© Audi AG
Fuel-Efficient AWD SUVs
As sport-utility vehicles and crossovers continue to increase in popularity with U.S. buyers, automakers strive to add more electrified models to the mix, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully-electric versions. Since many SUV buyers are also looking for all-wheel drive, what follows are the 25 most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive SUVs according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ratings. The list is sorted in ascending order by combined MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent, which measures the miles a vehicle can travel on the energy equivalent to a gallon of gasoline) or combined MPG. Note: the U.S. EPA does not report city / highway fuel economy for plug-in hybrids, but does report Gas / Electric MPGe combined and Gas MPG combined.
© Jaguar Land Rover
23. 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar (tie)
Starting MSRP: $49,950
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 26 / 30 / 28
Range: 445 miles
The fourth model in the Range Rover lineup, the Velar features an all-new design using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture. Velar uses flush-fitting door handles and flush glass and rear LED light clusters for a clean, elegant look, while super-slim Matrix-Laser LED headlights incorporate turn indicators. A bold grille dominates the front end, and available copper-colored accents enhance the hood vents, lower fascia blades and side vents. The new Velar will be available with three powertrains, the most fuel efficient being a 2.0-liter TD4 turbodiesel that produces 180 horsepower and an impressive 317 lb-ft of torque at 1500 rpm, earning an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
23. 2020 Hyundai Kona AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $22,435
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 26 / 30 / 28
Range: 356 miles
Hyundai’s new sporty compact crossover started the year off right, being named the 2019 North American Utility of the Year during the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Kona buyers have a choice of two gasoline engines; this fun crossover is also offered as the fully-electric Kona Electric, although that version does not have all-wheel drive. The standard 2.0-liter engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque when mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and has an EPA rated at 28 mpg combined. The available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine produces 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated with a 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission; its EPA ratings are 26 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy / 27 mpg combined.
© Mazda North American Operations
23. 2019 Mazda CX-5 AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $36,890
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 27 / 30 / 28
Range: 428 miles
Mazda’s compact CX-5 finished 2018 with three consecutive years of record sales, and with 2018 sales higher than the combined sales of all other Mazda models. The CX-5 was redesigned for 2017, adopting the styling of the larger CX-9, and for 2019 adds the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels, both powered by a turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine producing 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with standard i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. The new SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine is rated at 168 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm, achieving an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined. The new CX-5 is the first Mazda to feature G-Vectoring Control, which enhances vehicle responsiveness and stability while reducing the sideways sliding of occupants during cornering.
© Subaru of America
17. 2020 Subaru Outback AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $26,345
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 26 / 33 / 29
Range: 518 miles
One of the original crossovers, Outback combines SUV utility with the comfort and convenience of a wagon. The all-new 2020 Outback debuted at the New York Auto Show in April and is scheduled to arrive in fall 2019. The current Outback model was updated for 2018 with revised exterior styling and interior updates with more premium materials. Chassis suspension and steering updates target a smoother ride with more direct driving feel. New multimedia features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Nuance voice recognition; steering-responsive LED headlights are offered. The 2019 Outback includes EyeSight driver-assist technology for all trim levels. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
© Subaru of America
17. 2020 Subaru Forester AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $24,295
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 26 / 33 / 29
Range: 481 miles
The fifth-generation 2019 Subaru Forester went on sale last fall — the roomiest version ever offered with a 1.2-inch-longer wheelbase, more rear-seat legroom and more rear cargo capacity. The new Forester also has improved crash protection, comfort, quietness and driving dynamics. EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard, and Forester Touring debuts DriverFocus safety technology that can alert the driver of fatigue or distraction, and also will automatically adjust many driver settings at startup. All-wheel drive is standard, and the new Forester is powered by an updated direct-injection 2.5-liter Boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It has an EPA rating of 29 mpg combined.
© Jaguar Land Rover
17. 2019 Jaguar F-PACE 20d AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $48,750
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 26 / 33 / 29
Range: 461 miles
Jaguar has a long history with sports cars and sporty luxury sedans, but joined other luxury brands offering SUVs with the introduction of the 2017 F-PACE midsize crossover. F-PACE has three engine choices, but the fuel-economy champ is a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel that produces 180 horsepower, 318 lb-ft of torque and delivers 29 mpg combined. A torque on-demand all-wheel-drive system is standard, with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics that maintains a rear-drive bias but transfers torque to the front wheels as needed.
