Written byThe drawbacks of owning a large SUV for years came with one particularly significant downside: terrible gas mileage. I’ll never forget how my uncle’s early 2000s Chevy Suburban would chug gas like it didn’t know any better, yielding a meager 13 miles per gallon on a good day. Fast forward to 2025 or so, and the game is entirely different.
Today’s larger SUVs aren’t just robust and roomy — they’re surprisingly fuel-efficient, with a fuel efficiency rating of between 24 and 38 MPG. That’s right, a spacious family-sized SUV that you can drive without worrying about the pumps all the time.
Through a combination of hybrid technology, lighter materials, and clever engineering, manufacturers are finally giving us what we’ve been crying out for: space, pace, and elegance, all wrapped up in one practical package. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top 10 large SUVs for 2025, which offer excellent fuel efficiency while maintaining the style of the next generation of gas-saving behemoths.
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#10. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (36 MPG Combined)
The Family-Friendly Fuel Saver
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid delivers roomy comfort and fuel-sipping performance in one package. With the all-new Highlander Hybrid, you don’t have to sacrifice driving utility for excellent fuel economy. Stock and save at both the dealership and the gas pump with an EPA-estimated 36 combined mpg. It can seat up to eight passengers and features a spacious interior with power-adjustable captain’s chairs, a 12.3-inch touch screen and touchscreen, and Toyota’s latest technology.
Expert Take: “Toyota struck a balance between performance and efficiency well. Good for road-tripping families, the Grand Highlander is,” MotorTrend reviewer Jonny Lieberman says.
With more than enough room, a distinctive style, and brilliant fuel economy, this hybrid SUV has it all.
Want the best of space and MPG? The 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid is worth the drive.
#9. 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid (37 MPG Highway)
Sophisticated Efficiency in a Midsize Shell
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid demonstrates that you can achieve all the efficiency without sacrificing style or space. Featuring an available 37 highway MPG midsize SUV offers efficiency without sacrificing performance or power, providing a driving experience that can adapt to your needs—perfect for the whole family. From the inside, this sense of luxury transforms every drive, and enhanced features like leather-trimmed seating, a panoramic sunroof, and premium infotainment keep you connected on the move.
Real-World Story: My cousin swapped her old SUV for the Sorento Hybrid and reduced her fuel expenses by half — without sacrificing the third-row seats she needed.
Want a fuel-efficient SUV that still feels upscale? Test drive the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid today.
#8. 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid (40 MPG Combined)
A Compact That Feels Surprisingly Big
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid muddles the distinction between compact and mid-size SUVs, blurring the line between the two. It easily competes with sedans on gas mileage while providing the bonus of a massive amount of cargo and passenger space. Hop inside, and you’ll be greeted by a larger-than-expected cabin, intuitive infotainment, and reasonable example rear legroom, making it perfect for family or commuter duty. There’s a solid ride, an attractive design, and a standard Honda Sensing safety suite, which makes it one of the most balanced hybrid SUVs in the segment.
Expert Insight: “The CR-V Hybrid feels much more like a miniaturized Highlander than a compact. It’s a brilliant use of space and tech,” reports Car and Driver.
Craving fuel savings without sacrificing space? The CR-V Hybrid is the answer.
#7. 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (Up to 101 MPGe)
Urban Commutes Meet Weekend Adventures
The 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is designed for drivers who want electric efficiency for their weekday commutes and the confidence of a gas-powered vehicle for a long weekend road trip. With the ability to achieve up to 101 MPGe and approximately 37 MPG after battery depletion, it offers both efficiency and versatility in a way no other SUV can match. A smooth ride, stylish infotainment, and a long EV-only range make it an Environmentalist and family-friendly favorite.
Anecdote: My coworker, for one, drives 20 miles a day without using a drop of gas. Her Escape PHEV hasn’t been to a gas pump in weeks.
Want the best of both worlds? Plug in and hit the road with the 2025 Ford Escape PHEV.
#6. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (36 MPG Highway)
The Bold Redesign That Sips Fuel
Most drivers will find this crossover to be a dream, thanks to its solid build, attractive design, and excellent fuel economy. Or its serious adventure vibes emanating from its bold, boxy redesign, featuring a hybrid engine under the hood that achieves an estimated 36 mpg on the highway, making it both practical and stylish. Open the door, and you’ll be treated to a near-luxury cabin that doesn’t skimp on technology, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays, sustainable interior materials, and a light, airy cabin that feels more like a lounge than a cockpit for slogging through your daily commute.
Emotionally Speaking, there’s a coolness factor about driving a ruggedized SUV that silently outclasses the vast majority of sedans in fuel economy.
Ready for an SUV that turns heads and saves gas? The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is calling.
#5. 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport (27 MPG Combined)
Luxury, Performance, and Fuel Economy
The 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport shows you can have your performance luxury SUV and stay efficient, too. With 366 horses and an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined, it combines your wild side with your environmentally friendly side. The interior is pampering—featuring ambient lighting, premium materials, and an adaptive variable suspension that provides every ride with an athletic yet smooth feel. It’s sporty yet sophisticated.
