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10 Adventure-Ready SUVs That Won’t Drain Your Gas Budget

Gas prices shouldn’t dictate where the road takes you. Some SUVs balance power and efficiency so well that they make it surprisingly affordable for long road trips and off-road adventures. Here are ten SUVs that prove capability doesn’t have to come with a hefty fuel bill. Toyota Highlander Hybrid Packing for a road trip shouldn’t …
Dinkun Chen/Wikimedia Commons

Gas prices shouldn’t dictate where the road takes you. Some SUVs balance power and efficiency so well that they make it surprisingly affordable for long road trips and off-road adventures. Here are ten SUVs that prove capability doesn’t have to come with a hefty fuel bill.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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Packing for a road trip shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. Boasting 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the Highlander Hybrid carries everything while sipping gas in reasonable quantities. For example, the AWD version has an estimated EPA of 36 mpg for the city and 32 mpg for the highway. Stretch out, load the bikes, and you still have extra space for all-the-road snacks!

Ford Escape Hybrid

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Skyrocketing gas prices? The Escape Hybrid laughs in their face, delivering an average of 39 mpg overall while maintaining a 1,500-pound hauling capability. Whether it’s a cross-country expedition or a getaway to the lake, this SUV allows you to hit the road with confidence.

Subaru Outback

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Not all all-wheel-drive crossovers guzzle gas like there’s no tomorrow. The Outback, offering 26 mpg (city) for a 2.5-liter engine, transitions seamlessly from urban streets to rugged trails. Activate X-Mode, grip the terrain effortlessly, and let bad weather know it’s not stopping the fun.

Tesla Model Y

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SUVs aren’t exactly known for slicing through the air, but the Model Y defies expectations. The Long Range AWD, a variant of Model Y, sports a 0.22 drag coefficient that is on par with performance cars. This EV maximizes its 320-mile range, ensuring you’re not constantly searching for a charging station in the middle of nowhere.

Mazda CX-50

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Need power without frequent refueling? The CX-50 cranks out 256 horsepower from its turbo engine yet still achieves 29 mpg on highways. Merging into traffic or veering off the beaten path, this SUV proves excitement and efficiency can go hand in hand.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

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Exploring the wild in a Jeep should be exciting, which is possible with this model. The Grand Cherokee 4xe features an all-electric mode for stealthy, emissions-free trail rides, while its plug-in hybrid system extends mileage. Climb hills, splash through mud, and still return with power to spare.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

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You don’t always need bulky SUVs for better performance. The CR-V Hybrid offers an impressive 40-mpg city rating, proving that a leaner build doesn’t sacrifice capability. Suitable for both city commutes and outdoor escapes, this crossover strikes the perfect balance.

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

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Long highway stretches can be a gas-guzzling nightmare unless your vehicle knows how to manage them. The Tucson Hybrid has a Smart Cruise with Stop & Go, automatically adjusting speed. You can expect fewer abrupt slowdowns and a smoother drive for the long haul.

Toyota RAV4 Prime

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Stopping doesn’t just mean losing momentum; it can mean gaining energy. The RAV4 Prime captures excess power through regenerative braking, adding 42 miles of electric range. Less reliance on gas, extended road time, and fewer unnecessary fuel stops—this a road warrior’s dream.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

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Towing often spells bad news for efficiency, but not in the Sorento Hybrid. With a 2,000-pound tow limit and an impressive 39 mpg city combined, this SUV makes it easy to bring along the essentials, whether a boat, bike, or mini camper, without watching the fuel gauge plummet.

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