Best Gas Mileage? Find Out What Else Midsize SUVs Have to Offer
Are we at a point in the automotive world where we don’t compare EVs with gas-powered vehicles? Is the line of demarcation between hybrids and plug-in hybrids?
Although still murky, when we only look at the gas-powered midsize SUV class, tossing in a couple of hybrids, we can find the midsize SUVs with the best gas mileage. Do these SUVs offer anything more than good fuel economy numbers? Let’s find out.
What are the midsize SUVs with the best gas mileage?
Before we can dig into the qualities of these SUVs, we’ve got to provide a reference point. Thankfully, U.S. News & World Report offers a list of midsize SUVs from 2023 with the highest fuel economy numbers. These models are:
- Kia Sorento Hybrid – 39/35 mpg
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid – 36/35 mpg
- Ford Explorer Hybrid – 27/28 mpg
- Kia Sorento – 24/29 mpg
- Chevrolet Blazer – 22/29 mpg
- GMC Acadia – 22/29 mpg
- Toyota Highlander – 22/29 mpg
- Ford Explorer – 21/28 mpg
- Ford Edge – 21/28 mpg
- Nissan Murano – 20/28 mpg
- Nissan Pathfinder – 20/28 mpg
- Subaru Ascent – 21/27 (model year 2022)
Does the Kia Sorento Hybrid have anything else going for it?
It’s easy to see the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid is the midsize SUV with the best gas mileage, but is it the right SUV for you to drive? This hybrid SUV ranks 9th out of 16 models in the U.S. News ranking and fares even worse in the Crossover SUVs and SUVs with 3 Rows lists ranking 40th and 17th, respectively.
The Sorento Hybrid has room for six passengers, including a tight third row, which might make this SUV more of a four-seater. The cargo area behind the rearmost seats is tiny, measuring 12.6 cubic feet, which only offers enough room for a few groceries.
If you don’t need much space or seating for five full-size people, the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid could be a good option. This midsize SUV has the best gas mileage, but fuel economy might not be all you need in an SUV.
Does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid have anything else going for it?
The 2022 version of the Highlander Hybrid won the Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for Families award from U. S News. Turning to the 2023 version, we find several qualities that could make this midsize SUV a good option.
The Highlander Hybrid seats seven or eight people, depending on the center row configuration, and it offers 16 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rearmost row. This space isn’t vast, but it gives you more room for your stuff. Like most midsize SUVs, the Highlander’s third row is small but still useful.
The U.S. News rankings for the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid place it 7th for Hybrid SUVs, 30th in the Crossover SUVs segment, and 13th in SUVs with 3 Rows. Additionally, this model won the 2023 Best Hybrid SUV for Families award.
Should you drive the midsize SUV with the best gas mileage?
Using fuel economy as a separator works well to a point. If you must have the best overall fuel mileage, the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid is the midsize SUV that hits that mark. However, when you want a more useful, practical, and versatile SUV, giving up a few miles per gallon of city driving brings you to the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Which midsize SUV will you drive?
