Advancements in engineering and technology have significantly boosted the fuel efficiency of sports utility vehicles (SUVs). However, the bigger size and fuel economy often have an opposite connection. So, the question is, which large SUVs excel in mpg? We crunched data for the full size SUV with best gas mileage, and we will reveal 12 of the best for the 2023 and 2024 model years.
If you’re keen on gas savings without compromising the essence and adaptability of a big SUV, these are your top choices in today’s SUV market. Our data is sourced from the official fuel economy estimates provided by the EPA. Notably, electric vehicles, which don’t rely on fuel, have been excluded from consideration. Additionally, it’s worth emphasizing that opting for all-wheel drive (AWD) or trim with larger wheels can adversely affect the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Table of Contents
Full Size SUV with Best Gas Mileage
Looking for the Full Size SUV with Best Gas Mileage? This post reveals 12 top fuel-efficient large SUVs you can buy new.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
Mileage: 21/24 mpg city/highway | Overall Rating: 7.4/10
Full-sized SUVs like the 2023 Toyota Sequoia prioritize spaciousness. Toyota’s latest redesign has made it more competitive than ever. The Sequoia boasts roomy first and second-row seats, although the third row is somewhat cramped, and cargo space falls short of some rivals.
The revamp introduces a new powertrain – a hybrid system combining a turbocharged V6 with an electric motor and a 1.87-kWh battery pack. This configuration delivers 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, ensuring brisk acceleration for this sizeable vehicle. Additionally, it grants this hybrid SUV the capability to tow up to 9,520 pounds, making it suitable for hauling boats and trailers on weekend getaways.
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
Mileage: 21/28 mpg city/highway | Overall Rating: 8.5/10
The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe offers ample passenger and cargo space while maintaining agility on the road. It provides three engine options: a 355-hp V-8 and a robust 420-hp V-8. Additionally, a diesel inline-six is now available. Standard three-row seating, infotainment, and driver-assistance features are included even in the base LS trim. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the Z71 model with its two-speed transfer case, adjustable air suspension, and robust all-terrain tires. For a more upscale experience, consider the Premier and High Country models, but watch out for the higher price tag compared to Chevy’s competitors, like the Cadillac Escalade. The Chevrolet Suburban is a larger alternative if you require more cargo space.
2023 GMC Yukon
Mileage: 21/27 mpg city/highway |Overall Rating: 8.2/10
GMC’s Yukon stands out as a spacious SUV designed for passenger comfort, offering a smooth ride that’s further enhanced with the optional adaptive air suspension. Inside, there’s ample room for passengers to relax, and comfortable seating is provided in all three rows. While the standard configuration seats eight, choosing a front-row bench seat option allows for a nine-passenger capacity. This full size SUV with best gas mileage offers a choice of three engines, with the turbo-diesel offering optimal fuel efficiency at 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
2024 Ford Expedition
Mileage: 17/23 mpg city/highway | Overall Rating: 7.3/10
The 2024 Ford Expedition comfortably seats eight and boasts a remarkable 9000-plus-pound towing capacity, far surpassing the Honda Odyssey. Its body-on-frame build and all-wheel drive provide off-road confidence despite somewhat imprecise steering. Though slightly marred by cheap trim, spacious interiors make it a family-friendly SUV. Unlike competitors, this full size SUV with best gas mileage relies on a powerful twin-turbo V-6 for all models, ensuring swift journeys with ample cargo.
2023 Chevrolet Suburban
Mileage: 21/27 mpg city/highway | Overall Rating: 8.0/10
A legendary name dating back to 1935, the Suburban is now in its 12th generation. This full size SUV with best gas mileage offers three rows, seating for up to eight passengers, and impressive towing capacity. Engine options include a standard 355-hp V-8, an optional 277-hp inline-six turbo-diesel, and a 420-hp gas V-8, all paired with a ten-speed auto gearbox. Cargo space is vast, beating the Jeep Wagoneer with folded third rows. An air suspension ensures a smooth ride. While the interior lacks flair, the 10.2-inch touchscreen excels in climate and navigation control. Opt for the diesel engine for better fuel economy.
2024 Audi Q7
Mileage: 19/25 mpg city/highway | Overall Rating: 7.9/10
The 2024 Audi Q7 stands out as a luxury three-row SUV, boasting premium materials, a comfortable ride, and standard three rows of seats. Notably, it strikes a balance in size, not as massive as a full-size SUV but rather a sleek crossover that accommodates seven passengers. This design contributes to its composed and nimble on-road performance, perfect for road trips with a cushy suspension and rich interior. However, being introduced in 2017, it shows some age in its styling and engine options, lacking newer rivals’ excitement and fuel efficiency. While Audi has updated the Q7 for 2024, you can consider larger, more modern alternatives like the X7 or GLS in the same price range.
