Mile Misers: 20 (Mostly Hybrid) SUVs With the Best MPG in 2026

We all want the best bang for our buck, which is why finding vehicles with the best miles per gallon is such a big consideration during the car-buying process. Generally, the most fuel-efficient cars, excluding EVs and plug-in hybrids, are hybrid-powered compact sedans and small hatchbacks like the Toyota Prius. But those aren’t always the cars people need or want.

Nowadays, a majority of buyers lean toward SUVs because they’re often better at maximizing utility and practicality. While it’s true that on balance, they aren’t as efficient as smaller vehicles, there are still plenty of models on the market with impressive fuel efficiency, from subcompact hybrid SUVs to the some of the best SUVs for families and everything in between. Here are 20 of the top 2026 SUVs with the best mpg that aren’t EVs or plug-ins, rated by their combined city/highway mileage number.

By a substantial margin, the most fuel-efficient non-PHEV crossover SUV you can get is the 2026 Kia Niro Hybrid. That’s partly because it’s more hatchback than SUV, but we consider that a positive. Other positives include attractive, modern bodywork and a base price under $29,000. Although the Niro drives a very hard bargain, it cuts a corner or two to do so. The ride is flinty, and the interior feels as cut-rate as the price. All that aside, if you don’t need AWD and prefer good looks with your 50-plus combined mpg, nothing else on the market will do. We’re anticipating a bigger refresh in store for 2027 that could include an updated cabin and more sound insulation.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Kia Niro

As the smallest, cheapest, and most efficient SUV in the lineup, the Lexus UX 300h might seem to be a great value, but it’s not as Lexus as its nameplate implies. Every trim besides the top level gets an overly stiff suspension, and it’s still a subcompact SUV, so it’s not very spacious inside. It’s a good-looking crossover that was recently treated to full complement of driver assists and more power for 2025, but it’s not easy for us to recommend the Lexus UX at an entry price of over $38,000.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Lexus UX

The biggest news coming from the Toyota RAV4 lineup starting with the 2026 model year is that this new generation is 100 percent hybrid. No more gas-powered-only RAV4s will be offered here. It doesn’t look as though the EPA has yet tested the FWD LE grade, which is theoretically the most efficient RAV4, but the 43 combined mpg from the SE and LE AWD grades is already fantastic. The new RAV4 brings truckier looks but maintains safety, practicality, and efficiency as top priorities. Starting prices have gone up a bit to account for all the new tech.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Toyota RAV4

With a slightly updated face for 2026, the hybrid version of the Toyota Corolla Cross continues to deliver great efficiency. And thanks to a starting price of just over $30,000, it’s priced very affordably, as well. The back seats are rather cramped, but at least there’s decent cargo room for its class. An unexpected bonus: It’s actually pretty fun to drive, aided by its low curb weight that contributes to a light-footed and chuckable feeling when being the wheel.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

One of our favorite compact hybrid SUVs is the Kia Sportage Hybrid. In addition to being Kia’s most fuel-efficient SUV in the compact class, the Sportage Hybrid is also one of the more spacious crossovers and cheapest among its peers. Starting under $32,000, the hybridized Sportage is priced like a subcompact, offering impressive value. That value might be somewhat offset given that the Kia doesn’t quite have Honda or Toyota’s reputation for reliability, but it’s so low that the overall value proposition is absolutely in its favor.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Comfortable and capable, the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid is an all-star effort. The Honda rides and handles well, has all the standard driver assists one could wish for, and offers plenty of space. It’s also one of the most efficient SUVs money can buy at a reasonable MSRP. Quality and comfort aside, the CR-V Hybrid does lack a certain pizzazz, including feeling a little underpowered. Its tech features are also good but not great.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The Lexus NX 350h is one of the most efficient entry-level hybrid luxury SUVs on the market, and it comes with standard AWD, which is a plus for a hybrid. Under its hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor—a combination good for 239 hp and 42/38 mpg city/highway. While the efficiency is excellent, it isn't super impressive from a performance standpoint. The Lexus NX350h makes up for it with a comfortable cabin featuring upscale materials and tech-savvy features.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Lexus NX

Whether in FWD or AWD guise, the Ford Escape Hybrid returns a commendable 39 mpg of combined fuel economy. It’s also fairly nimble to drive, feeling more carlike than SUVlike, which is always a plus. Harshness is a bit of an issue over broken pavement, though. It’s starting to show its age, as well, and Ford has decided to discontinue the Escape after the 2026 model year. So don’t expect anything to change from here on out.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid

The hybrid Mazda CX-50 is still relatively new to the Mazda lineup, so not much has changed since its debut a couple of years ago. It still has nice styling, as well as the fun-to-drive Mazda spiritedness from behind the wheel. Utilizing Toyota’s hybrid powertrain underneath, Mazda did the smart thing here and outsourced the job to the experts. The interior is a tad cramped and less technologically advanced than some of the competition, but there’s a plethora of standard equipment to make up for it.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

