The 10 Midsize SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage

The midsize SUVs with the best gas mileage are the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (EPA-estimated ~36 mpg combined), Kia Sorento Hybrid, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid — hybrids now dominate the segment's efficiency rankings while gas-only rivals sit in the low-to-mid 20s. Plug-in versions like the Sorento PHEV and Mazda CX-90 PHEV go further for short-commute drivers.

Midsize SUVs used to mean 20 mpg and frequent fuel stops. Hybridization changed the math completely: the most efficient three-row family haulers now return EPA-estimated combined figures in the mid-30s — roughly 50% better than their gas-only equivalents — without sacrificing space or towing much. Every top pick on this list is a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, because in 2026 that's simply where the efficiency is.

Two notes on how to read this list. First, all figures are EPA estimates for typical configurations; AWD, wheel size, and trim change the numbers, so check fueleconomy.gov for the exact model year and drivetrain you're considering. Second, since many shoppers searching this segment also filter on safety: most picks here carry strong IIHS and NHTSA results, and we flag the standouts — efficiency and crash protection are not a trade-off in the modern midsize class.

How we ranked this list

EPA-estimated combined fuel economy for the volume configuration, verified against fueleconomy.gov.
Real family usability: three-row availability, cargo space, and towing where relevant.
Safety performance in IIHS and NHTSA testing, since efficiency shoppers overlap heavily with safety shoppers.
Hybrid-system track record and battery reliability reputation for used buyers.
Value per mpg: what the efficiency premium costs versus the projected fuel savings.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2020–2026) — EPA-estimated ~36 mpg combined · Proven Toyota hybrid system · Strong IIHS ratings across years · Three rows, real-world frugality
The benchmark: EPA-estimated around 36 mpg combined from a three-row SUV, using a hybrid system whose earlier iterations have racked up hundreds of thousands of taxi and fleet miles. Strong IIHS performance across the generation makes it a favorite of safety-first shoppers too. Used demand is intense, so verify the hybrid battery's health with a pre-purchase inspection and confirm trim by VIN.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (2024–2026) — Mid-30s EPA estimates (base hybrid) · Adult-usable third row · Hybrid MAX option for performance · Newest entry — thinner used supply
The Grand Highlander fixes the standard car's one weakness — a tight third row — while the base hybrid powertrain still returns EPA estimates in the mid-30s. The Hybrid MAX variant trades some economy (high 20s) for genuinely quick acceleration. For families who need adult-usable third-row space and mid-30s economy in one vehicle, nothing else really competes.
Kia Sorento Hybrid (2021–2026) — Mid-30s mpg EPA estimates (FWD) · Undercuts rivals on price · Compact-footprint three-row · Strong recent safety results
The Sorento Hybrid returns EPA estimates in the mid-30s in front-drive form while undercutting the Toyotas on price, and its slightly smaller footprint suits families who want three rows without full-size bulk. Recent model years have posted strong IIHS results. The third row is occasional-use, but as a value-per-mpg play, it's the segment's sharpest deal.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (2021–2026) — Low-to-mid 30s EPA estimates · Outstanding cargo practicality (2024+) · Long powertrain warranty coverage · PHEV version available
The Santa Fe Hybrid pairs EPA estimates in the low-to-mid 30s with one of the segment's most usable interiors, especially in the boxy 2024+ generation whose enormous tailgate opening is a family-hauler cheat code. Two-row focus (the new one offers a small third row) means more cargo per foot of length. Hyundai's long powertrain warranty is a meaningful used-market sweetener when it transfers.
Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (2022–2026) — ~30 miles EPA-estimated electric range · Gas-free short commutes possible · Hybrid economy after depletion · Needs regular charging to pay off
The Sorento PHEV adds a larger battery good for roughly 30 miles of EPA-estimated electric range — enough to cover many school-run-and-errands days using no gas at all — and returns hybrid-grade economy once the battery depletes. The math only works if you can plug in regularly. On used examples, ask for charging history and have the battery checked; a PHEV that never got plugged in was just a heavier hybrid.
Mazda CX-90 PHEV (2024–2026) — Mid-20s miles EPA-estimated EV range · Best driving dynamics in the class · Upscale interior finish · Verify early-build updates by VIN
The CX-90 PHEV is the driver's pick: a rear-biased platform with genuinely engaging handling, an upscale cabin, and EPA-estimated electric range around the mid-20s of miles for short-trip duty. Total efficiency trails the Toyota/Kia hybrids on long hauls, and early-build examples had software teething issues — check that recalls and updates are done by VIN before buying used.
Toyota Crown Signia (2025–2026) — High-30s EPA-estimated combined · Two rows only · Standard AWD · Newest nameplate — used supply limited
Toyota's newest hybrid crossover splits the difference between wagon and SUV, returning EPA estimates in the high 30s — the best figure on this list — in a sleek two-row package. It gives up the third row and some cargo height, which is why it doesn't rank higher for family duty. For couples and small families chasing maximum economy with SUV ride height, it's the efficiency king here.
Honda Pilot (Efficient Gas Pick) (2023–2026) — Low-20s EPA estimates (gas V6) · Excellent IIHS performance · Top-tier interior packaging · For the hybrid-skeptical buyer
No hybrid Pilot exists yet, but Honda's V6 three-row posts EPA estimates around the low 20s combined while offering some of the best packaging and strongest recent IIHS results in the class. It's here for shoppers who distrust batteries or tow frequently and want the efficient end of the gas-only spectrum. Watch fuel costs versus a used Highlander Hybrid before deciding — the gap is real.
Hyundai Palisade / Kia Telluride (Gas Value Pick) (2020–2026) — Low-20s EPA estimates · Consistently strong IIHS showings · Exceptional used value and equipment · Best for low-annual-mileage buyers
The Korean twins post EPA estimates around the low 20s combined — mid-pack for gas three-rows — but earn their spot on sheer value and safety: both have racked up consistently strong IIHS results and offer enormous equipment for the money used. If your annual mileage is low, the hybrid premium may never pay back, and these are the smarter buy.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Compact-Plus Note) (2019–2026) — EPA-estimated ~39-40 mpg combined · Standard AWD on hybrid · Compact class — cross-shop honestly · Huge used hybrid supply
Technically a compact, but it deserves a note here: if you don't truly need midsize space, the RAV4 Hybrid returns EPA estimates around 39-40 mpg combined with standard AWD — beating everything above — for meaningfully less money. Many 'midsize SUV' shoppers discover a RAV4 Hybrid covers their actual needs. Cross-shop it honestly before paying for a row you'll never fold down.

