Methodology
To identify the most fuel efficient new full-size SUVs, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data on estimated miles per gallon from the Environmental Protection Agency. SUVs are ranked on the highest EPA combined MPG available for each nameplate. In the case of a tie, when possible, the vehicle with the highest combined MPG floor, or the lower estimated annual fuel costs, ranks higher. We did not include electric vehicles or plug-ins.
Full-size SUVs are defined as those weighing between 6,000 and 9,999 pounds. In cases where a vehicle nameplate has packages that both exceed and fall below 6,000 pounds, we only considered the 6,000 pound and up packages.
Though SUVs are ranked on the most efficient combination of engine and drivetrain for combined city and highway driving, we also provide the range of fuel efficiency for each nameplate for all models available.
Estimated annual fuel costs are also from the EPA and assume 15,000 miles of driving – 55% city and 45% highway – with fuel costs of $3.42/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, $3.88/gallon for mid-grade unleaded gasoline, and $4.19/gallon for premium.
