 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 gas economic system.
Land Rover Defender P400 (20 mpg): 18/23 metropolis/freeway. Each three-door 90 and five-door 110 fashions get the identical economic system in mild-hybrid 3.0L I6 trims.
Dodge Durango (21 mpg): 18/25 metropolis/freeway. The Durango gives 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 to be an SUV, even when they’ve a unibody chassis. However, the three.8L V6 does it proper.
Ford Explorer (23 mpg): 20/27 metropolis/freeway. Brawny sufficient to deal with 5,000 kilos of trailer weight and have sufficient floor clearance to present it above-average off-road functionality, the three-row Explorer manages towing and hauling duties with aplomb.
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.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (56 MPGe): 26-mile all-electric vary, 23 mpg mixed. The plug-in Grand Cherokee can provide spectacular gas financial savings.