Best Fuel Efficient SUVs: Top MPG Picks for Chicago Drivers (2026)
Whether you’re a driving enthusiast with an unquenchable thirst for adrenaline or you’re simply an individual looking to stretch your fuel budget as far as possible, saving money at the pump is a universally appreciated concept that most drivers can appreciate. Fuel efficiency can play a tremendous role in your vehicle ownership experience, with many of today’s buyers choosing models with high MPG ratings. SUVs of decades past had a reputation for gas-guzzling, lumbering performance capabilities. That’s no longer the case when you look at the current landscape of SUVs available on the market! To help you find the ultimate SUV with superior fuel economy, our team at the Joe Rizza Auto Group has assembled this handy guide. Check out our top picks for the best fuel-efficient SUVs money can buy!
Best Fuel-Efficient Compact Luxury SUV – Acura ADX
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: Up to 26 / 31 / 28 MPG (FWD)
Key Features
- Standard 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC engine (190 HP / 179 LB-FT TQ) with sport-tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) and available advanced all-wheel drive system
- Integrated Dynamics System with up to five distinct driving modes including driver-customizable Individual mode
- Qi-compatible 15W wireless smartphone charger
- 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit™ digital instrument display and 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto™ compatibility
- Available 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
- Standard AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies
- Optional power tailgate with walk away close & hands free access
Proof that prestige and performance are no longer mutually exclusive, the dynamic Acura ADX is a compact luxury SUV that pushes the limits of efficiency and exhilaration. While its city-sized platform is perfect for exploring urban environments, the ADX is ready to go the distance as well thanks to its standard turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and sport-tuned continuous variable transmission (CVT). This means that in addition to 190 turbocharged horsepower, the Acura ADX lets you experience the freedom and flexibility of up to 31 MPG highway fuel economy to take your travels further than ever before.
Best Fuel-Efficient All-Electric Midsize SUV – Ford Mustang Mach-E
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: Up to 115 / 104 / 110 MPGe (RWD, Extended Range)
Key Features
- All-electric powertrain with standard-range (73.0 kWh lithium-ion battery) and extended-range (88.0 kWh battery) options with a targeted maximum range of an EPA-estimated 320 miles
- Available Mach-E GT Performance Upgrade rated for 0-60 MPH in 3.3 seconds (480 horsepower / 700 lb-ft of torque)
- Drainable front trunk storage unit with 4.7 cubic feet and interior cargo capacity of 59.7 cubic feet
- Three unique drive experiences – Whisper, Engage, and Unbridle
- Next-generation SYNC with 15.5-inch touchscreen display
- Charge time – 10% to 80% in approximately 32.3 minutes while charging on a DC fast charging station (standard range)
- Ford mobile charger (included) adds an estimated average range of 22.2 miles per charging hour on a 240V outlet
While you may recognize the name, the Ford Mustang Mach-E combines sizzling performance capabilities with astounding efficiency thanks to its sophisticated all-electric powertrain. You probably never imagined that you could unleash the fury of up to 480 horsepower, hit 0-60 MPH in as little as 3.3 seconds, and enjoy the effortless acceleration that an EV is known for. You also probably never guessed that all of the above is possible while producing absolutely zero greenhouse gas emissions! The Mustang Mach-E retains all of the practicality you’d expect from an SUV as well, evidenced by a cavernous 59.7 cubic feet of interior cargo space.
Best Fuel-Efficient Full-Size SUV – GMC HUMMER EV SUV
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: Up to 59 / 47 / 53 MPGe (2-Motor Drivetrain)
Key Features
- Choice of 2- or 3-motor all-electric drivetrain with 570 horsepower and 7,400 lb-ft of torque or 830 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque
- 800V DC charging up to 300 kW, adds 100 miles of range in 12 minutes
- Up to 319 miles of range
- CRABWALK™ diagonal maneuverability
- Air suspension able to lift ground clearance by up to 6 inches
- Available ULTRAVISION including underbody cameras
- Super Cruise™ hands-free driving
- Available Extreme Off-Road Package
- Infinity Roof with modular removable panels
Easily one of the most recognizable American SUVs of all time, the GMC HUMMER EV SUV combines the unmistakable on-road presence of a full-size SUV with a remarkably efficient all-electric powertrain. Buyers will have their choice of 2-motor or 3-motor drivetrains, producing up to an astounding 830 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. Packed with plenty of GMC-first features, the HUMMER EV SUV is available with CRABWALK™ diagonal maneuverability and a specialized air suspension that helps you perform both on and off the pavement. Fuel-conscious SUV shoppers will be delighted to learn that you can travel up to an impressive 319 miles using solely electric power behind the wheel of the GMC HUMMER EV SUV.
Best Fuel-Efficient All-Electric Luxury SUV – Porsche Cayenne Electric
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: Coming Soon
Key Features
- Standard dual-motor electric drivetrain producing 435 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, or available Turbo model with 1,139 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque
- Towing capacity of 7,716 pounds
- Matrix Design LED Headlights
- Adaptive Air Suspension incl. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
- Extended Ambient and Communication Lighting
- Soft Close Doors
- Porsche Wireless Charging System
Often credited with kickstarting the performance-focused SUV segment singlehandedly, the Porsche Cayenne name is coveted among driving enthusiasts. These same enthusiasts can now experience the same track-tested engineering and high-octane thrills that have made the model a tremendous success. However, the Cayenne Electric ups the ante with a cutting-edge all-electric drivetrain featuring wireless charging capabilities, something the world has never seen before. Whether you prioritize maximum efficiency or maximum exhilaration, the Cayenne Electric is a refreshing new way to experience the precision and passion that’s synonymous with the Porsche brand.