SUVs have always been the first choice among families and adventure-seekers, providing enough room, comfort, and off-road capabilities. However, as fuel prices increase with an increasing craving for efficiency, seeking a fuel-efficient SUV with interior space is more critical than ever. Here’s the list of 22 perfect SUV models, balancing economy and spaciousness:
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2016)
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Masaki Okue’s brainchild, came to market in 2016, setting the bar high for fuel-efficient SUVs. It houses a 2.5L inline-4 hybrid engine with an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined. The interior is well-furnished with premium materials, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a roomy rear seat with ample legroom. The cargo space is generous and ideal for weekend getaways. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds.
Honda CR-V Hybrid (2020)
Honda introduced the CR-V Hybrid in 2020, designed by Hiroshi Kizawa, for people who wanted practicality and economy. The SUV has a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, resulting in a fuel economy of 38 mpg. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid impresses with a spacious and thoughtfully laid-out cabin. A 7-inch touchscreen sits at the center of a minimalist dash, while the rear seats provide ample passenger space. It has a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.6 seconds.
Ford Escape Hybrid (2020)
The Ford Escape Hybrid combines a stylish look with fuel efficiency. It has a 2.5L inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor. The combined EPA-estimated mileage is 41 mpg. The interior has a modern look, and the high-quality finish includes an 8-inch infotainment display supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rear seats are very flexible, which makes for versatile cargo and passenger space. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.7 seconds, it’s not so much about speed but efficiency.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (2021)
Hyundai unveiled the Tucson Hybrid in 2021, and SangYup Lee headed the design. The car features a 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 engine and an electric motor that yields up to 38 mpg combined. The interior has a futuristic feel, with a dashboard that includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital driver display. There is lots of legroom for rear passengers, and the cargo space is generous. The Tucson Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, making it one of the quicker hybrids on this list.
Kia Sorento Hybrid (2021)
The Kia Sorento Hybrid was launched in 2021. It is designed to be a game-changer in the midsize SUV segment, offering three-row seating with impressive fuel efficiency. A 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor achieves a combined fuel economy of 37 mpg. Stylish and functional, the interior boasts high-quality materials, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The 0 to 60 mph time is an impressive 8.6 seconds.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (2019)
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, launched in 2019, assembles the brand’s signature all-wheel drive system with hybrid technology. It combines a 2.0L flat-4 engine with an electric motor, delivering an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. Inside, the rugged capability is tempered with comfort: available water-resistant upholstery and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen. The cargo space is smaller than on non-hybrid versions because of the battery pack, but still functional enough for most adventures. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, but its off-road capability makes it stand out in this list.
Lexus RX 450h (2005)
The Lexus RX 450h was released in 2005 as one of the first luxury hybrid SUVs. Makoto Oshima has designed this midsize luxury SUV, which uses a 3.5L V6 with an electric motor, returning a combined 30 mpg. Inside, the RX 450h spoils occupants with sumptuous leather upholstery, real wood trim, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The cabin is whisper-quiet, thanks to advanced noise insulation, and the seats are comfortable. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 7.9 seconds, thus both efficient and luxurious.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2006)
Launched in 2006, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid quickly became a favorite for large families. The model features a 2.5L inline-4 engine with electric motors, delivering an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. The interior is spacious, with three rows of seating and high-quality materials. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Folding down the third row provides more than enough legroom for passengers and tailgate space. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.
Ford Explorer Hybrid (2020)
Ford brought out a hybrid model for its Explorer lineup back in 2020. It’s a good choice for someone who wants a large SUV with a decent economy. The Explorer Hybrid has good fuel economy with a 3.3L V6 engine and an electric motor, leading to 27 mpg. The interior is roomy, but it only has three rows of seating and enough cargo space. The higher trims have a 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen, leather upholstery, and advanced driver-assistance features. Its 0 to 60 mph time of 7.7 seconds makes it one of the quicker options in the large SUV segment.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (2021)
In 2021, Hyundai launched the hybrid version of the Santa Fe. Designed by SangYup Lee, the Santa Fe Hybrid uses a 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 and an electric motor to return an EPA-estimated 34 mpg. The interior of the Santa Fe Hybrid has a modern, upscale cabin equipped with a sizeable 10.25-inch touchscreen, a digital driver display, and ample soft-touch surfaces. The rear seats are roomy, and the cargo space is generous enough for family road trips. It can run 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds.
Nissan Rogue Hybrid (2017)
Launched in 2017, the Nissan Rogue Hybrid aimed to bring together the practicality of a compact SUV with better fuel efficiency. It is powered by a 2.0L inline-4 engine and an electric motor, achieving a combined fuel economy of 34 mpg. The interior is clean and modern, with soft-touch materials and an intuitive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rear seat passengers enjoy generous legroom, and the cargo area is well-suited for everyday needs.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2018)
Mitsubishi launched its first plug-in hybrid SUV, the Outlander PHEV, in 2018. The power unit consists of a 2.4L inline-4 engine and two electric motors. It was designed to combine fuel efficiency benefits with the option for electric-only driving. It has an all-electric range of 24 miles and a combined fuel economy of 74 MPGe. So, it is best for trips to the city. The Outlander PHEV offers leather seating, a 9-inch infotainment screen, and a configurable cargo area. It goes from 0 to 60 mph time in 10.5 seconds.
