When shopping for an SUV, most buyers focus primarily on size and utility; after all, most growing families need at least two rows of seating, while some require three. Towing capacity and cargo space are also key considerations, especially for those who like to haul boats, trailers, or gear for outdoor adventures.But there is more to a great SUV than its size and capability. Some models manage to deliver strong performance while remaining fuel-efficient. In this list, we'll highlight some of the most popular SUVs that strike the balance between power and fuel economy.To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. 2025 Nissan Rogue MSRP: $28,590 The Nissan Rogue has always been a safe choice in the compact SUV segment as it offers plenty of value for the money. The Rogue starts at under $30,000 and is well-equipped in its base form, but buyers can opt for the higher trim levels for more interior comfort and in-cabin technology.2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek Exterior (22)For those seeking a little more ruggedness in their daily lives, there is a Rock Creek Edition. Regardless of which Rogue trim level you choose, it comes equipped with the same turbocharged three-cylinder engine that generates 201 horsepower and powers either the front wheels or all four. It's also impressively efficient, delivering up to 37 MPG on the highway. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox MSRP: $28,600 Don't let the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's rugged look fool you, as it's quite the softy on the inside. What we mean is that it has a plush interior that's filled with a lot of tech-savvy features in addition to comfortable seating for five. It also blends peppy performance with solid fuel economy, thanks to its 1.5-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine.2025 Chevrolet Equinox TopSpeed (18)The little engine produces 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque and is paired with either a CVT or an eight-speed automatic, depending on whether it's front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Additionally, the Equinox can get up to 29 MPG on the highway (26 MPG combined), offering a good balance of power and efficiency ideal for daily commutes and weekend adventures. 2025 Hyundai Tucson MSRP: $28,705 The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is an excellent choice if you're looking for a compact SUV with plenty of style, power, and fuel efficiency. Beneath its origami sheet metal, the Tucson houses a comfortable interior that's adorned with soft materials and plenty of tech. Under its hood is a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT Front Side TopSpeedThat potent little engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic drivetrain, which can be configured in either front-drive or all-wheel drive depending on your traction needs. In front-drive form, the Tucson can get up to 33 MPG on the highway and up to 30 MPG when all four wheels are being driven. That's impressive, considering that means it can get up to 400 miles of driving range on a single tank. 2025 Toyota RAV4 MSRP: $29,250 The Toyota RAV4 has looked far more rugged over the years, but that doesn't mean it's not fuel-efficient. Quite the contrary, considering there is a plug-in hybrid and hybrid variant, both of which can achieve over 40 MPG. However, the regular gas-powered model is still efficient in its own right.2025 Toyota RAV4 XSE All-Wheel Drive Front Three-Quarter 04That version is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It earns a solid EPA rating of 27 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, which equates to up to 480 miles on a tank of gas, making it perfect for weekend getaways and daily driving. 2025 Ford Escape MSRP: $29,515 Whether you're looking for peppy turbocharged acceleration, hybrid efficiency, or semi-electric commuting, the 2025 Ford Escape offers four different powertrains to suit your needs. However, if you only prefer to buy a gas-powered SUV, then the Escape has a couple of different engines to choose from.Black Escape PHEV front-quarterThe base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque and gets up to 34 MPG on the highway in front-drive form. The all-wheel-drive configuration decreases that number by two. If you want more power, the higher trim levels are equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that pumps out 250 horsepower and gets up to 31 MPG on the highway. Either engine is great for daily commuting or highway road trips. 2025 Subaru Forester MSRP: $29,995 The Subaru Forester was updated for the 2025 model year, and it now boasts a new look and a few new features. However, its base four-cylinder engine is still the same. Under its hood is a 2.5-liter Boxer engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a CVT, which sends power to all four wheels.2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid front quarterCombined, the punchy engine is able to achieve up to 29 MPG combined, which results in a generous driving range of up to 550 miles on a single tank. If that's not enough for you, Subaru just released a Forester Hybrid variant with 194 horsepower and up to 35 MPG in combined driving, which is a large improvement over the gas-only version. 2025 Dodge Hornet MSRP: $29,995 If you're looking for a powerful little SUV, then the 2025 Dodge Hornet has what you need. The Hornet punches above its weight class, thanks to a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that produces nearly 300 horsepower, in addition to a standard all-wheel drivetrain. With that kind of power and traction, the Hornet can rocket up to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds.2024 Dodge Hornet in blue driving on a streetBut having all that power doesn't mean that it's a gas guzzler. Instead, the Hornet can achieve up to 29 MPG on the highway, which is a little less than its rivals, but not bad for the performance it gives you. If you need more power and efficiency, the Hornet R/T, with its plug-in hybrid setup, delivers 288 horsepower and a massive 383 pound-feet of torque while giving you up to 33 miles of electric range and 77 MPGe. 2025 Mazda CX-5 MSRP: $28,770 The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is an elegant compact SUV that has sleek exterior lines and a comfortable interior with near-luxury aesthetics. It also comes with two different engine choices, depending on which trim level you choose. The lower trim levels are powered by a 2.5-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower while achieving up to 29 MPG on the highway.2025 Mazda CX-5 in white driving on city streetThat's the one to get if you're mainly looking for fuel efficiency and don't care about power. But if you do care about power, we recommend opting for one of the higher trim levels, which comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that boosts the power output to 256 horsepower on premium fuel. The larger engine doesn't sacrifice fuel economy, as the higher trims can get up to 27 MPG on the highway. 2025 Honda CR-V MSRP: $30,100 Whether you choose the regular gas-powered Honda CR-V or the hybrid version, there's no doubt that it will strike a good balance of power and efficiency. It's also very spacious, with plenty of room for five and all their stuff, not to mention a robust list of standard and tech-savvy features. But the real story is its powertrains.2025 Honda CR-V in blue parked next to lake houseThe gas-powered model is motivated by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 190 horsepower and is paired with a CVT. This version can get up to 34 MPG in front-drive form and up to 32 MPG in AWD guise. But if you want more efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid is the one to get with its 204-horsepower engine and 40 MPG combined rating. 2025 Lexus NX MSRP: $42,260 The 2025 Lexus NX is available in a few different trim levels that can fit your budget. If you want a gas-only version with the best fuel economy, the NX 250 is what you seek. It comes equipped with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that boasts 203 horsepower and gets up to 28 MPG combined.A dynamic front-quarter tracking shot of a blue 2025 Lexus NX 350h drivingBut if you need more power, then the NX 350 is the way to go with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that generates 275 horsepower and up to 24 MPG combined. Lastly, the NX hybrid produces 240 horsepower and gets up to 39 MPG combined and up to 41 MPG in the city. Whichever trim level you choose, you really can't go wrong.