7 Full-Size SUVs That Are Also Great On Gas

AutoGuide.com Staff
by AutoGuide.com Staff

Full-sized SUVs provide incredible utility for hauling large families and towing heavy cargo, but their sheer size usually comes with a steep penalty at the gas pump. Fortunately, modern powertrain technology—from high-efficiency twin-turbo V6s to advanced hybrids and frugal diesels—has made reaching 20+ mpg on the highway an achievable benchmark for many full-size models.


If you are shopping in the $60,000 to $150,000 range, here are 7 of the most fuel-efficient full-sized SUVs on sale today, ranked by their peak EPA-estimated highway fuel economy:

1. Chevrolet Suburban (Duramax Diesel)

  1. Highway MPG: 24 to 26 mpg
  2. Starting MSRP: $75,490 – $88,495 (+$2,795 Destination)
  3. The Reality: Taking the top spot for overall full-size fuel economy, the Suburban achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg highway in rear-wheel-drive configuration (24 mpg with 4WD). Powered by GM's 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six producing 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, it pairs incredible long-distance highway range with massive interior cargo volume. Inside, it features a massive 17.7-inch Google-based central touchscreen, an 11-inch digital driver display, and available luxury options like a power-sliding center console and Bose surround sound.

2. BMW X7 xDrive40i

  1. Highway MPG: 25 mpg
  2. Starting MSRP: $87,500 (+$1,550 Destination)
  3. The Reality: Proof that pure gasoline powertrains can still deliver exceptional highway frugality, BMW's flagship X7 xDrive40i achieves an impressive 25 mpg highway. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six works alongside a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup to output 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque via standard all-wheel drive. The luxurious three-row cabin offers seating for up to seven, standard four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a curved display housing a 14.9-inch infotainment screen alongside a 12.3-inch driver cluster.

3. Toyota Sequoia

  1. Highway MPG: 22 to 24 mpg
  2. Starting MSRP: $65,725 – $86,135 (+$2,195 Destination)
  3. The Reality: As one of the few standard hybrid full-size SUVs on the market, Toyota's largest utility vehicle generates a massive 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque from its i-Force Max twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 hybrid setup. Rear-wheel-drive variants reach up to 24 mpg on the highway, while 4WD models deliver 22 mpg. Available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations, the Sequoia blends Toyota's legendary reliability with tech features like an available 14-inch touchscreen, panoramic roof, and adaptive air suspension.

4. Jeep Grand Wagoneer

  1. Highway MPG: 23 to 24 mpg
  2. Starting MSRP: $65,000 – $101,400 (+$2,795 Destination)
  3. The Reality: Anchoring the top end of Jeep's lineup, the Grand Wagoneer draws power from Stellantis' 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six engine, churning out 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. In rear-wheel-drive form, it returns 24 mpg on the highway, dropping slightly to 23 mpg when equipped with four-wheel drive. The plush interior offers rich material quality, standard three-row room, massaging front seats, a 10.1-inch infotainment display, and an available Alpine audio system.

5. Lincoln Navigator

  1. Highway MPG: 22 to 23 mpg
  2. Starting MSRP: $89,995 – $114,995 (+$2,895 Destination)
  3. The Reality: Lincoln's ultra-luxury flagship utilizes a high-output 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 sending 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The setup returns 23 mpg highway in RWD and 22 mpg with 4WD. To justify its luxury price tag, the cabin treats occupants to an expansive 4-foot dashboard display screen, a 28-speaker Revel audio system, ambient lighting, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seating across the first two rows.

6. Ford Expedition Max

  1. Highway MPG: 22 to 23 mpg
  2. Starting MSRP: $63,600 – $82,695 (+$2,795 Destination)
  3. The Reality: Adding nearly a foot of total length over the standard Expedition, the Max trim maximizes cargo room behind the third row while matching the Navigator's highway fuel economy figures (23 mpg RWD / 22 mpg 4WD). Driven by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 making 400 horsepower (or an available 440 hp tune), it packs practical features like a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, a 24-inch panoramic driver display, and a 360-degree camera system.

7. Lexus LX 700h

  • Highway MPG: 22 mpg
  • Starting MSRP: $108,550 – $143,050 (+$1,450 Destination)
  • The Reality: The most expensive full-size offering on this list, the LX 700h features a high-output version of Toyota's twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 hybrid powertrain making 457 horsepower. Offered strictly with four-wheel drive, the LX matches the 22 mpg highway rating of its 4WD Toyota Sequoia sibling. Luxury is the primary focus here, featuring a 12.3-inch primary display, a 25-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and an ultra-exclusive four-seat VIP configuration on top-spec trims.


Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletterhere.

AutoGuide.com Staff
AutoGuide.com Staff

More by AutoGuide.com Staff

Comments
Join the conversation
 2 comments
  • Jab169020046 Jab169020046 2 days ago

    We just returned from a trip to the UK and Ireland and while in Ireland for two weeks I rented a SQ8 Audi turbo diesel. I believe it has around 415 HP or so and 600 pounds of torque. It was surprisingly powerful and quick and yet after 1000+ miles of driving my highway mileage was around 37 mpg and in the towns was still in the high 20’s.!! Can you explain why mileage is so dramatically better across the pond?

    • Michael Accardi Michael Accardi 2 days ago

      Diesel. It's simply more efficient and energy dense — containing in the realm of 20-30% more energy per drop than gasoline.


Next