Chevrolet Equinox Diesel (2018)
Chevrolet gave the Equinox a unique twist by offering a diesel option in 2018. Powered by a 1.6L turbocharged diesel engine, it delivers an impressive fuel economy of 39 mpg on the highway. The interior is functional and comfortable, with plenty of storage space, an 8-inch touchscreen, and optional leather seats. The rear seats provide adequate headroom and legroom, while the cargo area is sufficient for long trips. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, respectable for a diesel-powered SUV.
Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge (2015)
Launched in 2015, the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge fuses luxury with eco-friendly design. It is powered by a 2.0L supercharged and turbocharged inline-4 engine with an electric motor, with a total output of 400 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 55 MPGe. The cabin has Scandinavian elegance, leather upholstery, real wood trim, and a vertical 9-inch touchscreen. The three-row seating configuration provides ample space for passengers and cargo. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.3 seconds, it’s one of this category’s quickest and most luxurious SUVs.
Mazda CX-5 Diesel (2019)
Mazda added a diesel option to the CX-5 lineup 2019, designed for those seeking better fuel economy without sacrificing driving dynamics. The 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine delivers a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg. Inside, it is premium and high-quality with a 7-inch touchscreen, leather seats that support the body well, and lots of room for rear seat passengers. The cargo area is decent for family usage. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds.
Kia Niro Hybrid (2016)
Launched in 2016, the Kia Niro Hybrid was designed by Peter Schreyer to maximize fuel efficiency without compromising space. It features a 1.6L inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined fuel economy of 50 mpg. Inside, the Niro boasts a minimalist design with high-quality materials, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and comfortable seating for five. Despite being a compact SUV, it offers a surprisingly spacious cargo area. The Niro accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe (2021)
Jeep introduced the 4xe in 2021, bringing its iconic Wrangler into the plug-in hybrid realm. Designed for off-road enthusiasts who want to reduce their carbon footprint, it features a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with two electric motors, offering an all-electric range of 21 miles and a combined fuel economy of 49 MPGe. The interior still carries much of the Wrangler’s rugged soul, but washable surfaces abound, and leather-wrapped seats are optional. Tech highlights include an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system. The 4xe Wrangler hits 60 mph in 6.0 seconds.
BMW X5 xDrive45e (2020)
In 2020, BMW launched the plug-in hybrid variant of the X5, bringing together luxury and performance with efficiency. The X5 xDrive45e is powered by a 3.0L inline-6 engine combined with an electric motor, offering a combined fuel economy of 50 MPGe and an electric-only range of 31 miles. Inside, the X5 delivers top-notch luxury with leather seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and customizable ambient lighting. The spacious cabin comfortably seats five, with plenty of cargo room for longer trips. It boasts a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.3 seconds.
The Audi Q5 TFSI e (2020)
Audi released the Q5 TFSI e in 2020, the plug-in hybrid variant of their immensely popular compact luxury SUV. A 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine and an electric motor provide a combined fuel economy of 50 MPGe and an electric range of 23 miles. The interior resembles Audi’s high standards, with leather seats, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, and advanced driver-assistance features. The cargo area remains practical despite the hybrid setup. The Q5 TFSI e accelerates 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds.
Toyota Venza Hybrid (2021)
This Toyota Venza Hybrid is revamped for 2021 as a hybrid-only model with a smooth, efficient drive. A 2.5L inline-4 engine combined with an electric motor attains a fuel economy of 39 mpg. Inside, the Venza boasts a luxurious cabin with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof with electrochromic glass. The rear seats are roomy enough, and the cargo area is suitable for everyday use. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring (2020)
In 2020, Lincoln delivered the Aviator Grand Touring, fusing luxury with plug-in-hybrid technology. This vehicle has a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine while incorporating an electric motor, producing 494 horsepower and achieving a combined rating of 23 mpg. The lavish interior features plush leather seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and an upgraded 14-speaker Revel audio system. The three-row seating arrangement is roomy for passengers, and the cargo area is generous. It’s powerful and luxurious, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.4 seconds.
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (2018)
The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, launched in 2018, combines the brand’s performance DNA with hybrid efficiency. Its 3.0L V6 engine, coupled with an electric motor, makes a total of 455 horsepower and offers a combined fuel economy of 46 MPGe. The Cayenne has a driver-centric cabin with premium materials, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a sporty design. The rear seats are comfortable, and the cargo space is sufficient for family trips. This SUV, the Cayenne E-Hybrid, reaches 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds; this is, by far, the fastest of any SUV listed here.
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Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
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