For decades, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have represented overindulgence: they consume a large amount of gasoline, thereby squandering fuel at every turn and burdening motorists with substantial expenses each time they refuel. When gasoline prices soared to startling levels in the early 2000s, the allure of owning an SUV significantly diminished. Very few were willing to allocate their whole paycheck solely to cover the cost of fuel.

Times have shifted. While it appeared that SUVs were on the brink of extinction, they have remarkably evolved and improved. Now, the SUV is not seen as the prime example of excessive consumption.

Currently, large vehicles achieving good fuel efficiency is a reality. Rather than ceasing to produce and avoiding SUVs, automobile manufacturers are increasing their output of these large, sporty vehicles. A fierce competition has emerged among leading car producers, each striving to achieve the highest fuel efficiency in their latest SUV models.

If you're in the market for an SUV but are concerned about both your budget and environmental impact, consider the latest models. These newly updated SUVs are designed to use minimal gasoline while still providing the ample space and dimensions you desire.

Here is a list of six SUVs that currently offer the best fuel economy in the market.

1. Nissan Rogue

This compact crossover with front-wheel drive resembles an SUV visually, yet fundamentally, it's a compact automobile enhanced by its bold design and comes with a reasonable price of $26,480. It offers seating for five and is equipped with a 170 bhp engine. While it might not rival the power of a conventional SUV, the Rogue compensates with its fuel efficiency and light build, achieving 26 mpg in urban settings and 33 mpg on the highway when set to 2-wheel-drive mode.

Already a top choice among America's favorite crossover SUVs, this Nissan model is ideal for city living. However, it's not suited for serious off-roading or towing, given its limited 1000lb towing capacity.

2. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V's starting price of $26,950 makes it pricier than many other compact SUVs. Despite being categorized as a compact, the CR-V excels in fuel efficiency and provides all the essential features that most SUV enthusiasts desire.

Should maximizing efficiency be your primary concern, then avoid the standard 2.4-liter engine and opt instead for the 1.5-liter turbo option. Although this selection increases the cost of this small SUV, the investment is recouped through savings on fuel. With this engine, anticipate achieving 27 mpg in urban settings and 33 mpg on freeways. Additionally, you have the option to select from the LX, EX, or EX-L variants.

The 1500lb towing capability may not be extensive, yet it is commendable within its class. In compact SUV comparisons, the CR-V has captured the affection and admiration of automotive journalists.

3. Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 stands out as a genuinely sophisticated vehicle, and its 2.5L, 16-cylinder engine delivers an impressive 187 bhp along with 185 lb.-ft. of torque. Such power ensures the SUV excels relative to its rivals, particularly with a fuel economy of 24 mpg in urban settings and 31 mpg on interstate routes. While there are SUVs with better fuel efficiency, the CX-5 offers a comprehensive set of features without feeling like a concession.

The starting price is $24,045 for the entry-level Sport model, with the Touring, Grand Select, and Grand Touring variants rounding out the selection, escalating the cost to approximately $30,000. The fundamental version has a towing capacity of up to 2000 lb, indicative of significant SUV towing capability.

4. Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has become an iconic model for its successful design, achieving widespread popularity. It offers fuel efficiency with 23 mpg in urban areas and 30 mpg on highways. With a purchase price of $25,605, the Escape is an economical option for an SUV. Given its dimensions, it stands out for its fuel economy.

This sleek, small crossover ranks as Ford's top seller after the F-Series truck, and it boasts a towing capacity of up to 3500lb when equipped with the larger 2-liter engine.

5. Audi Q3

Purchasing an Audi typically requires a significant investment, yet the Q3 remains one of the more accessible options priced at an affordable $32,900. It is classified as another crossover, not a complete SUV, utilizing the A3 framework. As a smaller vehicle relative to the rest on this list, the Q3 carries a prestigious nameplate that effectively attracts those concerned with brand perception.

Furthermore, the 2-liter TFSI engine achieves 23 mpg in urban settings and 28 mpg on freeways. It features a luxurious cabin, along with 200 bhp and a substantial 207 lb.-ft. of torque, compensating for its marginally reduced fuel economy, while allowing it to tow 2,200 lb.

6. Kia Sportage

The entry-level Kia Sportage may not be the top performer in fuel efficiency on this list, yet it stands out as an economical SUV choice priced at $23,500. Moreover, you will continue to benefit from fuel savings, thanks to its robust 181 bhp engine that produces 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Nonetheless, the vehicle achieves only 23 mpg in urban settings and 30 mpg on highway drives.

Kia's SUV is surpassed by many vehicles in this roundup, yet it remains a skilled SUV brimming with technology and an impressive 7-year guarantee. Additionally, it has the capacity to tow 2000 lb, providing it with a superior edge in robustness compared to its rivals.

Don’t Sacrifice Savings To Own An SUV

There's no justification for shunning the purchase of a new SUV when you have options like these available. Remarkably fuel-efficient and designed with a greater environmental conscience than their predecessors from the past decade, the SUVs and crossovers featured here offer an ideal mix of spaciousness and fuel economy.