Most Economical Family SUVs
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SUVs from 2020 onwards ranked by combined MPG (UK) — practical family cars that stay cheap to run. All figures come from our own dataset (US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026) — no opinions, just the numbers, ranked.
Whichever you pick, sort the running gear first — UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero .
Overall Top 10
The best combined UK mpg figures among all SUVs in our database, any seat count.
| # | Model | Model years | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kia Niro Hybrid | 2024–2026 | 59 | 49 | 112 | 1.6L 4-cyl |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 2026 | 52 | 43 | 127 | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| 3 | Kia Sportage Hybrid | 2023–2025 | 52 | 43 | 128 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo |
| 4 | Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 2023–2025 | 50 | 42 | 130 | 2L 4-cyl |
| 5 | Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | 2020 | 49 | 41 | 48 | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| 6 | Lexus NX Hybrid | 2026 | 48 | 40 | 137 | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| 7 | Honda CR-V Hybrid | 2023, 2025–2026 | 48 | 40 | 139 | 2L 4-cyl |
| 8 | Toyota Venza Hybrid | 2021, 2023–2024 | 47 | 39 | 141 | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| 9 | Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid | 2021–2024 | 46 | 38 | 45 | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| 10 | Mazda CX-50 Hybrid | 2025–2026 | 46 | 38 | 145 | 2.5L 4-cyl |
One entry per model line — the best model year for each, from 157 distinct model lines considered (2020 onwards).
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Kia Niro Hybrid · 2024–2026
Around 59 mpg (UK) / 49 mpg (US) combined from its 1.6L 4-cyl hybrid powertrain.
SUV · Front-Wheel Drive · 112 g/km CO₂ · NHTSA 4★ · EPA est. $1,350/yr fuel
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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid · 2026
Around 52 mpg (UK) / 43 mpg (US) combined from its 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid powertrain.
SUV · Front-Wheel Drive · 127 g/km CO₂ · EPA est. $1,550/yr fuel
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Kia Sportage Hybrid · 2023–2025
Around 52 mpg (UK) / 43 mpg (US) combined from its 1.6L 4-cyl turbo hybrid powertrain.
SUV · Front-Wheel Drive · 128 g/km CO₂ · NHTSA 5★ · EPA est. $1,550/yr fuel
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Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid · 2023–2025
Around 50 mpg (UK) / 42 mpg (US) combined from its 2L 4-cyl hybrid powertrain.
SUV · All-Wheel Drive · 130 g/km CO₂ · NHTSA 5★ · EPA est. $1,600/yr fuel
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Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid · 2020
Around 49 mpg (UK) / 41 mpg (US) combined from its 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid powertrain.
SUV · Front-Wheel Drive · 48 g/km CO₂ · NHTSA 5★ · EPA est. $1,650/yr fuel
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Lexus NX Hybrid · 2026
Around 48 mpg (UK) / 40 mpg (US) combined from its 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid powertrain.
SUV · Front-Wheel Drive · 137 g/km CO₂ · EPA est. $2,050/yr fuel
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Honda CR-V Hybrid · 2023, 2025–2026
Around 48 mpg (UK) / 40 mpg (US) combined from its 2L 4-cyl hybrid powertrain.
SUV · Front-Wheel Drive · 139 g/km CO₂ · NHTSA 5★ · EPA est. $1,700/yr fuel
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Toyota Venza Hybrid · 2021, 2023–2024
Around 47 mpg (UK) / 39 mpg (US) combined from its 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid powertrain.
SUV · All-Wheel Drive · 141 g/km CO₂ · NHTSA 5★ · EPA est. $1,700/yr fuel
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Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid · 2021–2024
Around 46 mpg (UK) / 38 mpg (US) combined from its 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid powertrain.
SUV · All-Wheel Drive · 45 g/km CO₂ · NHTSA 5★ · EPA est. $1,750/yr fuel
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Mazda CX-50 Hybrid · 2025–2026
Around 46 mpg (UK) / 38 mpg (US) combined from its 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid powertrain.
SUV · 4-Wheel Drive · 145 g/km CO₂ · NHTSA 5★ · EPA est. $1,750/yr fuel
Rival sites often segment this kind of ranking by size class (subcompact/compact/midsize/three-row). We don't have a reliable size-class or seat-count field across enough of our SUV records to do that honestly, so this stays a single ranked list by combined mpg rather than a set of segments we couldn't actually back with data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a 'family SUV' on this list?
Any vehicle classed as an SUV body style in our database from 2020 onwards, ranked purely by combined UK mpg — we don't apply a separate size or seating cutoff beyond what's segmented below.
Do bigger SUVs always use more fuel?
Generally yes, all else equal, since a larger, heavier SUV needs more energy to move — but engine efficiency and drivetrain vary enough that some larger SUVs beat smaller ones on this list.
Should I compare running costs, not just mpg?
MPG is only part of the picture — insurance, tyre cost and depreciation all affect total running cost. Use the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators to estimate your own annual fuel spend.
How is this list ranked?
Purely by combined UK mpg figure among SUV body-style vehicles, highest first, computed directly from the specification data on this site.
Rankings are computed from the specification data on this site and are provided for reference only. Verify details with the manufacturer before purchasing.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026