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The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieved the highest fuel economy at 37.9 mpg in a 250-mile real-world test, making hybrid powertrains the clear choice for saving money on gas. Our recent comparison of seven 2025 model-year compact SUVs reveals that while hybrids dominated the top spots, even traditional gas-powered models are more efficient than ever. This analysis provides a clear ranking to help you make an informed purchase decision based on actual road-trip efficiency.
To ensure fair and realistic results, we conducted a controlled 250-mile drive through the Hill Country outside Austin, Texas. We drove each vehicle as a normal owner would, avoiding extreme hypermiling or aggressive speeding. Each SUV was set to its Normal driving mode, with climate control set to a comfortable temperature and windows closed. To eliminate driver bias, we rotated drivers between vehicles throughout the journey. Every vehicle started with a full tank of premium gas and was refueled at the same pump at the end to calculate precise, pump-calculated mpg, which we then averaged with the trip-computer reading. This method provides a reliable estimate of what you can expect on a highway-biased road trip.
The results clearly show that hybrid models offer a significant efficiency advantage. The following table summarizes the fuel economy results for all seven SUVs tested.
| SUV Model | Powertrain Type | Real-World Tested MPG |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE | Hybrid | 37.9 mpg |
| 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring | Hybrid | 36.5 mpg |
| 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited | Hybrid | 33.6 mpg |
| 2025 Subaru Forester Sport | Gas-Only | 31.2 mpg |
| 2025 Nissan Rogue Platinum | Gas-Only (Turbo 3-cyl) | 30.8 mpg |
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature | Gas-Only | 28.1 mpg |
| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ | Gas-Only | 27.6 mpg |
An important takeaway is that five out of the seven SUVs averaged over 30 mpg, demonstrating strong overall efficiency in the class. The gap between the least efficient hybrid (Tucson) and the most efficient gas-only model (Forester) was relatively small. It's also noteworthy that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, with a well-established hybrid system, still outperformed newer competitors.
Based on our assessment experience, the lower fuel economy of the Mazda CX-5 and Chevrolet Equinox can be attributed to specific features rather than inherent inefficiency. The Mazda CX-5 was equipped with an optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivered the most powerful driving experience in the test group, trading some efficiency for performance. The Chevrolet Equinox was the Activ trim, which comes with more rugged all-terrain tires that increase rolling resistance and slightly reduce gas mileage. In different driving conditions or with different trim choices, their results could be closer to the 30 mpg mark.
For buyers prioritizing fuel savings, choosing a hybrid model is the most effective strategy. The tested hybrids consistently delivered superior mileage. However, the results also show that you don't necessarily have to choose a hybrid to get good gas mileage. Models like the Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue proved that modern gas engines can also be highly efficient.
Key considerations for your purchase include:
The compact SUV market offers excellent choices for every priority, and our test confirms that good fuel economy is now a standard feature, not a rare exception.
