SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage In 2024 And Why Subaru Needs 4 New Hybrids

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Which are the most fuel-efficient new hybrids? Check out the list and see why Subaru needs a Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek hybrid.

Kelley Blue Book lists SUVs with the best gas mileage in 2024, but no Subaru models are on the list. It's because they need new 2024 hybrid models. One Subaru is listed as an honorable mention, but it's been discontinued—the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid. I covered the story in a previous report. You can read it here. 

The highest fuel mileage SUVs

Plug-In Hybrid SUVs (PHEVs):

  • 2024 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid: 108/48 mpg combined
  • 2024 Ford Escape PHEV: 101/40 mpg combined
  • 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 94/38 mpg combined
  • 2024 Lexus NX 450h+: 84/36 mpg combined
  • 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV: 84/35 mpg combined
  • Honorable Mention: 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: 90/35 mpg combined

The best Hybrid SUVs:

  • 2024 Kia Niro: 53 mpg combined
  • 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid: 43 mpg
  • 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: 42 mpg
  • 2024 Lexus UX 250h: 42 mpg
  • 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid: 40 mpg

What does KBB say about the 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid?

  • Fuel Economy: 90 MPGe / 35 mpg combined
  • Range: 480 miles (17 electric + 463 gas)
  • Price: $38,070

"The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is an honorable mention for a few reasons. First, the Crosstrek is significantly revamped for 2024, and a 2024 plug-in hybrid (which Subaru calls the Hybrid) hasn’t gone on sale yet. Also, while the 2023 model scores high enough to be ranked in third place in the list above, its electric-only range is limited to 17 miles."

"And its overall fuel economy isn’t quite as impressive as its 90 MPGe figure might indicate — although with its 35 mpg in hybrid mode, it’s certainly deserving of an honorable mention."

I have written a lot about Subaru needing new hybrid SUVs. Subaru Corporation is slow to bring new hybrid trims, but they are working on them now. 

The first Subaru SUV hybrid will be the remodeled 2025 Forester compact SUV. I recently wrote about the model being leaked from the Subaru dealer's meetings. But the next-generation Forester Hybrid is still a year away from making its U.S. launch.

Next is the Outback Hybrid trim level. Subaru gives the Outback a complete remodel for the 2025 model year, and the Japanese automaker is expected to provide the Outback with a new Hybrid trim. Still, it's yet to be confirmed by Subaru of America. 

The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek should also get a hybrid trim level, but the subcompact SUV hybrid has yet to be announced by Subaru. 

Subaru Corporation is collaborating with Toyota now on its new hybrid technology for Forester and its other models. It will be an improved version of what the Crosstrek PHEV offered. If Toyota gives Subaru the excellent hybrid technology it uses in the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, the Forester Hybrid will be a hot new compact SUV for Subaru of America's retailers.  

Subaru did not leak which powertrain the 2025 Forester Hybrid will use from its recent dealer meetings in Las Vegas. Either one would give the next-generation Forester a significant improvement in fuel mileage.  

KBB gives good advice on how to improve gas mileage in any vehicle. 

  1. Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflation can reduce gas mileage more than you'd think!
  2. Remove unnecessary cargo. Excess weight requires extra gas to accelerate up to speed, and it wears your brakes more as you slow down.
  3. Accelerate and decelerate smoothly rather than suddenly. Both speeding up and slowing down can waste fuel.
  4. Slow down! This one applies mainly to highway driving, as the energy required to maintain speed increases considerably once you reach highway speeds.
  5. Use these tips in your current Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and other gas-powered all-wheel-drive vehicles. New Subaru Hybrid SUVs are coming, just not fast enough. Stay tuned. 

This is the latest information regarding the Subaru Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek hybrid models. I'll keep you updated as I learn more about each new model.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

Your Turn

What do you think? Would you buy a new Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek hybrid trim level?

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Hybrid SUV story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

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I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA