Best MPG SUVs For 2023

The 2022 Nissan Kicks is the king of fuel economy among small, non-hybrid crossovers. Its front-wheel drive only, but its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission achieve an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in city driving, 36 mpg on the highway and 33 mpg combined. Its output of 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque is less impressive, and rear seat and cargo room are both below average for its class. On the plus side, the Kicks offers a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems, a recently-updated infotainment system and pleasing, contemporary styling. Fuel efficiency is one of the top reasons consumers purchase small vehicles, which sums up the Kicks.

A total redesign in 2021 took the Nissan Rogue from an also-ran to a real player in the compact crossover segment, and the new version is even better with a new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Three cylinders may seem like a downgrade from the old four on paper, but the new motor provides 11% more horsepower, almost 25% more torque and 2 to 3 more mpg. The new engine makes a difference at the pump, too, with fuel economy that’s 13% better across the board from 2021. Base-model front-drive Rogues are rated by the EPA at 30 mpg city, 37 highway and 33 mpg combined, with AWD costing 2 mpg in each measure. The top-trim models, a little heavier, lose 1 mpg on average from their lower-end cousins, with an AWD Platinum rated at 28 city, 34 highway and 31 mpg combined. We saw about 29 mpg in the real world.

It still isn’t “fast,” but it is nicer to drive and, when AWD is added, surprisingly capable even off the pavement. These improvements, plus the Rogue’s handsome styling and smartly designed, roomy cabin, make it a stylish and practical small family machine.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross moves up on this list in its compact crossover form. While it overall scores poorly, in fuel efficiency it excels. What it lacks in punch the Corolla Cross attempts to make up for in frugality, and it genuinely does get good gas mileage. It drinks 87 octane and in front-drive form earns EPA ratings of 31 mpg city, 33 highway and 32 mpg combined. Those numbers drop to 29 city, 32 highway and 30 mpg when AWD is added, but in our test of an AWD XLE, we only observed about 27 mpg. Even so, these numbers are better than many other small crossovers. Still, it’s fuel efficient and piled high with safety features. For 2023 a hybrid version will debut with even better mileage. 

Somewhere between “tall hatchback” and “small SUV,” the Hyundai Kona blends practicality and hassle-free motoring with funky, distinctive styling. After a big refresh last year, 2023 sees only the addition of more standard safety features, but that only improves the value proposition of this affordable machine. The Kona’s base engine is underwhelming and its size limits cargo and backseat room, but it’s plenty practical and choosing the optional turbocharged engine makes it a much more fun companion. An all-new Kona is due next year, but in the meantime, the current one still has plenty to offer.

The regular front-wheel drive 2.0-liter and turbocharged 1.6-liter models return up to 32 mpg combined and 30 city and 35 highway, although the more expensive turbo is a much more satisfying drive. Fortunately, it also takes regular gas, but it loses 1 mpg city. AWD Konas sacrifice 2 to 4 mpg in most measures, with the AWD turbo 1.6 coming in at 27 mpg city, 32 highway and 29 combined. In our real-world test of an AWD turbo, we saw only about 27 mpg in combined driving. The Kona’s distinctive styling and high equipment levels make it a good value beyond fuel-efficiency. For those who don’t want a gas-powered car, there’s also a fully electric version.

Carrying over into 2023 unchanged, minus slight price adjustments and minor updates, the Seltos’ excellent recipe still serves up impressive interior space, engaging driving dynamics, abundant tech and safety features all wrapped up in a smaller and more affordable package inspired by the larger and hugely popular Telluride. In addition, all-wheel drive is still available across the line along with the same two very competent powertrains, one of which returns outstanding fuel efficiency compared with its rivals.

The Seltos offers two powertrains: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission or a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that mates with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In front-wheel-drive form with the 2.0-liter powertrain, the Seltos earns EPA estimates of 31 mpg combined,  29 city and 35 highway. However, the all-wheel-drive version takes a slight hit to 29 mpg combined, 27 city and 31 mpg highway, due to the additional weight and drag of the extra driveline components. 

