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Fuel efficiency is one of the most important things to search for when buying a new SUV. The best ways to eliminate fuel consumption and spending at the pump are to buy a hybrid or fully electric vehicle. However, hybrids and electrics aren’t for everyone. Many drivers don’t want a hybrid model for one reason or another, so finding a standard gas-only model with excellent fuel economy is challenging. Here are the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs of 2022.

The most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2022

A red 2023 Nissan Rogue is driving on the road. It's one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs of 2022 with great fuel economy.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue | Nissan

According to Kelley Blue Book, the most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2022 each use hybrid powertrains. The best of which is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which averages 40 mpg combined. We aren’t surprised, as the RAV4 is one of the most popular crossovers in the world. Additionally, the hybrid starting price of just $30,790 makes it one of the most affordable ways to save on fuel while fitting your entire family inside an SUV. Following the RAV4 is its smaller sibling, the Toyota Venza. It averages a slightly worse 39 mpg using a hybrid engine but starts slightly higher at $34,455.

Most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUV of 2022: Nissan Rogue

On KBB’s list of fuel-efficient SUVs, the first that doesn’t use a hybrid powertrain is the 2022 Nissan Rogue. This seventh-place ranked model starts at $28,445 and averages 33 mpg combined. Additionally, the compact two-row crossover uses a new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder version of the VC-Turbo direct-gasoline injected engine good for 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. For under $30,000, the Rogue is the most fuel-efficient SUV that remains gas-only in 2022.

The 2022 Nissan Kicks is a fuel-efficient non-hybrid

An orange Nissan Kicks, maker of the 2024 Nissan Kicks. It's one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs of 2022 with great fuel economy.
Nissan Kicks | Getty Images Photographed by Kiyoshi Ota

Next, the 2022 Nissan Kicks is the second-most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUV. Using only one engine in the lineup, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Best of all, its average fuel economy is 33 mpg combined. In addition to being one of the most fuel-efficient models with a non-hybrid engine, the Kicks is one of the most affordable compact crossovers money can buy. It starts at $21,285 and is the most affordable option in the Nissan SUV lineup.

Affordable and fuel-efficient: 2022 Hyundai Kona

A white 2022 Hyundai Kona N, It's one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs of 2022 with great fuel economy.
2022 Hyundai Kona N | Hyundai Motor America

The third-most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUV is the 2022 Hyundai Kona. Starting at $22,595, the Kona is the most affordable SUV in the Hyundai lineup. It’s similar in a lot of ways to the Nissan Kicks. However, the Kona lineup features a wide variety of engine options, unlike its Nissan rival. Base Konas use a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder good for 147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft of torque, and 32 mpg combined. The optional engines are a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 2.0-liter turbocharged version, both of which lose fuel economy compared to the base unit.

Non-hybrid SUVs with excellent fuel economy

In conclusion, there are some excellent non-hybrid SUVs that have outstanding fuel economy. Although buying a hybrid or electric vehicle will maximize your savings on gasoline, these models aren’t bad either. The 2022 Nissan Rogue, Nissan Kicks, or Hyundai Kona are each fantastic options. Each model is a compact crossover that doesn’t use a hybrid powertrain. However, you’ll be pleased with the excellent fuel economy provided by any of these non-hybrid SUVs.

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