Relatively inexpensive and built with good looks and plenty of space, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a solid choice. More powerful and better to drive than its pure-ICE counterpart, the Tucson Hybrid was refreshed for 2025 with new interior controls that hopefully mitigate some of our previous complaints about usability. That said, the Tucson Hybrid lags some 7 mpg behind its counterparts while coming in at around the same price. If you prefer Tucson’s bodywork and spacious interior, that might not be a deal-breaker, but as a hybrid SUV, falling behind in the efficiency department makes it a harder sell.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

It’s back: The Jeep Cherokee has returned for the 2026 model year, and it’s rolling on a new platform with a hybrid setup and AWD as standard. Retro exterior styling and an upscale, almost Art Deco interior work in the SUV’s favor, but we find its off-road capabilities to be currently underwhelming. On the pavement, though, the electric motor nicely fills the gap left by turbo lag and gives the Cherokee a pleasant and peppy feel. Its Jeepy suspension rides well, too, soaking up road imperfections.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Jeep Cherokee

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is one of our top choices among hybrid-powered SUVs, with just enough room for bigger families. It’s a well-balanced, three-row SUV (the third row is a bit cramped) with an available AWD system and a well-equipped interior, and it looks good on the outside, too. The Sorento Hybrid is also one of the more affordable hybrid-powered SUVs on the market that achieves up to 37 mpg combined for the front-drive model, according to the EPA.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid

When equipped with FWD, the three-row Santa Fe Hybrid returns a solid 36 mpg combined. Though we expect a refresh to happen for 2027, the current Santa Fe still comes packed full of premium cabin treatments and technologies. Road noise can sometimes permeate the cabin, but it’s certainly no deal-breaker. The third row can be a bit tight depending on who’s sitting there, as well. But it’s a solid hauler that only gets more luxurious the further up the trim levels you shop.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The Lexus RX Hybrid features a solid combination of good looks, technology, efficiency, and more than 600 miles of range, all in a luxurious package that Lexus has become known for. The 350h version is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that’s mated to a total of three e-motors, and it uses a combination of those motors to provide it with standard AWD capability. It all adds up to a vehicle that has plenty of power and traction without sacrificing the superior fuel efficiency for an SUV in its class.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid

The Toyota Grand Highlander is available with a couple of hybrid powertrains, the most fuel-efficient of which is a version of Toyota’s tried-and-true, 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain with 245 hp that nets up to 36 mpg combined in front-drive models. If you need more power, the Grand Highlander can also be fitted with a turbocharged Hybrid Max setup that makes 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque combined, though it’s far less efficient.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is the most powerful Crosstrek to date, solving any sluggish acceleration complaints buyers might had have previously. Everything we love about the subcompact SUV—comfortable seats, good cargo volume, nice ride—are now paired with 36 mpg of combined fuel economy. That might seem low for such a small vehicle, but it’s in part because the Crosstrek is equipped with a less efficient mechanical AWD system that offers better off-roading capability. A trade-off that’s worth it? You decide.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander is one of the go-to midsize SUVs. Despite its rather cramped third row, it’s still a wonderful family SUV, especially in hybrid form, and standard AWD and a ton of safety tech mean it’s ready for just about anything. Fuel economy is impressive for its size, though the current Highlander is getting quite long in the tooth. The Highlander is going all EV for 2027, so if you want a 2026 Highlander Hybrid, you should get one soon before they’re gone.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The popular Subaru Forester is only improved with a hybrid engine. Big windows let in plenty of light and allow for great visibility, and the generous trunk ensures you can pack in just about anything. Standard AWD gives you peace of mind for whatever the weather might throw at you. As far as its hybrid fuel economy goes, however, it’s on the lower side.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid

As a MotorTrend SUV of the Year finalist, the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid brings a plethora of good qualities that cannot be understated. The non-hybrid’s weaknesses—an aged engine and not-great driving range—are improved, and the SUV sees a big glow-up. Front-drive Palisade Hybrids are where you’ll find the most efficiency, but all-wheel drive is an option should you want or need it.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

You expect a story such as this to be filled with hybrid SUVs. And you’d be right—mostly. However, coming in at a solid 32 mpg combined apiece are the non-hybrid versions of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan Rogue. The Corolla Cross achieves this feat in its front-wheel-drive setup and pairs the savings with reasonable ground clearance and a solid steering feel.

The current Nissan Rogue sits high on our list of best compact SUVs because of its responsive and efficient powertrain, spacious cabin, and comfortable ride quality. As with the Corolla Cross, front-drive Rogues are the most efficient. Unfortunately, there are no hybrid Rogues at present (there is one coming soon), so this is the best you’ll get until the new hybrid arrives.

Read Our Experts’ Review of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2026 Nissan Rogue.