Used SUVs with the best fuel economy

If you’re looking at the most fuel-efficient gas-only SUVs (no hybrids), a few models clearly stand out right now, with the Nissan Rogue leading the group. The Rogue uses a small 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and gets about 32–33 MPG combined, making it the most efficient traditional gas SUV available. It also has a fuel tank of roughly 14.5 gallons, so filling it up with regular 87 octane gas at about $3.20 per gallon costs around $46. That combination of strong MPG and a decent tank size give it excellent driving range, often pushing close to 500 miles per tank.

Close behind is the Toyota Corolla Cross (gas version), which uses a simple 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and delivers about 30–32 MPG combined. Its fuel tank is slightly smaller at around 13 gallons, so a full tank typically costs about $41–$42. This SUV is known for reliability and a more straightforward engine design, making it a solid long-term choice while still being efficient.

The Nissan Kicks is another top performer, especially if you want something smaller and cheaper to run. It uses a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine and gets about 33 MPG combined, like the Rogue. However, its tank is much smaller at about 10.8 gallons, so filling up only costs around $35. That makes it the cheapest SUV on this list to refuel, though it sacrifices interior space compared to larger models.

The Hyundai Kona is a good middle-ground option, powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and delivering around 31 MPG combined. It has a fuel tank of about 13.2 gallons, putting a full tank at roughly $42. It’s easy to drive, modern, and a strong daily driver for most people who don’t need a lot of space.

Moving up in size, the Honda CR-V (gas version) uses a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and gets about 30 MPG combined. With a fuel tank around 14 gallons, a full fill-up comes out to about $45. It offers more cargo room and passenger space than the smaller SUVs, making it a great choice for families while still being efficient.

Finally, the Toyota RAV4 (gas version) runs a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and averages about 30 MPG combined. Its larger 14.5-gallon tank costs about $46 to fill. While it has a slightly bigger engine than most here, it still maintains good efficiency and is one of the most popular and durable SUVs on the market.

Overall, most gas-only SUVs today fall into a range of about 28–33 MPG combined, with smaller engines and turbocharged setups generally delivering the best efficiency. If you want the absolute best fuel economy without going hybrid, the Nissan Rogue is the top choice. If your goal is the lowest cost per fill-up, the Nissan Kicks is the cheapest to run, while the Corolla Cross and CR-V offer a great balance of efficiency, size, and long-term reliability.