If fuel costs are a top concern, choosing the right used SUV can make a meaningful difference in your monthly budget. The most fuel-efficient used SUVs generally fall into two camps: high-mpg hybrids and very efficient non-hybrid compact crossovers.

Knowing which category fits your driving habits — city versus highway, short trips versus long commutes — will help you get the most value for your money.

The best non-hybrid SUVs

Among gas-only SUVs, newer compact crossovers dominate the top of the mpg charts. In the right trims, several models can reach roughly 30-33 mpg combined, which is excellent for a non-hybrid SUV.

The pre-2022 Nissan Rogue stands out as one of the most efficient options. In its most fuel-efficient configurations, late-model Rogues are rated up to about 33 mpg combined, placing them at the very top of the non-hybrid category.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is close behind at around 32 mpg combined. Its smaller footprint helps its efficiency (though the larger gasoline-powered RAV4 still delivers 30 mpg combined). Another notable option is the hard-to-find 1.6-liter turbodiesel Chevrolet Equinox from the late 2010s. Rated at 32 mpg combined, it provides excellent highway range.

Rounding out the list, the FWD 1.5-liter turbo Honda CR-V (2017-2022) consistently posts about 30 mpg combined. And certain Mazda CX-5 trimlines reach around 29 mpg combined.

The best hybrid SUVs

When you widen your search to include hybrids, fuel economy jumps significantly. Hybrid SUVs typically deliver 30-50% better mpg than comparable non-hybrid models, especially in city and mixed driving.

At the top of the efficiency spectrum is the Kia Niro Hybrid (2017-present). Technically a subcompact SUV, it achieves up to about 50 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient used vehicles you can buy.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2016-present) is another excellent choice. It delivers up to 40 mpg combined. Similarly efficient is the Honda CR-V Hybrid (2020-present), rated at roughly 38 mpg combined.

For families requiring more space, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid proves that efficiency doesn’t have to disappear with size. You can expect about 36 mpg combined in post-2019 models, which is unusually good for a three-row midsize SUV.

Lastly, the post-2018 Subaru XV Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid appeals to drivers who want standard all-wheel drive plus better fuel economy.

City vs. highway: Where and how you drive matters

Hybrids have the greatest advantage in stop-and-go driving, where regenerative braking and electric-only operation can dramatically reduce fuel use. Drivers who cover 12,000-15,000 miles annually often save hundreds of dollars per year.

On the highway, hybrids usually beat gas-only SUVs, but the added weight from hybrids’ extra hardware can narrow that gap. For drivers who spend most of their time cruising on the interstate, an efficient non-hybrid SUV can be closer to a hybrid in real-world mpg than the window sticker suggests.

Need greater fuel economy?

If you need to cut back on what you’re spending at the pump, Credit Acceptance can introduce you to dealers that can help you find your next vehicle, one that’s more fuel-efficient. We have over 15,000 dealers in our network, and you can even get pre-qualified through our website, so you’ll know the maximum monthly payment you might qualify for before you visit the lot.

Note: The fuel-economy figures referenced above are based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings.