Recent volatile fuel prices mean that if gasoline prices aren’t high now, they will be soon enough. That makes it more critical than ever to find the right midsize SUV with the best gas mileage. So let’s look at TrueCar’s top five fuel-efficient midsize SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Venza topped TrueCar’s list

Taking the top spot on TrueCar’s list of “Midsize SUVs with Best Gas Mileage” is the 2022 Toyota Venza. The 2022 Venza is a five-seat midsize SUV that offers three trim levels. The most popular model is the Limited AWD which comes equipped with a hybrid 2.5-liter I4 powertrain and an all-wheel drive system. Estimates predict the 2022 Toyota Venza will get 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. With the Limited AWD’s starting price at $42,065, it’s one of the higher-priced models on TrueCar’s list.

The 2022 Kia Sorento is a fuel-efficient midsize SUV

Next on TrueCar’s list of midsize SUVs with the best gas mileage is the 2022 Kia Sorento. Fresh off of a 2021 redesign, the 2022 Sorento offers seating for up to seven and 12 trim levels for a variety of options. The most popular version is the Sorento S FWD, equipped with a 2.5-liter I4 engine and front-wheel drive for an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. 

The Sorento S FWD starts at $33,685, making it a good value for budget-minded buyers. However, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), upgrading to the Sorento S Hybrid equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and FWD raises the starting price by $1,700 but increases the fuel economy to 35 mpg on the highway and 39 mpg on city streets. 

The 2022 Toyota Highlander can be had as a hybrid SUV

Midway on TrueCar’s list of midsize SUVs with the best gas mileage is the 2022 Toyota Highlander. The Highlander seats seven and offers 11 trim levels, with the XLE AWD as its most popular. Starting at $43,990, the XLE AWD comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6, all-wheel drive, and an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. 

Opting for the Highlander Hybrid FWD drops the starting price to $39,555, raises the seating to eight people, and increases the estimated fuel economy to 36 mpg on city streets and 35 mpg on the highway. The Highlander Hybrid LE features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive with the option of an AWD system if desired, according to Toyota. 

The 2022 Lexus RX is “one of the best luxury crossovers in its class”

The 2022 Lexus RX appears fourth on TrueCar’s list as “one of the best luxury crossovers in its class.” The Lexus RX 350 FWD is the most popular version out of six trim levels and sports a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The RX 350 FWD received an estimated fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway and has a starting price of $47,070. The 2022 Lexus RX 450h hybrid starts at $49,870 and gets an estimated 30 mpg combined.

The 2023 Subaru Outback is a fuel-sipping SUV with all-wheel drive

Last on TrueCar’s list is the 2023 Subaru Outback, a smaller midsize SUV that seats five and offers nine trim levels. The most popular trim is the Outback Limited, starting at $36,520 and featuring a 2.5-liter H4 engine with Subaru’s standard AWD. The Outback has an estimated fuel economy rating of 26 mpg on city streets and 32 mpg on the open highway. Unfortunately, there is no hybrid version of the Subaru Outback. 

Which fuel-efficient midsize SUV is best?

Buyers that require a larger midsize SUV with seating for up to eight people should consider the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid scoots under the $40,000 bar and offers decent fuel economy for its size. The best SUV for the money on this list is the 2022 Kia Sorento S Hybrid, with its starting price of just over $35,000 and almost 40 mpg. However, adventure seekers requiring lower seating numbers should consider the 2023 Subaru Outback.