As gas prices continue to rise and environmental concerns grow, more and more drivers are looking for full-size SUVs that offer better gas mileage. However, not all SUVs are created equal when it comes to fuel efficiency. In this article, we will take a closer look at the factors that affect gas mileage in full-size SUVs and explore the top full-size SUVs with the best gas mileage.
Factors Affecting Gas Mileage in Full-Size SUVs

Gas mileage is affected by several factors, including the size and type of the engine, the type of transmission, the vehicle’s weight, its aerodynamics, and driving habits.
Engine Size and Type
The size and type of the engine play a significant role in determining the SUV’s fuel efficiency. Generally, smaller engines are more fuel-efficient than larger engines. Additionally, hybrid engines, which use both gasoline and electricity to power the vehicle, offer better gas mileage than traditional gasoline engines.
Transmission Type
The type of transmission also affects the SUV’s fuel economy. Automatic transmissions are generally less fuel-efficient than manual transmissions. However, some modern automatic transmissions are designed to be more fuel-efficient than older models.
Vehicle Weight
The weight of the SUV also affects its gas mileage. Heavier vehicles require more fuel to move, making them less fuel-efficient than lighter vehicles.
Aerodynamics
The SUV’s aerodynamics also play a role in its fuel efficiency. SUVs with more aerodynamic designs, such as a sleeker front end and a lower profile, are generally more fuel-efficient than boxier SUVs.
Driving Habits
Finally, driving habits can significantly impact the SUV’s gas mileage. Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can decrease fuel efficiency. Additionally, driving at higher speeds can reduce gas mileage due to increased wind resistance.
Top Full-Size SUVs with the Best Gas Mileage

Now that we know the factors that affect gas mileage in full-size SUVs let’s take a closer look at the top full-size SUVs with the best gas mileage.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a full-size SUV that offers a great balance of power and fuel efficiency. The vehicle is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 332 horsepower. The Tahoe Hybrid also boasts an impressive 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined city and highway driving, making it one of the most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs on the market.
GMC Yukon Hybrid
The GMC Yukon Hybrid is another full-size SUV that offers excellent fuel efficiency. Like the Tahoe Hybrid, the Yukon Hybrid is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 engine paired with an electric motor. The vehicle produces a combined 332 horsepower and boasts an impressive 22 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Stay tuned for the next sections to learn about other top full-size SUVs with the best gas mileage and how they compare to each other.
Top Full-Size SUVs with the Best Gas Mileage (Cont’d)
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a popular full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior and impressive towing capacity. The Expedition is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle boasts an impressive 20 mpg in combined city and highway driving, making it one of the more fuel-efficient full-size SUVs on the market.
Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is another popular full-size SUV that offers excellent fuel efficiency. The Sequoia is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle boasts an impressive 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs in its class.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior. The Armada is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower and is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle boasts an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, making it one of the less fuel-efficient full-size SUVs in its class.
Comparison of Gas Mileage in Top Full-Size SUVs
To help you compare the gas mileage of each SUV, we have created a chart that compares the fuel efficiency of the top full-size SUVs. The chart includes the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, GMC Yukon Hybrid, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada.
Full-Size SUV | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
---|---|---|---|
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid | 21 | 27 | 23 |
GMC Yukon Hybrid | 21 | 27 | 22 |
Ford Expedition | 17 | 23 | 20 |
Toyota Sequoia | 15 | 19 | 17 |
Nissan Armada | 14 | 19 | 16 |
As you can see, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid offer the best fuel efficiency of the full-size SUVs, boasting an impressive 23 and 22 mpg combined. The Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia offer respectable fuel efficiency for their class, while the Nissan Armada is the least fuel-efficient of the group.
When considering the fuel efficiency of each SUV, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each vehicle’s overall performance, including factors such as towing capacity, interior space, and overall driving experience. Ultimately, the best full-size SUV with the best gas mileage will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Top Full-Size SUVs with the Best Gas Mileage (Continued)
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior and excellent fuel efficiency. The vehicle is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Expedition boasts an impressive 21 mpg in combined city and highway driving, making it a top choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient full-size SUV.
Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that offers a powerful engine and good fuel economy. The vehicle is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sequoia boasts an impressive 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs on the market.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior and great performance. The vehicle is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower and is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada boasts an impressive 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, making it a top choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient full-size SUV.
Tips for Improving Gas Mileage in Full-Size SUVs
While choosing a fuel-efficient full-size SUV is important, there are also several things you can do to improve your SUV’s gas mileage.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups, can help keep your SUV running efficiently and improve gas mileage.
Proper Tire Inflation
Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by reducing rolling resistance.
Avoiding Excessive Idling
Idling for extended periods can waste fuel and decrease gas mileage. Turn off your engine when you’re parked or waiting in traffic.
Avoiding Heavy Loads
Carrying heavy loads can reduce fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary items from your SUV to improve gas mileage.
Using Cruise Control
Using cruise control on the highway can help maintain a consistent speed and improve gas mileage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a full-size SUV with the best gas mileage is essential for those looking to save money on fuel costs and reduce their environmental impact. The top full-size SUVs with the best gas mileage include the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, GMC Yukon Hybrid, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada. In addition to choosing a fuel-efficient SUV, regular maintenance, proper tire inflation, avoiding excessive idling, avoiding heavy loads, and using cruise control can all help improve gas mileage. When looking for the best full-size SUV with the best gas mileage, consider your priorities and choose the SUV that best fits your needs.