2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport
25 MPG
The Jeep Wrangler Sport offers good fuel economy among SUVs, but that is just one of its positive attributes. This uniquely styled, go-anywhere vehicle is not only capable but its an attention-getter as well. With its 285-horsepower Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive, the Wrangler gives you the impression that you could conquer the Gobi desert even if you’re just going out for a half-gallon of milk.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE FWD
25 MPG
If you want a highly reliable SUV that offers good fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a good place to start. It features a 3.3-liter 290-horsepower V-6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and a wide variety of standard equipment. It isn’t the largest vehicle in its class, but it does offer a third row of seating. Ride comfort and quiet are its two more prominent driving characteristics.
2018 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T S FWD
26 MPG
Volkswagen was late to join the SUV parade, but the Atlas is a strong offering in the crowded segment. With three rows of seating, the crossover has room for a lot of passengers. The standard engine is a hardworking 235-horsepower 2.0-liter intercooled turbo four-cylinder. It’s backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission, and it can be purchased in all-wheel-drive trim, although it gets better fuel economy as a front-driver.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2
26 MPG
If you want the highest level of fuel economy in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you’ll have to eschew four-wheel-drive, but even with rear-drive the Grand Cherokee offers a lot to like. Not only is it one of the best-looking vehicles in its segment, but its also one of the best all-around handlers. Power comes from the venerable 295-horsepower Pentastar V-8 engine equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
2018 Dodge Durango SXT 4x2
26 MPG
No, you’re not seeing double. The Dodge Durango shares a great deal both externally and under the skin with the Grand Cherokee. The sturdy SUV gets the same mpg rating because the two vehicles share the same engine — the 295-horsepower Pentastar V-6 — and transmission. Bargain shoppers might find the Dodge Durango the less expensive choice, but the Grand Cherokee will likely retain its value better.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder S FWD
27 MPG
While it might seem that purchasing an SUV with front-wheel drive versus all-wheel-drive misses the point, in the ever-popular Nissan Pathfinder front-wheel drive results in a useful vehicle. No, it won’t have the off-road abilities of the all-wheel-drive version, but as the Pathfinder has evolved into a suburban station wagon substitute front-wheel drive is an intelligent option. The Pathfinder is still plenty useful.
2018 Honda Pilot LX (A6) FWD
27 MPG
As one of the largest vehicles in its segment, the Honda Pilot offers excellent passenger- and cargo-carrying abilities. Honda engineering enables the midsize SUV to also offer excellent fuel economy. At the same time, the Pilot doesn’t lack for power thanks to its beefy 3.5-liter V-6 engine. In front-wheel drive trim the Pilot is a good substitute for a minivan with its three rows of seating and ample load area.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse L FWD
27 MPG
The Chevrolet Traverse combines two excellent attributes for an SUV — it is big, and it is fuel efficient. The 310-horsepower V-6 engine in the Traverse is heavily aided and abetted by the 9-speed automatic transmission. Side curtain airbags extend across all three rows, and even behind the third row, cargo space is ample. Traction control and stability control on the standards list aid overall drivability.
2019 Kia Sorento 2.4L L (A6) FWD
29 MPG
For some reason, the Kia Sorento looks bigger than it is. But this three-row SUV crams a lot of goodness into its easy-to-handle package. While its available with a V-6 engine, its most economical powertrain is the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Sorento’s controls are among the most legible in the segment and its infotainment system among the easiest-to-use.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SE FWD
30 MPG
With the highest-mileage edition of the Mitsubishi Outlander you are unlikely to win many races (unless you are competing against telephone poles) but your fuel economy will be stellar. Under the no-nonsense hood is a 166-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and it drives the wheels through a continuously variable transmission that is, in part, responsible for its excellent fuel efficiency. With a big cargo compartment, the Outlander is a very useful and economical SUV.