© American Honda Motors
17. 2019 Honda HR-V AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $22,020
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 27 / 31 / 29
Range: 383 miles
The smallest vehicle in Honda’s crossover lineup, the HR-V was introduced as a 2016 model and receives exterior updates for 2019. The 2019 HR-V features a new grille, headlights and taillights; revised bumpers; and two new trim levels. The new HR-V Sport includes black trim and 18-inch wheels, while the HR-V Touring with standard all-wheel drive features multi-element LED headlights, dark chrome trim and LED fog lights. The HR-V offers a spacious interior and a configurable second-row seat. Power comes from a 138-horsepower engine teamed with a continuously variable transmission; HR-V earns an EPA rating of 29 mpg combined.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
17. 2019 Honda CR-V AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $25,850
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 27 / 33 / 29
Range: 406 miles
Redesigned for the 2017 model year, the fifth-generation CR-V continues to be Honda’s top-selling model in the U.S. market, with more than 4.5 million sold since its introduction in 1997. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter 184-horsepower unit teamed with a new continuously-variable transmission, but the most fuel-efficient CR-V AWD is equipped with 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing an impressive 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque from 2000 to 5000 rpm, and is EPA rated at 29 mpg combined. Higher trim levels also come with Honda Sensing — the brand’s suite of high-tech safety features — as standard equipment.
© Toyota Motor Corporation
17. 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus (tie)
Starting MSRP: $37,320
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 30 / 28 / 29
Range: 499 miles
The all-new 2020 Highlander debuted in April at the New York Auto Show and is scheduled to go on sale at the end of 2019. The current model of Toyota’s popular Highlander midsize crossover receives exterior updates for 2019 — its final year — prior to the arrival of the new model. The 2019 Highlander Hybrid features a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 gas engine teamed with an electric drive motor-generator to produce a total of 306 horsepower while delivering a combined 29 mpg. All Highlander Hybrid trims include Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i) as standard equipment, which uses a second electric motor to drive the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction.
© Toyota Motor Corporation
15. 2019 Toyota RAV4 (tie)
Starting MSRP: $25,650
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 27 / 34 / 30
Range: 435 miles
The redesigned fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4 arrived in 2018, and the RAV4 finished 2018 as the best-selling crossover SUV in America thanks to another record sales year. One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the new RAV4 receives bold styling, improved capability, better performance and an array of new safety and convenience features. The 2019 RAV4 is powered by a new Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine combined with an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission and receives an EPA rating of 30 mpg combined. In addition to the updated styling and efficient powertrains, the RAV4 now comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection — as well as lane departure alert — as standard equipment.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
15. 2019 Lexus RX 450h AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $46,245
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 31 / 28 / 30
Range: 516 miles
One of the first luxury crossovers on the market, the RX remains the best-selling Lexus model ever and continues to be one of the top-selling luxury models, even with the new 2020 Lexus RX scheduled to begin production in the third quarter of 2019. The current RX received a complete makeover for 2016 with all-new styling; most noticeable is the brand’s large, bold spindle grille which dominates the front end. The RX 450h features a sophisticated hybrid system that combines a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with two electric motors, one at the front combined with the V6 engine to drive the front wheels, and another driving the rear wheels. The electric all-wheel-drive system generates a total of 308 horsepower, providing excellent all-weather performance in addition to great fuel economy.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
14. 2020 Lexus NX 300h AWD
Starting MSRP: $39,070
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 33 / 30 / 31
Range: 459 miles
Lexus added the NX for the 2015 model year to compete in the growing compact luxury SUV segment, including the NX 300h AWD hybrid version. For 2018 this hybrid model received a complete refresh with updated styling and new features. Utilizing the latest Lexus hybrid system, the NX 300h is powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine teamed with a high-torque electric motor to drive the front wheels, while an additional electric motor provides power to the rear wheels as needed. Total power output for the complete hybrid system is 194 horsepower and the NX 300h receives an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined.
