Getting a new car is a big decision and there are a lot of factors that go into picking the best one for you. Let's consider one huge component: the gas mileage. An SUV with great gas mileage will save you a ton of money in the long run and it's better for the environment too. But which SUV has the best? After comparing a myriad of SUV's out there, we have the ultimate answer for you.
The full-size SUV with the best gas mileage out there is the Ford Expedition, which gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 per gallon on the highway. The midsize SUV with the best gas mileage is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which gets 28 miles per gallon in the city on average and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
These aren't your only options though. There are actually many makes and models that get decent gas mileage thanks to new advancements. If you're confused about the difference between city and highway miles or the difference between full-sized and midsized SUVs, we'll answer those questions for you too.
Gas Mileage - City and Highway Miles
If you aren't super familiar with cars, which is okay, you might be confused about why there are two numbers given under the gas mileage on each car. Shouldn't it just be an average?
Well, because how much gas you use is determined largely by speed and the driving circumstances. City miles is the lower mileage number because, in town, you will frequently have to stop and idle at a light and slow down because of traffic. These factors lower the average mpg a vehicle will get. On the highway, driving is not interrupted like it is in town. You don't have to stop then accelerate which saves the vehicle on fuel.
When calculating gas mileage yourself, you will usually have just get one number, the true average. But, the EPA run lots of tests and can differentiate between the two. If you drive in the city more often than not, remember that you will likely be averaging a lower mpg.
Along the same line, the estimated mpg is not always a perfect reflection of how a car will perform in real-life. It's not exactly a fun-house mirror reflection; true gas mileage is just slightly different. There are actually a few different reasons as to why that is. The mpg the manufacturers give is the optimal situation.
Firstly, tests run by the EPA that report on city/highway gas mileage are performed in nearly perfect conditions. Cars that are tested are put on "dynamometers" which hold the vehicle still and only rotates the wheels. Environmental effects are manufactured while the vehicle is on the dynamometer. While the EPA tries to keep the tests as accurate as possible, real-life factors could still impact the real-life results.
Additionally, according to Dave Vanderwerp in this article, only about 15% of all vehicles are actually tested by the EPA. Although manufacturers try to make all their vehicles the same, minuscule differences may occur. Since not all vehicles are tested, it is possible that an SUV not tested by the EPA could have a very slight different gas mileage than one that was tested.
So, don't be surprised if your car sometimes burns more gas per mile than the manufacturer says.
Popular SUVs with Gas Mileage
Okay, so far we've seen the SUV with the gas mileage, but some of the other popular SUVs are pretty dang close. And now that you know a little bit more about gas mileage itself and how the manufacturers come up with them, we've got some more things to show you.
But first, what is curb weight? It's something that we mention throughout this post, so it's good information to know. Curb weight is how much a vehicle weighs without any occupants or cargo. The curb weight does, however, include all the necessary fluids for the vehicle to function.
We've compiled a list of the most popular SUVs on the market right now with their gas mileage, along with some other important stats. They have also been split into full-size and midsize, for your benefit. For reference, all SUVs on this list are 2020 models unless otherwise noted.
So, let's get into it.
Full-Size SUVs:
1. Chevrolet Tahoe
City MPG: 14Highway MPG: 23
The Chevy Tahoe is probably one of the most popular SUVs (if not the most popular). For a vehicle that has a curb weight of 5,355 lbs and can hold up to 9 people, it gets good mileage. The 2020 Tahoe is 204 inches total (12 feet).