Buying tips

Verify the exact EPA figures for the specific year and drivetrain on fueleconomy.gov before you buy — AWD, wheel size, and trim can move combined estimates by several mpg, and listings routinely quote the best configuration's number.
On any used hybrid, get the battery health checked during the pre-purchase inspection and confirm the hybrid system by VIN. Hybrid and gas versions of the same model look identical, and badges are not proof of what's under the floor.
For plug-in hybrids, the efficiency case depends entirely on charging. If you can't plug in at home or work most days, a standard hybrid is usually the better buy — the PHEV's extra battery weight works against you once it's empty.
Check crash-test results for the specific model year at IIHS and NHTSA, not the nameplate generally — ratings change year to year as tests toughen, and 'highest safety rated' claims often reference a single standout year.
Run a $1 history report before buying any used hybrid: flood exposure is especially serious on high-voltage vehicles, and accident history involving the battery pack area matters more than on a gas car.
Check open recalls by VIN — hybrid-system software updates and battery-related campaigns are common in this segment and free to fix at franchised dealers.

Frequently asked questions

What midsize SUV has the best gas mileage?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid leads mainstream three-rows with EPA estimates around 36 mpg combined, with the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid close behind in the low-to-mid 30s. Among two-row options, the Toyota Crown Signia posts high-30s figures.

Is a hybrid midsize SUV worth the extra cost?

For most drivers, yes — the hybrid premium typically pays back through fuel savings within a few years at average mileage, and hybrid versions often hold resale value better. The exception is very-low-mileage drivers, for whom an efficient gas model like the Palisade or Pilot can pencil out better.

What is the highest safety rated midsize SUV?

Ratings shift year to year, but the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride have all earned strong IIHS results in recent model years. Always check IIHS and NHTSA results for the specific model year you're buying, since tests get tougher over time.

Are used hybrid SUVs reliable?

Toyota's hybrid system in particular has an exceptional longevity record built over two decades. The sensible precautions: have the battery's health evaluated in a pre-purchase inspection, verify hybrid-system recalls are closed by VIN, and check the history report for flood exposure, which is a bigger risk on high-voltage vehicles.

Should I get a plug-in hybrid or regular hybrid SUV?

Get the plug-in only if you can charge regularly and most of your daily driving fits within its electric range — then models like the Sorento PHEV can run largely gas-free. If you can't plug in consistently, a standard hybrid is cheaper, lighter, and delivers its full benefit with zero behavior change.