SUVs are one of the most sought-after vehicle segments in today's markets. Often providing a comfortable ride, plenty of space, and driving from a height that beats cars, these vehicles are a leading choice for those looking for a family ride. You'll see them in the city very often, and they've become so popular that new types of vehicles have become a staple of the automotive industry: regular crossovers, small SUVs, subcompact crossovers... the possibilities are endless.

As with all cars, though, there must be some type of energy that moves SUVs. Some type of fuel, you may say. And the thing is, fuel is quite expensive today. As we approach an economic recession, the cost of living takes a toll on everybody, and the more we can save on everyday expenses, the better. As transport to and from work is inevitable, a great option would be to ride a car that turns out to be fuel efficient. Easy enough for someone who lives on their own. But what about couples, or even families? Is there a way around the costs of fuel without having to give up a useful SUV?

For those who may be looking for the perfect option without having to break the bank, here are five SUVs with incredible fuel economy, so that you can focus on your daily tasks, more than you do daily expenses.

2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Combined Fuel Economy: 28 MPG

If you're looking for your big family SUV of choice, this one might be a great option. The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a fair alternative for those looking to accommodate up to seven people inside, and, at the same time, pair the chores of the whole group with impressive mileage. Toyota's big SUV is able to do an estimated 28 miles to the gallon on all even surfaces. Inside or outside the city, the Highlander Hybrid lets its passengers go quite far without demanding more fuel. Driving out of the gas station on a full tank, you'll have over 450 miles to think going hybrid was actually a great choice.

Fuel Economy

Although costly when it launched — we're talking $50,000 — today a Hybrid Highlander from 2016 will cost you just about half of that when searching in sites like Edmunds. That's not bad at all for a vehicle powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, several electric motors, and all-wheel drive, plus all the technology that would have justified its price back in the day. Let's not forget the little 14 cubic feet of space in the back, which can grow about six times when lowering all seats minus the front. Handy, to say the least.

Related: 10 Best SUVs With The Most Cargo Space For 2023

2018 Nissan Kicks

Combined Fuel Economy: 33 MPG

Nissan's subcompact crossover from 2018 can also provide impressive numbers when it comes to fuel efficiency. The Nissan Kicks entered the market that year being priced at a lower point than its competitors, around $18,000, grabbing the attention of many. And actually, the Kicks is a very solid choice when it comes to a daily driver pick for a small family, or a young couple even. For obvious reasons you shouldn't push it too hard out of the concrete, but as far as the city and highway go, you're good to go on this good-looking crossover. What's more, its small size will get you far. We're talking 33 miles to the gallon when combining its 31 MPG on the city and the 36 MPG on the highway.

Fuel Economy

The just-shy-of-11-gallon tank size might be a drawback for those who want to go a few extra hundred miles without having to stop for a refill, but, to be honest, 350 miles is breathtaking. Plus, the Nissan Kicks is a fairly small vehicle, so there's no safe way to fit a bigger tank inside. Its drivers should know, though, that it comes in front-wheel drive, so that's an aspect to look out for when bringing the Kicks out for a more daring drive in uneven terrain. For all your daily needs, though, it works flawlessly: it drives well, it provides space, driver and passengers sit a tad higher than on a sedan or coupe, and it will care for your wallet when it comes to fuel. What more could you ask for? It's quite a reliable car.

2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid

Combined Fuel Economy: 34 MPG

If the Kicks is a bit too small for your taste, here's another great option for you to stay loyal to Nissan while also saving some money on gas stations along the way. From the same year as the past entry, the 2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid invites the same number of occupants as the Kicks, but with more ride height, a decent amount of cargo space, and a 4-cylinder gasoline engine edited the hybrid route. Its technology allows for an extra mile for every gallon of fuel in the tank in comparison to the subcompact crossover, upping the count to 34 MPG. Not only that: you also get a 14.5-gallon capacity, providing a theoretical drive of almost 500 miles before it runs out of gas.

Fuel Economy

Yes, the acceleration is not the best and the third row of seats was not an option for 2018's Rogue Hybrid, but it more than makes up for both with its amazing mileage. This SUV provides a smooth cruise, with comfortable front and rear seats, suspension that is neither stiff nor excessively soft, and its CVT transmission, which offers the 34 miles per gallon previously discussed, while, unfortunately, taking a bit too much of the fun of a responsive car out of the equation. For a daily driver, though? It's a great choice.

Related: Why There’s Nothing Wrong With The 2023 Nissan Rogue

2018 Kia Niro

Combined Fuel Economy: 49 MPG

One of Edmunds' Best Hybrid SUVs in 2018, the Kia Niro has the appearance of a fairly standard SUV these days: low to the ground, big, with sporty looks, and a running on gasoline to power a single engine. Of all those statements, only the fourth is wrong. The Niro is an unsuspected hybrid, and its clever engineering is the reason why it makes this list. Its tank, which can carry nearly 12 gallons of fuel, provides the car with enough energy to last a jaw-dropping 583 miles. How? Well, this car has an estimated mileage of 49 miles to the gallon.

Fuel Economy

Often considered the most fuel-efficient SUV consistently through the years, the Niro's fuel performance is a main factor as to why people get their hands on one. And how wouldn't you, to be honest? $1,100 a year on fuel seems like a bargain these days. The batteries are located under the rear seats, and so not only does that leave a bit of extra cargo space in the back, but it also keeps its center of gravity closer to the ground, causing the Niro to act much more as a car than an SUV on the road. Cargo space, though, is quite slim from the get-go, 19 cubic feet. In the Niro, cargo space is sacrificed for an extra of legroom for all passengers, front and back. If that floats your boat, this Kia is a no-brainer when looking for an efficient SUV.

Related: The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid Is A Cool Affordable Hatchback That Looks Awesome

2022 Toyota Yaris Cross

Combined Fuel Economy: 59 MPG

Granted, this is not the largest SUV out there, and therefore comes as less practical than other entries on this list, but when taking out paper and pen — and cash — at the gas station, the 2022 Toyota Yaris Cross' colors start to shine. Its tiny tank holds less than 10 gallons of fuel, yet, somehow, this little crossover can drive a full 560 miles (!) on it. A 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine gone the hybrid route can put out an impressive record of 59 miles to be driven with each gallon of gasoline. If that's not impressive enough, for city use only, Toyota estimates a fuel economy of 66 MPG. That's almost 630 miles on a full tank, in the city! Honestly, fuel shouldn't be an issue onboard this SUV.

Fuel Economy

This one is a no-brainer for those who are looking for a small SUV with just enough space, just enough height, and absurd fuel economy. For all aspects outside the gas discussion, it performs averagely: it offers a very sober drive, it can fit four people, yet it's best suited for a couple, and, for most purposes, it is a lifted Yaris. If you're a fan of the Yaris hatchback, chances are you'll fall in love with the Yaris Cross. Otherwise, it's not as easy of a pill to swallow. For a useful SUV that cares about your wallet, though, the 2022 Yaris Cross is an absolute and clear winner, by a mile. Or rather, by a couple of hundreds.