All information is taken from the Chevrolet website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
2. Ford Expedition
City MPG: 17
Highway MPG: 24
Ford is a reliable brand. The Expedition is popular because it seats a lot (8) and has a high towing capacity (9,000 lbs). The 2020 Expedition is 210 inches long (17.5 feet) and has a curb weight of 5,368 lbs (4X2) or 5,623 lbs (if its the 4X4). For a heavy vehicle, it does well in gas consumption. If you are towing something, it will guzzle more gas though.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
3. Toyota Sequoia
City MPG: 13Highway MPG: 17
Toyotas are a very popular brand right now, and this is their full-sized SUV. The Sequoia has a curb weight of 5,730 lbs which contributes to the lower mpg. Depending on the model, this SUV can hold 7 to 8 people. It has a towing capacity of 7,400 lbs.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
4. GMC Yukon
Highway MPG: 22
The Yukon is another huge SUV. It seats up to 9 people and has a curb weight of 5,379 lbs and has a length of 203.9 inches. There is an XL model that is larger if that is something you are looking for.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
5. Lincoln Navigator*
City MPG: 16
Highway MPG: 23
The Navigator is a pricier SUV, the 2019 model starts at $70,000+. It has a curb weight of 5,685 lbs and a towing capacity of 8,700 lbs. It is 210 inches long as well. All things considered, it gets great gas mileage.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
*Based off of 2019 Model, the most current available information
6. Cadillac Escalade
City MPG: 14Highway MPG: 23
The Escalade's gas mileage is the same as the Tahoe, but this one is considered to be a luxury vehicle. This SUV's curb weight is 5,311 and can hold 7 to 8 people.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
7. Chevrolet Suburban
City MPG: 14
Highway MPG: 23
Similar to the Tahoe, the Suburban gets decent gas mileage and can hold up to 9 people. It has a curb weight of 5,586 lbs and is 224.4 inches long (about 18.7 feet). It can hold up to 8 people.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
Midsize SUVs
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee*
City MPG: 19
Highway MPG: 26
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most awarded SUVs out there. The 2019 models have a curb weight of 4,513 lbs and a length of 189.8 inches (just shy of 16 feet). It seats up to 5 people.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
*Based off of 2019 Model, the most current available information
2. Kia Sorento*
City MPG: 22
Highway MPG: 29
The Kia Sorento is has a good balance of everything. The 2019 SUV holds up to 7 people. It weighs 3,810 lbs (curb weight) and is 189 inches long.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
*Based off of 2019 Model, the most current available information
3. Ford Explorer
City MPG: 20
Highway MPG: 27
Another dependable and popular SUV, this Explorer holds up to 7 people and has a curb weight of 4,345 lbs. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs as well. It's also longer than other midsized SUVs at 198.8 inches (16.5 feet).
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
4. Toyota Highlander Hybrid *
City MPG: 28
Highway MPG: 30
The Highlander Hybrid gets great gas mileage. The above specs are from the 2019 edition, but the 2020 Highlander is said to get an estimated 34 mpg combined, according to Toyota itself. The Highlander has a curb weight of 4,398lbs and towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Depending on the model, it can hold up to 7 to 8 as well.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here. To read the press release about the 2020 Highlander, click here.
*Based off of 2019 Model, the most current available information
5. Honda Pilot
City MPG: 18
Highway MPG: 26
The 2020 Honda Pilot is 196.5 inches and has a curb weight of 4,036 lbs. If you get the AWD, you can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Depending on the model, the Pilot can hold up to 7 or 8 people, making it a great, well-rounded option.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
6. GMC Acadia
City MPG: 21
Highway MPG: 27
The GMC Acadia is another option that has a little bit of everything. It seats 7 people, is 193.4 inches long and has a curb weight of 3,923 lbs. It can tow up to 4,000 lbs. It has quite a bit of storage in the rear for a 7 seater.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
7. Hyundai Santa Fe
City MPG: 21
Highway MPG: 27
The Santa Fe is a smaller midsized SUV when compared to others in this category. It seats 5 and is 187 inches long. It has a lower curb weight of 3,735 lbs, making it not so great for towing.
This information was taken from the manufacturer's website. To view more statics or different models of this SUV, click here.
What 7-Passenger SUV Has the Best Gas Mileage?
Out of all the 7 passenger SUVs, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the best gas mileage. It gets on average of 29 mph with the 2020 model getting even better gas mileage (reportedly). Hybrids are made to get the best gas mileage possible. So, if saving money on gas is really important to you, you can always narrow your search by looking for hybrids.
When looking for a 7 passenger SUV that is gas efficient, stay away from the full-sized SUVs as they tend heavier, making the gas efficiency really plummet.
The Kia Sorento and Ford Explorer are pretty similar to the Highlander in gas mileage, making them good options to consider.
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