The humble mid-size SUV is known for many things: hauling people and cargo, a big trunk, a tall driving position consumers love, off-road capability, and many more. Typically, all of these things eat into one aspect of the SUV's performance: fuel economy.Hybrids have aided in stymying this considerably, but they also carry a price premium and maintenance costs not found in their more traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. So, we've put together a list of thrifty, fuel-sipping SUVs that aren't going to kill you at the gas pump.To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced directly from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Models are listed from the least combined MPG to the most. 2025 Kia Telluride EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 22 MPG Though it ranks dead last on our list of fuel-efficient SUVs, the Telluride typically occupies the inverse spot. Simply put, it's the king of the mid-size SUV segment at the moment, and we don't see that changing anytime soon. The Telluride beats out competitors like the Ascent, Pilot, and Highlander, though it is a little thirsty, netting 22 MPG combined. However, the SUV also offers tons of space, an airy cabin, and great looks. There's also a huge run of standard features and a killer warranty.2025 Kia Telluride frontThe Telluride is also great to drive, with a surprisingly responsive V6 engine. The SUV is easy to park thanks to light steering, but it doesn't feel floaty going down the road. There are also three rows, unlike some SUVs on this list, which compromise space for fuel savings. We're also happy to report that the Telluride offers an extremely high-quality interior, and its supportive seats hold up well over long drives and day-to-day commuting alike. If you don't care too much about serious returns on fuel economy, the Telluride is still one of the best SUVs out there. 2025 Hyundai Palisade EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 22 MPG Likely thanks to fresher styling, the Palisade manages to eke out a little better fuel economy than its corporate twin, the Telluride. Like the Telluride, it's also one of the best SUVs on sale today. There's much to like here, too, including a similarly long list of standard features, like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. Drive the Palisade yourself, and you'll find it accomplishes much the same feat, with light steering and great maneuverability combined with a comfortable ride.2025 Hyundai Palisade front Sporting three rows, you'll again trade cargo capacity for fuel economy, though the Palisade's comfort may make up for it for some. The SUV has little road and wind noise, and you'd miss the engine noise while it's at idle if you aren't careful. There's also tons of legroom all around, which makes this a great commuter and great for the school run alike. 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 23 MPG If you dig the Atlas but don't need three rows, perhaps to save on costs and fuel, you can still have an Atlas. The Cross Sport is technically a separate model, but it's got all the stuff we like about the Atlas. It's also around five inches shorter in length and two inches smaller in height. The more thrifty Atlas doesn't skimp, though, and the added maneuverability was a real bonus. You'll absolutely notice it when parking.Atlas Cross SportLike many other VW products, you'll find the Atlas surprisingly sporty. The SUV feels agile, and the steering is accurate, while the ride is taut and body motions are well-controlled. The transmission isn't quite as smooth as others, but the interior helps make up for this with solid space inside. That comes in spite of the docked roof, and the seats feel plenty comfortable. However, visibility is a little compromised. 2025 Mazda CX-90 EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 25 MPG The Mazda CX-90 feels like it looks: premium to a "T." The SUV has incredibly sharp handling given its size, and the acceleration matches. This is without a doubt one of the best-driving SUVs on the list. We're also fans of the SUV's comfortable ride in spite of its sporty performance. You'll miss out on third-row space compared to some, and the premium price point certainly isn't for everyone, though Mazda does much to justify it.2025 Mazda CX-90 in maroon parked in parking lotInside, the CX-90's material selection is almost peerless. Each knob, dial, and button in the wonderfully physical interior feels great, and all the trimmings do, too. There's precious little cheap plastic inside, and the Mazda feels like a proper luxury car built like the luxurious SUVs from the days before tech became a substitute for luxury. However, there is some noticeable lag in the powertrain when you hit the gas, and the tight trunk may not be for everyone. 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 25 MPG The Chevy Blazer has been reinvented for the modern age. The SUV isn't the off-road, unkillable truck of yore, but it is much better behaved on the road. The SUV's a real looker, but beware, it does eat into rear seat space. On top of that, as you'll see shortly, the SUV's 25 MPG combined is pretty middle-of-the-road. There's a lot of other competition in this space that will manage the same while offering more enticing features.2025 Chevrolet Blazer in yellow parked in parking lotHowever, the small headroom and trunk space are somewhat offset by the Blazer's sporty RS trim. In spite of its relatively solid fuel economy, the RS trim gets its own unique suspension and steering system, as well as all-wheel drive, and a torque-vectoring rear diff adds a much more sporty vibe than anything else on this list. It's an excellent mix of tech, comfort, sporty attitude, and fuel economy as a result. 2025 Toyota Highlander EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 25 MPG The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a continuation of a segment staple. It's also another three-row'er, which might be a shock given the SUV's size. However, note that the third row here is more of an "in case you need it" deal, not something you'd want to use continually for lots of passengers. Despite that, a lot of what makes modern Toyotas great is present in the Highlander, including respectable fuel economy. The base four-cylinder feels snappy, too, and the car's ride is composed and quiet. It's pleasant enough to drive, and that's all it needs to do.Toyota_2025_Highlander_Turbo_Limited_CypressGreen_0001The Highlander also rides great, and it avoids feeling too squishy, rolling over most anything without much disruption. The SUV also manages to provide appealing tech thanks to Toyota's latest infotainment system, and there's a decent run of standard features here, including Toyota's Safety Sense suite of driver aids. The Highlander is a staple for a reason, and it excels at being just the right SUV for those with a family. 20205 Mazda CX-70 EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 25 MPG If you like the sound of the CX-90 but know you won't need a third row, the smaller CX-70 is effectively a CX-90 with the final row yanked out. As a result, the trunk capacity swells, and you'll find many of the same reasons we like the larger Mazda are present here. For one, the CX-70 drives beautifully, and even enthusiasts will be entertained by the car on a twisty road. However, it avoids being over-firm or overly aggressive, and its engine offers a great mix of power and efficiency. Plus, the latest in Mazda tech isn't a total drag.Top Speed Image - Mazda CX-70 Turbo S-5Like the larger Mazda, the CX-70's interior is a masterclass. The material quality and selection are top-notch, and the SUV has a luxurious interior, despite the fact that it undercuts many traditional German brands and their midsize offerings. Mazda also makes plenty of room for the little things inside, and higher trim levels truly feel no-compromise. 2025 Subaru Outback EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 28 MPG Shockingly, the SUV with standard all-wheel drive tops our list of the most fuel-efficient ICE SUVs. The Outback still feels like a lifted station wagon, and the big turbocharged engine is surprisingly fuel-efficient in addition to offering plenty of power and quick acceleration. The Outback is also pretty fun to drive, and we love the outdoorsy Wilderness trim (though this suffers in overall MPG).2025 Subaru Outback in blue parked off-roadIt's worth pointing out that Subaru recently updated the Outback, remedying our two biggest gripes. The poor center screen is now gone, and the driver aids are much improved as well. However, the EPA hasn't rated the latest model, while the 2025 model nets 28 MPG combined. It's a solid figure further propped up by an expansive interior, quality driving dynamics, and serious appeal for those with outdoorsy hobbies.