5 SUVs Under $40K That Get Great Gas Mileage

Got gas prices on the brain? You and pretty much everyone else right now. Unfortunately, those costs probably aren’t coming down anytime soon. As a result, perhaps you’re considering a more fuel-efficient vehicle to help lessen some of the blow.

But because you have a family and perhaps more things to cart around, a little sedan or hatchback just won’t cut it. You need an SUV. Although they tend to be a bit pricier than the two aforementioned body styles, we dug up five great hybrid-powered SUVs that get stellar gas mileage and won’t break the bank.

You can’t really go wrong with the new, hybrid-only RAV4, and there are plenty of reasons why it’s become the bestselling SUV in America. One of them is that you can choose between the base hybrid or plug-in hybrid models of the compact SUV, both of which have impressed the MotorTrend staff. If you want the big fuel returns for the least amount of cash spent at 43 mpg combined, however, go with the base FWD version that starts at a shade over $33,000.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Toyota RAV4

If you like a Toyota hybrid but somehow find yourself shopping for something between a Prius and a RAV4, then the Corolla Cross Hybrid just might be the answer. We were impressed by the hybrid’s efficiency returns, as well as its decent driving dynamics, and even better AWD is standard across all trims while returning 42 mpg combined. Although prices start at just over $31,000 for the base trim, we enjoyed the luxury appointments and additional technology features found on the top-tier XSE grade, which is around $35,000 to start.

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

The Kia Niro Hybrid (it’s also available as an EV) achieves the most impressive mpg figure on this list at 53 mpg combined partially due to its overall size, small wheels, and front-wheel drive. You could argue that the Niro is more hatchback than SUV, but for those looking for something on the smaller end of the size spectrum, this subcompact hybrid SUV could be the perfect fit. Although its ride isn’t the most refined, and neither is its interior, at an unbeatable base price starting south of $30,000, we’re betting a lot of that can be overlooked.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Kia Niro

As the smallest and most affordable Lexus you can buy, the UX hybrid might not provide the roominess most shoppers seek. The trade-off is that you can get into a highly efficient model from the only luxury brand on this list and take advantage of all the upmarket cabin trimmings a Lexus offers. Front-drive models of the UX luxury subcompact SUV are the most efficient of the lineup at 43 mpg combined, although all-wheel drive reduces its combined fuel economy by just 1 mpg.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Lexus UX

Though Kia is not (yet) as big a household name as Toyota, the Sportage Hybrid demands your attention. Its exterior design is more modern and interesting than that of the trucky RAV4, and our staffers are big fans of the Kia SUV’s hybrid powertrain. The 2026 model also gets a bunch of new updates as part of its refresh, making it even more attractive. In its most efficient FWD guise at 42 mpg combined, expect to pay just under $32,000 to start. If you want to get real fancy and can drop some more cash, higher-end AWD versions top out slightly north of $41,000, but you will take an mpg hit.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Kia Sportage Hybrid