Luxury and efficiency are no longer odd bedfellows. For 2025, the marketplace is crowded with high-end crossovers that prioritize low running costs without forcing buyers to give up premium cabins, advanced safety tech, or credible towing chops. What’s changed in recent years is the range of architectures: conventional hybrids that squeeze more mileage from small-displacement engines, plug-in hybrids that let owners commute on electricity most days, and clever packaging that keeps cargo and passenger space usable.
The models that follow illustrate the spectrum, from compact, city-friendly hybrids to three-row PHEVs that can cover daily errands on battery power and still cruise cross-country when the family piles in. Each entry here is chosen for how far it stretches a gallon (or kilowatt-hour) while preserving the traits luxury buyers demand: quietness, material quality, and a sense that the vehicle was engineered around comfort, not just efficiency.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid
29 mpg combined
Alfa Romeo’s Tonale arrives as one of the more characterful entries in the compact-luxury segment, a product that deliberately wears Italian design language on its sleeve while offering a practical hybrid powertrain beneath. The Tonale’s hybrid variants balance sporty intent with the sort of fuel economy that buyers in this segment appreciate: the model, in many U.S. configurations, posts a combined number in the high-20s, which makes it competitive with mainstream compact crossovers but with a distinctly premium feel.
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What makes the Tonale interesting is the packaging: a usable electric assist in some trims gives the city-oriented buyer regular electric-only trips, while the combustion engine keeps long-range usability. Interior fit-and-finish punches above the Tonale’s price class, and the chassis tuning favors engaged driving without punishing passengers, a neat compromise for buyers who want flair and fuel savings in equal measure.
Lexus RX 350h
36 mpg combined
Lexus has leaned hard into hybridization for years, and the RX 350h is a textbook example of how to do it for the luxury buyer. The hybrid RX manages low running costs by marrying a smooth four-cylinder to an electric drive system that takes the sting out of city consumption, precisely where hybrids earn their keep. The result is combined fuel-economy numbers that routinely sit in the mid-30s, making the RX 350h one of the most economical options in its class.
The RX’s real-world advantage is twofold: low fuel bills during daily driving and the intangible benefit of Lexus ownership, predictable reliability, and a dealer network that treats hybrid systems as mainstream rather than experimental. Inside, the RX blends tactile luxury with modern infotainment and advanced driver aids, so you’re saving at the pump without feeling like you’ve traded down.
Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid
36 mpg combined
Lincoln’s Nautilus is the brand’s answer to buyers who want American-grown luxury with a softer ride and a calm cabin. The hybrid variant improves fuel economy significantly over the gasoline-only model, and while EPA numbers vary by trim, the Nautilus Hybrid’s package is about refinement more than headline mpg. What distinguishes Lincoln’s offering is its attention to comfort features, adaptive suspension, roomy seats, and intuitive controls, which make the Nautilus feel every bit the upscale cruiser it claims to be.
If you’re shopping for a luxury SUV and the mileage numbers are important but not the sole criterion, the Nautilus Hybrid is a balanced pick with respectable economy, a serene interior, and Lincoln’s signature ride tuning that soaks up long drives. It’s a strong choice for buyers who want luxury without being defined by fuel-economy numbers alone.
Lexus NX 350h
39 mpg combined
The NX 350h is a standout in the compact-luxury class because it pairs the brand’s hybrid expertise with a chassis and cabin that feel thoroughly modern. With combined figures pushing toward 40 mpg in many configurations, the NX 350h is an efficient way into the Lexus family without sacrificing technology, materials, or refinement. Its hybrid drivetrain is tuned for smooth transitions and immediate low-speed responsiveness, making it especially effective in urban and suburban driving.
Beyond the numbers, the NX offers strong resale value and the reliability that helps keep ownership costs low over the long run. For buyers who split commutes between city and highway driving, the NX 350h is one of the most cost-effective ways to own a compact luxury SUV.
Lexus UX 300h
43 mpg combined
The UX 300h is a reminder that you don’t need size to deliver luxury or efficiency. The smallest Lexus crossover uses low curb weight and an efficient hybrid system to post some of the segment’s best combined mpg figures. It makes exceptional sense for urban buyers who prioritize maneuverability, parking ease, and frugal running costs while still wanting a cabin that feels premium.
Inside, the UX trades the long-legged space of larger SUVs for a boutique interior that feels tailored: high-quality materials, a tidy dash layout, and Lexus’ usual attention to detail. The UX 300h is less about epic road trips and more about crisp, efficient daily mobility, and it does that job extremely well.
Volvo XC90 Recharge
55 MPGe combined
Volvo’s long-standing commitment to electrification shows clearly in the XC90 Recharge: a three-row SUV that offers genuine electric-only range for daily commutes and a hybrid mode that raises overall efficiency into the mid double digits. The XC90’s Scandinavian interior, with its restrained design and sensible tech placement, makes it one of the most comfortable family haulers in the premium space.
Volvo calibrates the XC90’s plug-in system for smoothness and linear throttle response, creating a quieter, more relaxed driving experience in EV mode. For families who want efficiency without giving up space or comfort, the XC90 Recharge is a logical and appealing choice.
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BMW X5 xDrive50e
58 MPGe combined
The X5 xDrive50e proves BMW can mix performance with efficiency. This plug-in hybrid keeps the dynamic chassis balance BMW buyers expect while offering a useful electric range and a combined MPGe figure that makes longer commutes cheaper when charged regularly. The blend of internal combustion power and electric torque preserves the brand’s sporty character even as it trims fuel consumption.
Inside, the X5 is loaded with technology, high-quality screens, strong driver aids, and a cabin shaped around the driver. The xDrive50e is ideal for buyers who want luxury and performance but also want meaningful savings when commuting on electricity.
Volvo XC60 Recharge
63 MPGe combined
Smaller than the XC90 but built with the same Scandinavian clarity, the XC60 Recharge is a refined compact luxury SUV with serious plug-in efficiency. Its high MPGe rating and usable electric range make it one of the best value propositions for commuters who want a premium badge without premium-level fuel expenses.​​​​​​​
Volvo tunes the XC60 for comfort and composure rather than aggressive handling, giving buyers a relaxed daily driver that also happens to be efficient. It’s a smart pick for those who want upscale design and strong running-cost savings in mixed driving.
Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring
76 MPGe
Lincoln’s Corsair Grand Touring is the brand’s compact plug-in answer for buyers who want near-EV running costs without giving up gasoline backup for road trips. With an MPGe rating that rivals many dedicated EVs, the Corsair Grand Touring offers useful electric range for short commutes and a quiet, plush cabin typical of the Lincoln brand.
The real win here is a comfortable, premium interior wrapped around a drivetrain that, when plugged in regularly, can cut weekly fuel bills dramatically. For drivers with short daily loops, few luxury SUVs make more financial sense.
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Lexus TX 550h+
76 MPGe combined
Lexus stretches its hybrid expertise into three rows with the TX 550h+, giving families space, refinement, and impressive efficiency in a full-size footprint. The TX posts MPGe figures that rival much smaller vehicles, making it attractive for buyers who want true family flexibility without huge fuel costs.​​​​​​​
On the road, the TX 550h+ leans into comfort-first engineering, with thick sound-deadening, soft ride quality, and plush seats. For households that can plug in regularly, the TX delivers the rare combination of luxury, space, and low running costs, a compelling mix in today’s market.
Sources: Manufacturers, FuelEconomy.gov