2023 Jeep Wagoneer
Mileage: 17/23 mpg city/highway | Overall Rating: 8.1/10
In 2022, Jeep introduced the new full-size Wagoneer SUV, along with its Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer L siblings in the USA. These SUVs offer powerful engines, an upscale interior, and three rows of seating, competing with the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon. Derived from a robust truck platform, they can tow up to 10,000 pounds. The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer offers two engine options: a 392-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and a 420-hp 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, both paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and various 4WD systems.
2024 Lincoln Navigator
Mileage: 17/23 mpg city/highway | Overall Rating: 8.3/10
The 2024 Navigator, much like its predecessors, displays immense luxury. The driver can indulge in a 30-way heated and ventilated massage seat, all while benefiting from Lincoln’s hands-free highway driving assistance system, BlueCruise 1.0. Accommodating up to eight passengers, the Navigator offers ample space, even in the third row, thanks to Lincoln’s compact independent rear suspension. While it shares its platform with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator resides in a higher echelon of luxury, featuring interior themes with names like “Central Park” and “Invitation.”
Offered in short and long-wheelbase variants, the extended one delivers ample cargo room, even with the third row occupied. A 440-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 is the only option, enabling an acceleration to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.
2024 Cadillac Escalade
Mileage: 21/27 mpg city/highway | Overall Rating: 8.3/10
In more than 20 years since its debated debut, the Escalade has transformed from a glammed-up GMC Yukon into Cadillac’s iconic flagship. Now in its third model year, the current-generation Escalade maintains its connection with the Yukon and Chevy Tahoe/Suburban while exuding luxury to rival top-tier competitors like the Lincoln Navigator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Lexus LX600. Impressively, it outperformed these rivals in a recent comparison test by C&D. Thanks to its plush ride, confident handling, and a potent 6.2-liter V-8 (with an optional torque-rich turbo-diesel inline-six), the Escalade shines. Its high-tech interior boasts a curved OLED digital display.
For those mindful of gas mileage, consider the turbo-diesel engine. As for 2024, there are no significant changes; the focus seems to be on the upcoming electric Escalade iQ. If you’re in the market, opt for the Premium Luxury Platinum trim for ultimate luxury, including semi-aniline leather, 16-way power seats with massage, and advanced tech features. The Sport Platinum offers a similar experience with a darker exterior. The V-Series is the only way to go for maximum performance.
2023 Lexus LX
Mileage: 17/22 mpg city/highway | Overall Rating: 8.1/10
The Lexus LX, a robust full-size luxury SUV with the best gas mileage, retains its off-road prowess while sharing its foundation with the discontinued North American Toyota Land Cruiser. Sporting a 409-hp twin-turbo V-6 and a 10-speed auto with 4WD, it competes with the BMW X7 and Cadillac Escalade, offering a unique experience for adventurous souls. It epitomizes comfort with a plush ride, adjustable air suspension, and comfy seats. The 2023 model remains essentially unchanged, with the Luxury trim being the best value, boasting semi-aniline leather, a Mark Levinson stereo, and 22-inch wheels. Opting for the Ultra Luxury trim reduces seating to four but rivals Range Rover, BMW, and Mercedes in luxury.
2024 BMW X7
Mileage: 21/25 mpg city/highway | Overall Score: 9.4/10
The 2024 BMW X7 may divide opinions with its unique split-headlight design, but those who can overlook it will discover the ultimate full-size luxury SUV. Priced at nearly $83,000, the X7 caters to well-off buyers, offering unmatched handling and a range of powerful engines, including a silky 375-hp straight-six and a monstrous 630-hp twin-turbo V-8 exclusive to the Alpina XB7. Standard all-wheel drive and air suspension provide a smooth ride, creating a serene cabin atmosphere.
The 2024 model remains largely unchanged from the previous year’s refresh. Notable updates for this full-size SUV with the best gas mileage include optional “Crystal” headlights and an illuminated kidney grille.
The Driving Assistant Professional package introduces a semi-autonomous mode called Highway Assistant, enabling hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on compatible roads. We recommend the X7 xDrive40i, offering standard features like four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats with memory, heated front seats, and a power tailgate. Enhance it further with Vernasca leather upholstery and the Premium package for a head-up display, gesture controls, and soft-close doors. The 2024 X7 consistently exceeds expectations.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Mileage: 18/23 mpg city/highway | Overall Score: 8.4/10
In the domain of full-size luxury SUVs with top gas mileage, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class stands out as a symbol of opulence. In 2024, it receives not only aesthetic upgrades but also a power boost in its engine lineup. The base GLS now boasts 375 horsepower, propelling up to seven individuals to 60 mph in less than six seconds. On the road, it rivals the agility of the BMW X7 and surpasses competitors like the Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator in body control.
Inside, the GLS embraces modernity with a dashboard borrowed from the GLE-class SUV. It offers room for seven or can be configured for six with optional captain’s chairs. Passenger space is generous, even in the third row, making it a comfortable choice in the luxury SUV market.