Expert Opinion: “The RX 500h is about more than fuel, and you can tell at a glance that this is a more-than-just-fuel SUV,” says Kelley Blue Book.
Want luxury, performance, and MPG in one sleek package? Test drive the 2025 RX 500h F Sport today.
Read More:
- Top 10 Luxury SUVs for Families of Five with 5-Star Ratings
- Top SUVs With the Largest Cargo Space Behind the 3rd Row
- 10 Cars and SUVs With Adjustable Pedals for Perfect Driving Fit
#4. 2025 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid (22–24 MPG Combined)
A Giant with a Gentle Footprint
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid Full-size SUV with power and efficiency. Now available only as with an i-Force MAX twin-turbo V6, that engine returns as much as 24 mpg combined—impressive considering the size of the vehicle. The Sequoia seats up to eight, tows up to 9,500 pounds, and sports aggressive exterior styling that’s designed to accommodate sizable families, oversized adventures , and fuel stops less enormous than you might expect.
Real-Life Story: My buddy traded in his V8 Tahoe for a Sequoia and saw an immediate three mpg bump; he never looked back.
Want full-size strength with better MPG? The 2025 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid delivers on all fronts.
#3. 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV (26 MPG + 56 MPGe)
Elegance Meets Electrification
This is a 2025 Plug-In Hybrid Mazda CX-90, where luxury and fuel efficiency meet. Its cabin is polished, its materials are premium, and it packs a sophisticated plug-in hybrid setup that can return up to 56 MPGe or 26 MPG once the battery is depleted. Ideal for both commuters and weekend adventurers, this SUV offers style with no guilt at the gas station. The CX-90 PHEV, however, doesn’t feel like your average family SUV; it’s fun, responsive, and feels surprisingly polished.
Expert View: “Mazda has established a new standard for mainstream luxury. The CX-90 PHEV is the best of both worlds,”Edmunds writes.
Want premium design and plug-in efficiency? Take the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV for a spin.
#2. 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid (Est. 38 MPG Highway)
Rugged and Ready for Adventure
The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is the answer for all those who love enjoying the great outdoors without sacrificing fuel economy. At an estimated 38 MPG highway mileage, this hybrid SUV is finally delivering respectable gas savings on Subaru’s renowned AWD platform. With its generous ground clearance, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and advanced EyeSight safety technology, it’s ideal for weekend trails and weekday errands.
Emotional Angle: The tranquility that comes from the certainty that your car will grab onto a muddy trail and money at the pump? That’s pure Subaru magic.
Do you love the outdoors and hate gas stations? The Forester Hybrid is calling.
#1. 2025 Toyota Venza (39 MPG Combined)
The Quiet Champion of Efficient SUVs
The 2025 Toyota Venza quietly sets the hybrid SUV standard with an impressive 39 MPG combined. It’s all wrapped in a sexy, coupe-like body, built around a palatial, upscale cabin replete with space, easy-to-use tech, and Toyota’s signature smooth, quiet powertrain. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, efficient — all the qualities a wise SUV shopper seeks. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend wanderer, the Venza offers luxury-level quality without the luxury-level fuel bill.
Expert Take: “If you want a stylish SUV that won’t drink your wallet dry, the Venza is it,” says U.S. News & World Report.
Don’t overlook Venza. It’s the wise SUV choice hiding in plain sight.
Final Thoughts: Big SUVs Can Be Smart, Too
No longer does having a giant SUV have to come with the price of poor gas mileage. The 2025 roster of cars is proof that you don’t need to sacrifice space, comfort, or power to enjoy terrific fuel economy. So, whether you’re into plug-in hybrids like the Mazda CX-90 and Ford Escape PHEV, or you’re more interested in the latest hybrid heavy-hitters like the Toyota Venza and Grand Highlander, there’s something for everyone looking to get more miles and fewer stops at the gas station.
Whether you’re a weekday warrior, soccer mom, or simply an individual who loves the SUV lifestyle, these top 10 vehicles prove that “bigger” doesn’t have to equate to “thirsty.” Even better, many come with luxury-grade interiors, advanced safety equipment, and all-weather capability — while returning fuel economy ratings of between 24 and 101 MPGe.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to compare EPA ratings and consider your driving profile before you decide. And remember, to —dealer incentives, tax credits, and the availability of hybrids can vary by region. Sales of the fuel-efficient SUVs are brisk in 2025, so this is the perfect time to act.
10 Bigger SUVs With Good Gas Mileage
1. 2025 Toyota Venza – 39 MPG Combined
2. 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid – Est. 38 MPG Highway
3. 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV – 26 MPG + 56 MPGe
4. 2025 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid – 22–24 MPG Combined
5. 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport – 27 MPG Combined
6. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid – 36 MPG Highway
7. 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid – Up to 101 MPGe
8. 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid – 40 MPG Combined
9. 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid – 37 MPG Highway
10. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid – 36 MPG Combined