© General Motors
12. 2019 GMC Terrain AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $34,795
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 28 / 38 / 32
Range: 499 miles
The latest version of the GMC Terrain debuted for the 2018 model year with a new design that features a bold grille, sculpted headlights and C-shaped rear light graphics. The fuel economy leader for the Terrain is a new turbocharged 1.6-liter diesel engine that produces 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine is available on SLE and SLT trims and earns an EPA combined rating of 32 mpg. The all-wheel-drive system improves efficiency by disconnecting from the rear axle when not needed.
© General Motors
12. 2019 Chevrolet Equinox AWD (tie)
Starting MSRP: $32,495
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 28 / 38 / 32
Range: 499 miles
The Chevrolet Equinox was redesigned for the 2018 model year with updated styling, the latest in high-tech safety technology and an available fuel-efficient diesel powertrain. Equinox has one of the few diesel options among small crossovers: a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit that produces 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission; it earns an EPA rating of 32 mpg combined. The all-wheel-drive system improves efficiency by disconnecting from the rear axle when not needed.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
11. 2019 Nissan Rogue Hybrid AWD
Starting MSRP: $27,700
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 31 / 34 / 33
Range: 478 miles
The Nissan Rogue was completely redesigned for 2017, and at that time the first hybrid version was added. The Rogue Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that produces 141 horsepower, teamed with a 40-horsepower electric motor to produce a net 176 horsepower. Rogue Hybrid further improves fuel efficiency with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission as well as an Idle Start/Stop system and an Intelligent regenerative braking system. For 2019 rear automatic braking and a rear sonar system are standard, and new technology available includes lane departure warning, intelligent lane intervention, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and high-beam assist.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
10. 2019 Lexus UX 250h AWD
Starting MSRP: $34,000
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 41 / 38 / 39
Range: 413 miles
For 2019 Lexus adds the UX model in the growing compact luxury crossover market, including the UX 250h AWD hybrid. The UX is the first Lexus vehicle to use the brand’s Global Architecture — Compact platform, providing the new crossover with a rigid structure and low center of gravity designed to deliver both agile handling and improved ride comfort. The exterior styling is similar to the larger NX and RX models but more aggressive, with a large spindle grille that dominates the front view. The UX 250h is powered by a fourth-generation hybrid-drive system with a total system output of 181 horsepower. The hybrid uses the Lexus E-Four all-wheel-drive system that adds an another electric motor at the rear axle.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
9. 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
Starting MSRP: $27,850
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 41 / 38 / 40
Range: 580 miles
Toyota’s popular compact SUV, the RAV4 is redesigned for 2019 including a new hybrid version that is not only the most fuel efficient RAV4, but also the most powerful. The EPA combined fuel economy rating for the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid jumped to 40 mpg from 32 mpg for the 2018 model. The RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter Dynamic-Force 4-cylinder producing 176 horsepower combined with an electric motor driving the front wheels through an electronically-controlled CVT. A second electric motor provides power to the rear axle for a total combined output of 219 horsepower. The RAV4 Hybrid’s rear motor provides 30 percent more torque than the previous version, which improves off-road performance and helps reduce understeer during spirited driving.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
8. 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC
Starting MSRP: $50,650
Gas and Electric — 56 MPGe (combined)
Gas — 25 MPG (combined)
Electric Range: 10 miles
Total Range: 350 miles
The GLC is the compact luxury crossover offering of the Mercedes-Benz lineup; the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid was added for the 2018 model year. The GLC 350e 4MATIC is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with a powerful 85 kW electric motor that produces a total of 315 horsepower and 43 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 350e 4MATIC with accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a bit over 6 seconds and the power is usable in all weather conditions, thanks to the Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system that works with the electronic stability control to optimize torque at every wheel.
© Volvo Cars of North America
7. 2019 Volvo XC90 AWD PHEV (tie)
Starting MSRP: $68,640
Gas and Electric — 58 MPGe (combined)
Gas — 25 MPG (combined)
Electric Range: 17 miles
Total Range: 490 miles
The plug-in hybrid version of Volvo’s premium 7-seat SUV is the most efficient, but also the most powerful available in the XC90 lineup. The XC90 T8 PHEV is powered by Volvo’s T8 Twin Engine system that delivers a combined 400 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged gasoline engine in the front and an electric motor at the rear. This big SUV claims impressive performance — the XC90 AWD PHEV will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and has an all-electric range of up to 17 miles.