The Nightfall and SX trims with the turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive return the lowest figures, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined, 25 city and 30 mpg highway. But that’s the compromise one expects from extra power. Helping to keep things light on the wallet: the Seltos is rated to use regular unleaded gasoline.

The Kia Soul is unmistakable with its boxy styling, which maximizes rear-seat headroom and easy cargo loading. It loses its available turbocharged engine for 2023, but its 2.0-liter four-cylinder is reasonably peppy and it’s fun to drive. It receives some styling updates, including new front and rear fascias and grill, and emergency front braking is now standard on all trims. All trims are front-drove. 

Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, mated to an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT). Kia calls it an IVT, for intelligent variable, but it’s the same thing. For an entry-level commuter car, it’s surprisingly fun to drive, with peppy acceleration, sufficient highway passing power, and responsive steering. 

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is small on the outside, just 173.7 inches long, but front and rear passengers will find almost midsize-SUV-like seating space inside, and a good amount of cargo room too. Handsome styling and vivid colors also help it stand out from the crowd. However, it doesn’t drive with such verve, and both the 1.2 and optional 1.3-liter three-cylinder engines are underwhelming. The lack of oomph means many drivers will be flooring it pretty often, eroding fuel efficiency. But for crossover buyers on a budget who prioritize room and comfort, the Trailblazer is a compelling choice.

Though it drives pleasantly, the Trailblazer’s tiny three-cylinder engines (there are two) aren’t ver powerful. The base model 1.2-liter version just isn’t powerful enough but the larger 1.3-liter unit, mandatory if you select all-wheel drive (AWD) or one of the higher trims, does much better. Even with the larger engine though, many drivers will be flooring it pretty frequently, and the harder you work the engine, the worse the mpg. The ride is firm on pavement but harsh on dirt roads. 

Its 1.2-liter models return 29 mpg city, 31 highway and 30 combined. Front-wheel drive 1.3-liter models return 29 mpg city, 33 highway and 31 combined, while AWD 1.3’s get 26 city, 30 highway and 28 mpg combined. In the real world though, achieving these numbers means having a very light foot, which is hard with so little power. In two separate real-world tests by Forbes Wheels, the Trailblazer underperformed on fuel economy by about 3 to 4 mpg from its EPA estimates, topping out at around 25.4 mpg combined.

The smallest crossover in Hyundai’s domestic lineup, the Venue skillfully blends efficiency, style and relative comfort to create considerable value. Though its sole front-wheel drive powertrain lacks enthusiasm and feels underpowered on the freeway, it’s more than adequate for in-town travel. It also returns 31 mpg combined, which is better than most competitors. Its upright design offers good outward visibility, and the interior borrows style tips from its midsize sibling, the Hyundai Palisade. Still, it falls short in rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity.

One powertrain choice means simplified fuel economy ratings. All Venues return 31 mpg combined, 29 city and 33 highway. Usually small vehicles mean good fuel economy and the 2,600-pound Venue is no exception

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a great all-around entry-level subcompact crossover that focuses more on practicality and the simple joys of driving rather than technology or excess. Replacing the beloved Golf hatchback, it inherits most of its happy-go-lucky on-road mannerisms (on top of lots of space) and some of the segment’s best fuel economy. Though perplexingly, it’s not much cheaper than the VW Tiguan despite being its baby brother. But if you don’t need the space, the Taos focuses on perfecting the essentials and its minimalistic backseat approach to technology makes it one of the best driver’s cars for those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

Its EPA ratings carryover from last year at 28 city, 36 highway and 31 mpg combined for the two-wheel drive model (25,32,28 mpg for 4MOTION-equipped variants). Both front- and all-wheel drive models lead the gas-only class with highway ratings, while city figures rate above average for the segment.

