Gas mileage matters when you're shopping for an SUV, especially with fuel prices moving up and down throughout the year. Whether you spend most of your time in Sandusky traffic or logging highway miles toward Cleveland, the right SUV can save you real money at the pump. Northern Ohio winters add another layer, since cold starts, snow, and stop and go traffic around Lake Erie can pull real world MPG below what you'd expect.
In this guide, we'll break down the current gas mileage estimates for the different Ford SUVs on our lot today, along with a few other popular SUVs known for strong fuel economy. We'll also cover some used options if you want great MPG without the new car price tag.
New SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage
Best Hybrid SUVs
Hybrid SUVs have both a gas engine and an electric motor, getting you more miles per gallon, especially around town. Here are some of the standout picks in 2026.
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Ford Escape Hybrid (2026) – Up to 42 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2026) – Up to 47 MPG city / 40 MPG highway
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Honda CR-V Hybrid (2026) – Up to 43 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
The Escape Hybrid is the efficiency leader when it comes to the Ford SUV lineup, driving just like a standard Escape with no plugging in required.
Best Gas SUVs
If a hybrid isn't the right fit, plenty of standard gas SUVs still deliver solid numbers.
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Ford Bronco Sport (2026) – Up to 25 MPG city / 30 MPG highway
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Hyundai Tucson (2026) – Up to 25 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
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Chevrolet Equinox (2026) – Up to 26 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
Among these, the Bronco Sport is worth a good look if you want more than just good MPG. It has real off-road capability while keeping competitive city and highway numbers.
Used SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage
If you're shopping used, these models have a track record of strong fuel economy.
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Ford Escape Hybrid (2020 to 2023) – Around 40 MPG combined
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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2016 to 2018) – Around 32 MPG combined
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Honda CR-V Hybrid (2020 to 2023) – Around 38 MPG combined
You can browse our used inventory online, including certified pre-owned options that have already passed a detailed inspection.
Which Ford SUV Fits Your Drive?
If most of your driving is a commute or errands around town, the Escape Hybrid gives you the best return at the pump without asking you to give up cargo space. It's an easy pick if your priority is spending less time at the gas station and more time doing everything else on your list.
If your weekends look more like a trip to Cedar Point or the lake with the family packed in, the Bronco Sport still has solid fuel economy while giving you the ground clearance and all wheel drive to handle it. And if you need more seating or serious towing power, the Explorer or Expedition can cover that, though it helps to expect lower MPG in exchange for the added room and capability.
Find Your Fuel Efficient Ford SUV at Mathews Ford
Reading about MPG numbers is a good start, but a test drive is the best way to see how an SUV actually feels on the road. At Mathews Ford in Sandusky, you can compare the Escape Hybrid, Bronco Sport, and the rest of our SUV lineup side by side and find the one that fits your budget and your daily drive.
Stop by our dealership at 610 E Perkins Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, give us a call at 419-984-9024, or contact us online to schedule your test drive today.
FAQs About SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage
What is the most fuel efficient Ford SUV?
The Ford Escape Hybrid gets the best gas mileage in the Ford SUV lineup, with an estimated 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
Do hybrid SUVs really save money on gas?
Usually, yes, though it depends on how much you drive. A hybrid can cost more upfront, but the fuel savings add up faster if you spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic, since that's where the electric motor helps the most.
Why is city MPG usually different from highway MPG?
City driving involves more stopping and starting, which burns more fuel. Highway driving stays steadier, so most vehicles get better mileage once they reach cruising speed.