10 Full-Size SUVs With Surprising Fuel Economy

Traditionally, full-size SUVs were synonymous with power and spaciousness, often at the expense of fuel efficiency. However, the game is changing quickly, and technology and engineering have led to a new generation of full-size SUVs that defy this stereotype. These full-size SUVs achieve impressive fuel economy without compromising on much of anything.

These large SUVs certainly haven’t gotten any smaller, but they have gotten smarter. Automakers are squeezing more miles out of every gallon with smaller turbocharged engines, hybrid powertrains, and advanced transmissions that optimize efficiency without dulling performance. The result? Full-size SUVs that still deliver the commanding presence, cavernous interiors, and towing capability buyers expect—just without the constant pit stops.

Models like the Toyota Sequoia Hybrid or the diesel-powered Chevrolet Tahoe. These aren’t just fuel-sipping crossovers masquerading as SUVs; they’re the real deal—body-on-frame brutes built to haul, tow, and tackle rough terrain. Yet, thanks to clever engineering, they manage fuel economy figures that would have been laughable a decade ago. The days of choosing between capability and efficiency are fading fast, and this new breed of full-size SUVs is proving that you can, in fact, have both.

2025 Lexus TX 500h

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 28 MPG

8.5/10

Model: TX 500h F-Sport
Trim Tested: Performance Luxury

A long time in the making, Lexus finally produced a formidable contender in the growing full-size luxury crossover SUV space to compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X7. And it does a grand job at doing so.

Lexus SUVs have the well-earned reputation of having all the reliability of Toyota, and none of its typical starkness. The 2025 Lexus TX emerges as an interesting addition to the full-size SUV segment – basically an upmarket Toyota Grand Highlander – with an insane combined fuel economy of up to 28 MPG. This efficiency is thanks to a range of powertrains, including gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The plug-in hybrid variant offers up to 33 miles of electric-only range, making it a strong choice for anyone looking for size and luxury without fooling with a V8.

2025 Cadillac XT6

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 23 MPG

Base Trim Engine: 2L I4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 235 HP @5000 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 21/27/23 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Cadillac
Model: XT6

Often overshadowed, the 2025 Cadillac XT6 sits just below the Cadillac Escalade in terms of carrying around fancy people, but whoops it with a combined fuel economy of up to 23 MPG, this full-size SUV caters to those seeking a premium driving experience without excessive fuel consumption. It’s got what you should expect from a Cadillac interior, advanced technology features, and three-row seating.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 23 MPG

Base Trim Engine: 2.4L Turbo Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 22/25/23 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Toyota
Model: Land Cruiser
Segment: Full-Size SUV

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is the ultimate full-size SUV, and only now, after decades, can the Land Cruiser earn that reputation without getting 14 MPG. Thanks to its 2.4-liter inline-four turbo hybrid engine, it achieves a combined fuel economy of up to 23 MPG. This is very good news for fans of full-size SUVs.

2025 Chevrolet Tahoe

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 23 MPG

Base Trim Engine: 5.3L
Base Trim Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy: 15/20 MPG
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Tahoe
Segment: Full-Size SUV

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe stands out as another former fuel hog now with an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 23 MPG with the diesel and 17 MPG with gas, making it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid large SUVs around. This achievement comes from its advanced engineering and aerodynamic design. The Tahoe offers a huge interior, real-world towing capabilities, and a suite of modern amenities.

2025 BMW X7

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 23 MPG

Base Trim Engine: Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-6
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy: 21/25/22 mpg | 16/21/18 mpg
Make: BMW
Model: X7
Segment: Large Luxury SUV

The 2025 BMW X7 is pretty unique on this list because it’s not a big lumbering rectangle. In fact, it’s pretty damn far from it. Despite the BMW being a sportier, seven-seater rig, it can still get up to 23 MPG combined when properly equipped. It’s big, it’s pretty fast, and it still won’t kill you at the gas station.

2025 Toyota Sequoia

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 22 MPG

Base Trim Transmission: 10-speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 437 hp
Base Trim Torque: 583 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 21/24 MPG
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 21/24/22 mpg
Make: Toyota
Model: Sequoia
Segment: Full-Size SUV

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia, equipped with a hybrid powertrain, offers a notable improvement in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors, a combined 22 MPG to be exact. Of course, the integration of hybrid technology brings the big Toyota this combination of performance and efficiency.

2025 Kia Telluride

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 22 MPG

Base Trim Engine: L LAMBDA II V6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 291 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 262 lb.-ft. @ 5200 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 20/26/22 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Kia
Model: Telluride

The Kia Telluride was a sensation when it debuted in 2019. The 2025 Kia Telluride has been building on what made it so popular back then; an upscale, full-size SUV that wasn’t $100k and got decent gas mileage. I doubt anyone will ever be overly excited about driving a Kia Telluride, but they are also pretty hard to critique.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 21 MPG

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the finest full-size SUVs on this list. These things are huge, leather-clad seven-seaters with power and a smooth ride. Still, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS gets a combined 21 MPG from its turbocharged 3.0L inline-six. This is a tough one to beat.

2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 20 MPG

Base Trim Engine: Hurricane 3L ICE
Base Trim Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 510 HP @5700 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 500 lb.-ft. @ 3500 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 14/20/17 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Jeep
Model: Grand Wagoneer

The 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the latest of a line that marked a major paradigm shift in the Jeep brand; a very large luxury SUV that had nothing to do with outdoors, but instead taking the indoors with you everywhere. The fact that this houseboat can yield a combined 20 MPG is nothing short of a miracle.

2025 Lexus LX

Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 20 MPG

Base Trim Engine: 3.4L V6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 409 HP @5200 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 479 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 17/22/19 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Lexus
Model: LX

The 2025 Lexus LX is a masterclass in balancing brute strength with refined efficiency. This isn’t some gas-guzzling dinosaur clinging to outdated V8 excess—Lexus has dialed in a twin-turbocharged V6 that packs plenty of punch while being decent at the pump. With a combined 20 MPG, it’s surprisingly frugal for a three-row luxury fortress that can crawl over rocks and tow your house. Lexus’ off-road wizardry—like adaptive suspension and multi-terrain modes—should give drivers some confidence when hitting the rougher stuff.

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