Tall and small, the 2023 Buick Encore GX advertises a more premium experience than common popular-brand crossovers, but in reality it’s not well distinguished from the Hyundai and Kia crowd. The bland but clean design isn’t terrible, but it isn’t particularly luxurious either. Performance is tepid, and getting all the best options requires loading it up. It’s comfy up front, quiet and nimble. It all works, even if the sum total isn’t exciting, but it isn’t particularly distinguished.

It can be had with either a 155 horsepower 1.3-liter three-cylinder or a 137 horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder. The right recipe? Get the 1.3-liter because that’s mated to all-wheel drive (AWD) and a nine-speed automatic that’s more responsive than the non-shiftable continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Manually shifting the nine-speed gives you just a hair more giddyup for quicker passing. You might want the option to downshift for driving in snow, too. While the more frugal Encore GX bumps you up to 29 mpg city, 31 highway and 30 mpg combined, that model doesn’t have AWD or the better-shifting nine-speed. The rub if you get the 1.3-liter engine is that it falters on fuel economy, sinking to 26 mpg city, 29 highway and 27 mpg combined.

  The Honda CR-V is slightly larger and slightly more powerful than the prior model year for 2023. Still, fuel economy remains roughly the same as prior gas models. With significant design changes, and more interior space and power, the 2023 Honda CR-V delivers more than expected; in other words, it incrementally improves the same formula that made it the brand’s best-selling passenger vehicle. 

For the first (partially) electrified CR-V, there’s four trims. The Sport and Sport Touring trims represent the hybrid entries, while the traditional gasoline versions wear the “Turbo” tag and come in EX and EX-L trims. Front-wheel drive Turbo models return 28 mpg city, 34 highway and 30 mpg combined, while the AWD reduces efficiency slightly to 27 city, 32 highway and 29 combined. The gas engine versions are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated for 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. The other Honda that used to top this list, the HR-V, grew for 2023 with a new 2.0-liter engine that pushed down its combined mpg to 28.

 The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has a distinctive mix of rugged style, capability and versatility. While not the fastest choice in the segment, the optional 2.5-liter engine helps keep it competitive and fuel economy is on par with other compact CUVs, there’s also a plug-in hybrid option with impressive fuel economy. What it lacks in speed it makes up for in all-weather (and all-road) capability, thanks to an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. While it has high-tech safety features, the standard infotainment is dated and cargo space is mid-pack at best. The Crosstrek is comfortable and has a unique style for the segment, but a replacement design is due in 2024.

Numbers range from 22 mpg city for manual-transmission-equipped Crosstreks, to 34 mpg highway on Sport models with the 2.5-liter engine. Fuel economy is generally equal to or better than its competitors in the segment (excluding the hybrid version).

Toyota’s RAV4 is the top-selling SUV in America, and while it has some great rivals, it earns the crown honestly. Available with a traditional gasoline engine, a hybrid system or a plug-in hybrid, it’s fuel-efficient, scores well in crash tests and well-equipped. It’s not quite as roomy as its rivals, but it’s comfortable and competitively priced. Outdoor fans can opt for Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. Driver assists such as adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking and lane-keeping are standard on all RAV4 models.

The gasoline RAV4 is EPA-rated at 27 mpg city, 35 highway and 30 mpg in combined driving. With all-wheel drive, the base LE trim is also rated at 30 mpg combined, while most others drop slightly to 29 mpg combined, and the TRD Off-Road to 28 mpg, due to its higher ride height and off-road tires. Nevertheless, the RAV4’s combined driving figure is competitive.

The redesigned Escape will come as the Base, Escape Active, Platinum, Plug-In Hybrid and the new stand-alone ST-Line. Base and Escape Active models come with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine with either front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). Platinum brings the 2.0L EcoBoost engine with AWD and a hybrid powertrain option with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Previous versions were rated to achieve a 30 mpg combined and that is maintained for 2023. The smaller engine is the thriftiest with 28 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. Optional all-wheel drive still returns an impressive 28 mpg combined. Though the compact crossover segment is well-populated, the Escape offers enough performance, features and style to remain a top contender.