© Volvo Cars North America
6. 2019 Volvo XC60 AWD PHEV (tie)
Starting MSRP: $52,900
Gas and Electric — 58 MPGe (combined)
Gas — 26 MPG (combined)
Electric Range: 17 miles
Total Range: 500 miles
Volvo’s most popular SUV, the XC60 was redesigned for the 2018 model year and in addition to new styling and features, the premium crossover is now available with the same powerplants as its larger sibling, the XC90. The most fuel-efficient — and most powerful — of them all is the T8 plug-in hybrid, which employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged engine sending power to the front wheels, while an electric motor powers the rear wheels. Total power output is up to 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. The immediate torque of the electric motor helps the XC60 T8 reach 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
5. 2020 Jaguar I-PACE
Starting MSRP: $69,500
MPGe (city / hwy / combined): 80 / 76 / 72
Range: 234 miles
The all-new Jaguar I-PACE is a fully electric luxury crossover that delivers excellent on-road performance as well as off-road capability. The all-wheel-drive I-PACE is powered by two electric motors, one driving each axle, for a total output of 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque, which makes the I-PACE capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Drivers can choose a mode for the driving conditions that changes throttle response, suspension and steering — there is even a Rain / Ice / Snow mode. All I-PACE trims come well equipped with high levels of luxury as well as the latest high-tech safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, rear-traffic monitor, traffic-sign recognition and clear exit monitor.
© Mitsubishi Motors North America
3. 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (tie)
Starting MSRP: $35,795
Gas and Electric — 74 MPGe (combined)
Gas — 25 MPG (combined)
Electric Range: 22 miles
Total Range: 310 miles
For 2019 the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV receives exterior updates including a new grille, headlights, lower bumper accents, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. The Outlander PHEV combines a 2.0-liter gas engine and two high-performance electric motors — one at the front and one at the rear — for a combined 224 horsepower. The electric motors provide instant torque for Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control 4WD system, designed to deliver efficient all-weather capability and efficiency.
© Audi AG
3. 2019 Audi e-tron (tie)
Starting MSRP: $74,800
MPGe (city / hwy / combined): 74 / 73 / 74
Range: 204 miles
The first fully electric model from Audi, the e-tron is a premium 5-seat midsize SUV with an EPA-estimated range of more than 200 miles. Similar in size to the Audi Q8, the e-tron has a wheelbase of 115.1 inches and a height of 65.5 inches. Audi e-tron is motivated by two powerful electric motors — one powering each axle — creating a new generation of quattro electric all-wheel drive that can adjust the amount of torque delivered to each axle for ideal balance according to driving conditions. Power output from the two electric motors is 355 horsepower, and in Boost Mode increases to 402 horsepower, allowing e-tron to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
© Subaru of America
2. 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid AWD
Starting MSRP: $34,995
Gas and Electric — 90 MPGe (combined)
Gas — 35 MPG (combined)
Electric Range: 17 miles
Total Range: 480 miles
The first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle from Subaru, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is based on the top-level Crosstrek Limited trim. The Crosstrek Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine with a Lineartronic CVT with two integrated Motor Generators for up to 17 miles of electric range at speeds up to 65 mph and an EPA rating of 90 MPGe. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is designed for a PHEV with an electronically-controlled variable transfer clutch. The on-board charging system with charge the 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery in five hours with 120-volt power and approximately two hours with 240 volts.
© Tesla
1. 2019 Tesla Model X Long Range
Starting MSRP: $83,825
MPGe (city / hwy / combined): 91 / 95 / 93
Range: 325 miles
The first production electric SUV on the market, the Tesla Model X is now offered in a Long Range version that offers a 325 mile range. The Model X Long Range is powered by dual-motor all-wheel drive and will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. Adaptive air suspension is standard; the Model X offers seating for seven, with access to the rear seat via top-hinged Falcon Wing doors. Thanks to the absence of an internal combustion engine, the Model X has a large front trunk in addition to a rear cargo area.
