The best gas mileage SUVs of the past decade that will save you money

Fuel economy used to be the enemy of utility. If you wanted space, ground clearance or four-wheel drive, you accepted that your fuel bill would look like a small mortgage. Over the past decade, that equation has quietly changed. Between smarter engines, lighter platforms, hybrids that didn’t feel like science projects, and even a brief diesel renaissance, SUVs learned how to sip instead of chug.

This list is the most revisited economical SUVs and crossover-shaped vehicles sold between 2010 and 2019, ranked from lowest to highest average MPG. These are not theoretical best cases or modern redesigns. These are the vehicles that actually delivered strong fuel economy when gas prices, emissions rules and buyer expectations were very different than they are today.

The models on this list have been extensively researched and all data provided is accurate at the time and date of publication. The models are listed in ascending order from least to most economical.

Volkswagen Touareg TDI (2012-2016)

Average fuel economy: 22 mpg

The Touareg TDI is at the bottom of this list, but context is important. This was a mid-size luxury SUV with real towing capacity, a luxurious interior and a torquey V6 diesel engine that churned out highway miles. Compared to gas-powered rivals of the time, fuel efficiency was legitimately impressive. Where he lost ground was while driving around town. Weight and size work against efficiency when stop-and-go traffic dominates. Still long distances Second generation Touareg Drivers regularly saw highway numbers that embarrassed gasoline competitors.

Chevrolet Equinox (2010-2017)

Average fuel economy: 25 MPG

The second-generation Equinox wasn’t revolutionary, but it was competent. As the decade progressed, four-cylinder engines became more refined, lighter and more efficient, and the 2010-Equinox 2016 benefited from this steady progress. Later models with even smaller turbo engines returned respectable highway numbers, especially for buyers who stuck with front-wheel drive. It wasn’t exciting, but it was efficient enough to matter to families watching fuel costs.

Subaru Crosstrek (2013-2017)

Average fuel economy: 26 mpg

Standard all-wheel drive usually comes with fuel savings. The first-generation Crosstrek minimized that blow better than most. Lightweight and modest power worked in its favor, even if pure performance was never the goal. Drivers bought Crosstreks for snow, trails and rainy road trips. Everyday usability is key Subaru Crosstrek’s environment. The fact that it still managed a respectable MPG made it stand out in a segment where AWD often meant a mid-20s combined MPG.

Honda CR-V (2012–2016)

Average fuel economy: 27 mpg

The fourth-generation Honda CR-V was a masterclass in incremental improvement. Honda focused on weight reduction, efficient packaging and powertrain refinement rather than flashy technology. When the 2015 CR-V got a facelift, MPG became even better. The result was one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid compact SUVs of the time. Owners routinely beat EPA numbers, especially on the highway, and the reliability kept operating costs low beyond just fuel. It wasn’t exciting, but it was reliable, efficient and extremely well rounded.

Mazda CX-5 (2013-2016)

Average fuel economy: 28 mpg

Mazda’s Skyactiv strategy paid off early with the first generation CX-5. It ensured efficiency without sacrificing driving pleasure, something that few competitors achieved at the time. Lightweight construction and high compression engines helped the (2013–2016) CX-5 achieve class-leading highway MPG while still feeling responsive and composed. This was efficiency that didn’t feel like punishment. For enthusiasts who still worried about how an SUV drove, the CX-5 was proof that smart engineering mattered.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2011-2013)

Average fuel economy: 28 mpg

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A three-row SUV ranking so high on the efficiency list was shocking when the Toyota Highlander Hybrid arrived. It redefined expectations for family cars. Although it’s fair to point out that the Highlander was certainly not the most spacious three-rower on the lot. That said, Toyota’s hybrid system delivered smooth, predictable power and dramatically reduced fuel consumption compared to V6-only rivals. For large(er) families, this meant fewer compromises at the pump. The 2011 Highlander hybrid made efficiency mainstream in a segment that desperately needed it.

Lexus RX 450h (2010-2015)

Average fuel economy: 29 mpg

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Luxury SUVs weren’t allowed to be efficient in the early 2010s. The RX Hybrid changed that perception. It delivered comfort, quiet and refinement, while delivering fuel economy figures that matched or bettered those of smaller crossovers. Lexus’ reliability confirmed that hybrids were not fragile experiments. For buyers who wanted efficiency without sacrificing a premium feel, the 2010 Lexus RX Hybrid stood alone for years.

Ford Escape hybrid (2010-2012)

Average fuel economy: 33 MPG

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The second-generation Ford Escape Hybrid was a true pioneer. Long before hybrids came into fashion, 2010–2012 Ford Escapes racked up miles in taxi fleets and proved their durability. And fuel economy was excellent for the time, especially in city driving, where the hybrid system excelled. Owners appreciated them for their simplicity and long-term savings. This was efficiency with real-world credibility.

Toyota RAV4 hybrid (2016-2018)

Average fuel economy: 33 MPG

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The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid normalized efficient SUVs that weren’t a total drag. It didn’t feel niche, experimental or compromised. It just worked. With available AWD and strong real-world MPG, this became the standard recommendation for buyers who wanted functionality without high fuel costs. Reliability and resale value sealed the deal. This was the point where hybrids stopped being ‘alternatives’ and became the smart choice. The 2016–2018 Toyota RAV4 hybrid marked a big step forward in the RAV4’s journey with many small steps forward.

Toyota Prius v (2012-2017)

Average fuel economy: 41 mpg

Call it a crossover, a cold hatch or an SUV-adjacent vehicle, the Toyota Prius v deserves its place here. Hell, so many crossovers on this list have as much to do with SUVs as the Prius does. I digress. Nothing else from the decade matched the combination of cargo space and fuel economy. It delivered the Prius efficiency with real utility, making it a favorite for families and commuters alike. It wasn’t exciting, but it was unbeatable in its mission. Efficiency has not improved from 2012–Prius v. 2017 during the decade.

Sources: Edmunds and KBB