Mar 3, 2023

Whether you like to go adventuring, want to take your family on a road trip, or just need to bring home groceries, a Toyota SUV gives you the cargo room, passenger space, and capability you need. There are a lot of Toyota SUVs to choose from, including the iconic 4Runner and stunning Venza. If you’re trying to decide which SUV is right for you, learning more about each model’s fuel economy can help. In this article, we’ll go over the fuel economy for the highest trim options and front-wheel drive versions of the 2023 models when they’re available. Here’s everything you need to know about which Toyota SUV best gas mileage.

Which Toyota SUV Gets The Best Gas Mileage?

The most fuel-efficient Toyota SUV is the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid. Toyota’s SUVs range greatly in power, performance, configuration, and fuel efficiency to offer something for every kind of driver. The 4Runner is iconic for being great at off-roading but comes in with a lower fuel rating at just 17 miles per gallon combined. The RAV4 and Corolla Cross are Toyota’s best non-hybrid SUVs for fuel efficiency. 

RAV4

Combined MPG: 30 miles per gallon

Starting MSRP: $27,975

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the most versatile SUV for the weekend adventurer who wants to switch between city and country driving. Coming in at 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway, it’s right in the middle of the Toyota SUV fuel economy ratings. The RAV4 comes in colors including Magnetic Gray Metallic, Lunar Rock, Wind Chill Pearl, Ice Cap, Cavalry Blue, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, Blueprint, and Silver Sky Metallic.

If you’re looking for a new SUV, you might also be considering the Ford Escape. The Escape is an SUV that many compare to the RAV4 because of its size and capabilities. The Escape is slightly cheaper than the RAV4 with a starting MSRP of $27,500, but the RAV4 offers more for horsepower, off-roading, and towing.

Corolla Cross

Combined MPG: 32 miles per gallon

Starting MSRP: $23,060

When you go for the 2023 Corolla Cross, you’re not only saving money at the pump, but you’re also saving money on the price of the car. The Cross has the lowest starting MSRP on Toyota SUVs and is a great option for the SUV buyer who wants the most bang for their buck. It averages 31 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway and comes in colors including Celestite, Wind Chill Pearl, Cypress, Barcelona Red Metallic, Blue Crush Metallic, Sonic Silver, and Jet Black.

Like the Corolla Cross, the Jeep Compass is a mid-size SUV. The Jeep Compass has a starting MSRP of $27,285 and offers up to 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. This makes the Corolla Cross more affordable and more efficient than its Jeep counterpart.

Which Hybrid Toyota SUV Gets The Best Gas Mileage?

Hybrid SUVs use both gasoline and electric power to optimize fuel efficiency. Toyota offers several hybrid models, including the Highlander and RAV4 Hybrids, which take already great SUVs and boost the fuel efficiency.

Highlander Hybrid

Combined MPG: 36 miles per gallon

Starting MSRP: $40,220

The non-hybrid Highlander offers up to 25 miles per gallon combined, which makes the hybrid model a huge upgrade for fuel economy. The Highlander Hybrid comes in colors including Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Cypress, Blueprint, Ruby Flare Pearl, Moon Dust, and Cement.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is one SUV that offers similar cargo space and features as the Highlander Hybrid. The Santa Fe Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $35,910, which does make it slightly more affordable than the Highlander Hybrid. Fuel economy is where the Highlander Hybrid shows its strengths, though, coming in with 36 miles per gallon combined compared to the Santa Fe’s 34.

Venza

Combined MPG: 39 miles per gallon

Starting MSRP: $34,120

If you’re looking for the perfect city-driving SUV with tons of high-tech features and amazing fuel economy, the Venza might be the right choice for you. It offers up to 40 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. You can upgrade the Venza with the JBL Premium sound system, customize the 12.3-inch touch screen, and marvel at the skies using the Star Gaze panoramic roof, which allows you to alternate between transparent and opaque modes. The Venza comes in colors including Ruby Flare Pearl, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Black, Coastal Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Titanium Glow, and black.

RAV4 Hybrid

Combined MPG: 40 miles per gallon

Starting MSRP: $30,725

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the best Toyota SUV for gas mileage. For the Toyota SUV gas mileage comparison, it comes in at one mile per gallon higher than the 2023 Venza. It comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with front and rear electric drive motors. It offers up to 219 horsepower and has 8.1 inches of clearance so you can tackle even the toughest terrains. The RAV4 Hybrid offers all the same great features as the RAV4, but with a boosted fuel economy from the extra electric power. This model comes in the same colors as the RAV4.

Like the RAV4 and the Ford Escape, the RAV4 Hybrid is often compared to the Ford Escape Hybrid. While the two options are roughly the same price and get around the same miles per gallon, the RAV4 offers more off-roading capabilities and roomier seating areas.

We hope this guide has helped you learn more about Toyota SUV mpg and capability. When it comes to getting the right SUV for you, it’s all about the right blend of power, efficiency, and value. Whether you go for the mighty RAV4 or the innovative Venza, a Toyota SUV is sure to fit your needs. To find the SUV of your dreams, check out our new RAV4 or our pre-owned SUVs. You can also swing by the dealership for a test drive or talk to one of our dedicated professionals to learn more about the financing options for your next SUV.

Image by Stephen Andrews is licensed with Unsplash License