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Saying that some of the large SUVs in the market have way better fuel economy numbers than others might be a little bit of a stretch. Models like the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, or GM’s family-sized offerings can take a toll at the fuel pump. When you need a big three-row SUV to take you and your family to the fun places you like to go, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money on the gas to get there. 

Let’s consider a few of these models for 2022 and see which ones rank the best for fuel mileage, according to Consumer Reports.

Ford Expedition – A large SUV with impressive size and power

Star White 2022 Ford Expedition with mountains in the background
Star White 2022 Ford Expedition | Ford

One of the most impressive large vehicles in the market is the Ford Expedition. Over the past several years, this big brute has taken on more of the qualities we associate with crossovers and gone away from the truck-like build it once had. Even though this SUV is powered by a V6 engine, it only brings you to an average fuel mileage rating of 15 mpg. 

Toyota Sequoia – One of the smallest among the large SUVs

a white 2023 Toyota Sequoia trd pro driving through the forest
2023 Toyota Sequoia | Toyota USA

While not quite as large as the Expedition or other large SUVs on this list, the Toyota Sequoia does give you three rows of seats and plenty of cargo space to carry the people and items you’re going to want to take along. Although it’s a bit smaller than some of the rest, the fuel economy numbers leave a lot to be desired, with a combined number that only reaches 14 mpg. The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia should be an improvement, but we don’t know yet by how much.

Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL – Continued impressive three-row SUV driving

Passenger's side front angle view of 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, the longest-running vehicle of all time
2022 Chevy Suburban | Chevrolet

Pairing these two models together only makes sense; they share a platform and are the same size. In fact, the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL are the two largest three-row SUVs you’re going to find on this list. You might think that would put them at the bottom of the list for fuel mileage, but the fact is these two can give you an average of 16 mpg when you’re out for a drive.

Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon – A shorter wheelbase for these large SUVs

A dark blue 2022 GMC Yukon against a white background.
2022 GMC Yukon | GMC

A bit shorter than the other GM pair, the Tahoe and regular-length Yukon match each other in size and build to give you 17 mpg on average. The difference between this pairing and the previous GM pair is the amount of cargo room you find in the rear of the vehicle. If you’re looking for the best fuel economy numbers from this class, these two just might be at the top of your list.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer – The latest addition to the full-size SUV class

a new Jeep Grand Wagoneer SUV driving at speed on an open road
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer | Jeep

Typically, you don’t buy large SUVs to experience excellent fuel economy numbers, but it sure would be nice to save some money on gas. Jeep is entering this vehicle class once again with the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The fuel mileage you can expect to find from the massive Hemi V8 engines these two Jeep SUVs bring will average 15 mpg combined, which puts them near the bottom of the list.

Some New Large SUV Models Are On the Way

Thankfully, you won’t be mired by the low numbers of the current list of large SUVs that bring some fuel economy, but are not what you would find with smaller vehicles. There are several hybrid and electric models in the pipeline, including a new Toyota Sequoia Hybrid, that will be part of what we see in the near future. Maybe one of the new SUVs on the horizon will be what you’re looking for.

Which of the Large SUVs is Right for You?

Is there one of these models that you’ve wanted to drive? Do you want to enjoy the best fuel economy rating, or will you focus on towing and cargo capabilities instead? Now that you have a better idea of how much fuel you could save by driving a Chevrolet Tahoe versus a Ford Expedition, will you drive the bowtie brand or the blue oval? 

Next, learn which SUVs offer the best fuel mileage for your summer road trips, or check out the full-size SUVs in the video below:

This article was updated on7/20/2022.

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