What Are the Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs for the 2025 Model Year?

The most fuel-efficient SUVs for 2025 span four key powertrain types: gas-only, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric. Based on EPA estimates, models like the Nissan Rogue, Lexus UX 300h, Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, and Tesla Model Y lead their respective categories, proving that modern SUVs no longer have to be gas guzzlers. This guide organizes the top three contenders in each class to help you find an efficient SUV that matches your driving needs and budget.

What Are the Most Fuel-Efficient Gas-Only SUVs?

Automakers continue to refine traditional internal combustion engines with technologies like turbochargers and advanced continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) to maximize efficiency. These innovations help smaller engines produce more power while using less fuel.

1. 2025 Nissan Rogue: The most efficient gas-only compact crossover is the front-wheel drive (FWD) Nissan Rogue. Its turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine generates a robust 201 horsepower. The FWD S and SV trims achieve an impressive EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. Opting for all-wheel drive (AWD) or higher trims typically reduces this rating by 1-2 mpg.
2. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross: In its standard FWD configuration with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Corolla Cross earns an EPA rating of 31 mpg city/33 mpg highway/32 mpg combined. Adding AWD lowers this to 29/31/30 mpg. For shoppers seeking even greater efficiency, the Corolla Cross Hybrid with standard AWD offers a significant jump to a 42 mpg combined rating for approximately $4,000 more.
3. 2025 Hyundai Kona: The latest Kona, built on an electric-platform architecture, uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The FWD model returns 29 mpg city/34 mpg highway/31 mpg combined. Even the available AWD version remains frugal, rated at 27/29/28 mpg.

Which Hybrid SUVs Deliver the Best MPG?

Hybrid SUVs combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor. The motor assists the engine, handles stop-start functions, and can sometimes power the vehicle at low speeds, leading to significant fuel savings, especially in city driving.

1. 2025 Lexus UX 300h: This subcompact luxury SUV is offered exclusively as a hybrid. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid system produces 196 total system horsepower. The FWD version leads with an outstanding EPA rating of 45 mpg city/41 mpg highway/43 mpg combined. The AWD version is nearly as efficient at 44/40/42 mpg.
2. 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid: The Sportage Hybrid, available with FWD, achieves a top-of-class EPA rating of 42 mpg city/44 mpg highway/43 mpg combined for compact SUVs. Its powertrain pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission for a total output of 227 horsepower. The AWD model has a 38 mpg combined rating.
3. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: This model comes standard with AWD and a hybrid system that generates 196 horsepower. It is notably more powerful and efficient than the gas-only version, earning an EPA rating of 45 mpg city/38 mpg highway/42 mpg combined.

How Efficient Are Today's Plug-In Hybrid SUVs?

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) feature a larger battery that can be charged externally, allowing for a substantial all-electric driving range. Once the battery depletes, they operate like a regular hybrid. This makes them ideal for drivers with short daily commutes who also need the flexibility of a gas engine for longer trips.

1. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: As the most powerful RAV4, this PHEV produces a total system output of 302 horsepower. It boasts an all-electric range of up to 42 miles. When combining electric and gas power, it achieves an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). When running solely on gas, it returns a respectable 38 mpg combined.
2. 2025 Lexus NX 450h Plus: Sharing its core mechanics with the RAV4 Prime, the NX 450h Plus offers a luxurious PHEV experience. It has an EPA-rated 37 miles of electric range and an 84 MPGe combined rating. After the battery is depleted, it gets 36 mpg combined.
3. 2022025 Kia Sportage PHEV: This model uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and an electric motor for a total of 261 horsepower. It provides an EPA-estimated 34 miles of electric-only range and an 84 MPGe rating. In hybrid mode, it gets 35 mpg combined.

What Are the Most Efficient Electric SUVs?

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs or EVs) are powered entirely by electricity. Their efficiency is measured in kWh per 100 miles—the lower the number, the more efficient the vehicle. MPGe is also used to provide an equivalent to gasoline consumption.

1. 2025 Lexus RZ 300e (tie): The base RZ 300e is a model of efficiency with a single electric motor powering the front wheels. It uses energy at a rate of 27 kWh per 100 miles, which translates to a 125 MPGe combined rating. Its estimated range is 266 miles.
2. 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD (tie): The rear-wheel-drive Model Y matches the RZ's efficiency (27 kWh/100 miles, 125 MPGe) but offers a significantly longer EPA-estimated range of 337 miles on a single charge.
3. 2025 Toyota bZ4X: The front-wheel-drive bZ4X is another highly efficient option, consuming energy at a rate of 28 kWh per 100 miles. It has an estimated range of 252 miles.

Key Takeaways for Choosing an Efficient SUV

Based on our assessment experience, your choice should align with your typical driving habits and access to charging. For those who primarily drive in the city, a hybrid or EV will offer the greatest savings. If you frequently take long trips and lack easy charging access, a efficient gas-only or hybrid model may be more practical. For drivers with a predictable daily commute under 40 miles and home charging, a plug-in hybrid can effectively eliminate gas usage for daily errands. Remember, selecting smaller wheel and tire packages can help maximize the EPA-rated fuel economy for any vehicle you choose.