Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Fuel-Efficient Midsize SUVs: 2025 Hybrid Picks and Gas Benchmarks

The 2025 Sorento Hybrid FWD and Santa Fe Hybrid FWD are each rated at 36 mpg combined. See how AWD, third-row space, and conventional SUVs compare.
Entry880 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The 2025 midsize SUVs with the strongest supported fuel-economy figures here are the front-wheel-drive Kia Sorento Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, each EPA-estimated at 36 mpg combined. Their all-wheel-drive versions are rated at 34 mpg, while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is rated at 35 mpg combined. These are useful comparisons—not a verified ranking of eight distinct vehicles: exact trim-level EPA records are not established for every candidate below.

This shortlist covers three-row family SUVs and crossovers, rather than treating “midsize” as a single EPA class. It includes hybrid options, a larger hybrid candidate with an unverified trim-specific figure, and two conventional-SUV benchmarks. Ratings below are for the named configuration, not necessarily every version of a model.

Which 2025 midsize SUVs have the best-supported fuel economy?

The top confirmed combined rating in this shortlist is 36 mpg for both the Sorento Hybrid FWD and Santa Fe Hybrid FWD. Choosing AWD changes the figure: both hybrids are rated at 34 mpg combined. The Highlander Hybrid is rated at 35 mpg combined. These ratings are U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Energy guide figures for model year 2025. 2025 Fuel Economy Guide

2025 configuration EPA-estimated combined fuel economy What to know
Kia Sorento Hybrid FWD 36 mpg Highest confirmed figure in this three-row comparison; the AWD version is rated lower.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD 36 mpg The AWD version is rated at 34 mpg; check the intended seating and cargo layout.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 35 mpg Close to the two FWD leaders; verify the rating for the exact trim and equipment.
Kia Sorento Hybrid AWD 34 mpg Two mpg below the FWD rating for this hybrid.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD 34 mpg Its rating is two mpg below the FWD configuration.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Up to 36 mpg combined reported by Edmunds; exact trim-level EPA figure not established here Consider it as a larger three-row hybrid, but confirm the exact configuration’s EPA record before comparing or ranking it.

The EPA and DOE guide also gives annual fuel-cost estimates of $1,250 for the Santa Fe Hybrid FWD and $1,300 each for the Santa Fe Hybrid AWD and Sorento Hybrid AWD. These are guide estimates, not a prediction of an individual owner’s bill; real costs depend on mileage, fuel prices, and driving conditions. 2025 Fuel Economy Guide

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the mpg figures do—and do not—tell you

Compare the exact drivetrain

Use the rating for the precise configuration you would buy. The Sorento and Santa Fe hybrid ratings each fall from 36 mpg combined with FWD to 34 mpg with AWD. A model-level headline can obscure that difference. The EPA’s standardized estimates help compare vehicles, but actual fuel economy varies with driving conditions and use.

Do not treat plug-in-hybrid MPGe as gasoline mpg

Plug-in hybrids can operate on electricity, gasoline, or a blend. Their electric or blended-operation MPGe is not directly comparable to gasoline-only mpg. The 2025 guide reports these modes separately; the practical benefit depends on whether you can charge regularly and how you drive. Charging may be available at home, work, multifamily housing, or public stations. 2025 Fuel Economy Guide

Rank #2
RAREELECTRICAL Radiator Compatible With 2016-2023 Volvo Xc90 T5 T8 Momentum
  • Compatible with Volvo,Audi,XC-90. Please verify your OEM part number from your original unit to help ensure fitment.
  • Replaces: Replaces Oem Part Numbers: / Volvo Oem: 32224828 / Supersedes: 31338288 / Partslink: Vo3010124 / Specifications: / Core Material: Aluminum / Tank Material: Plastic / Rows: 1 / Transmission Oil Cooler: None / Engine Oil Cooler: None / Application: / Volvo Xc90 T5 2.0L L4 Turbo Fwd/Awd 2016-2023 / Volvo Xc90 T6 2.0L L4 Turbo Supercharged Awd 2016-2023 / Volvo Xc90 T8 2.0L L4 Plug-In Hybrid Awd 2016-2023 / Radiator - 2016-2023 Volvo Xc90 T5 T6
  • Applications: Volvo: / Xc90 T5 2.0L L4 Turbo Momentum/Inscription Fwd/Awd 2016-2023 / Xc90 T6 2.0L L4 Turbo Supercharged Momentum/Inscription/R-Design Awd 2016-2023 / Xc90 T8 2.0L L4 Plug-In Hybrid Momentum/Inscription/Excellence Awd 2016-2023
  • Applications: ...
  • Radiator - Source: Aftermarket

Model-year 2025 data can be preliminary

The EPA’s Automotive Trends public summary covers fuel economy and vehicle attributes for model years 1975–2025, but the agency identifies the 2025 values in that dataset as preliminary. Treat fleet-trend figures accordingly; they are not a final validation of a particular SUV’s trim-level rating. EPA Automotive Trends

How to weigh efficiency against three-row space

Fuel economy is only one part of the decision if all three rows will be occupied. Edmunds’ comparison notes that the Sorento and Highlander have less third-row legroom and less cargo room behind the raised third row than larger three-row SUVs. In that comparison’s testing, the Sorento AWD reached 0–60 mph in 7.6 seconds and the Highlander Hybrid in 8.2 seconds; these are test results, not EPA fuel-economy figures. Edmunds Sorento and Highlander comparison

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
RAREELECTRICAL Oem Grade Radiator Compatible With 2016-2023 Volvo Xc90 T5
  • Compatible with Volvo,Audi,XC-90. Please verify your OEM part number from your original unit to help ensure fitment.
  • Replaces: Replaces Oem Part Numbers: / Volvo Oem: 32224828 / Supersedes: 31338288 / Partslink: Vo3010124 / Specifications: / Core Material: Aluminum / Tank Material: Plastic / Rows: 1 / Transmission Oil Cooler: None / Engine Oil Cooler: None / Application: / Volvo Xc90 T5 2.0L L4 Turbo Fwd/Awd 2016-2023 / Volvo Xc90 T6 2.0L L4 Turbo Supercharged Awd 2016-2023 / Volvo Xc90 T8 2.0L L4 Plug-In Hybrid Awd 2016-2023 / Radiator - 2016-2023 Volvo Xc90 T5 T6
  • Applications: Volvo: / Xc90 T5 2.0L L4 Turbo Momentum/Inscription Fwd/Awd 2016-2023 / Xc90 T6 2.0L L4 Turbo Supercharged Momentum/Inscription/R-Design Awd 2016-2023 / Xc90 T8 2.0L L4 Plug-In Hybrid Momentum/Inscription/Excellence Awd 2016-2023
  • Applications: ...
  • Radiator - Source: Aftermarket

If the third row is for occasional use, a more compact three-row SUV may suit your needs. If adults will ride there regularly or you need luggage space with every seat in use, compare the actual cabin and cargo layout of larger alternatives before prioritizing a small mpg advantage.

How do conventional midsize SUVs compare?

Toyota’s comparison lists the 2025 Grand Highlander LE FWD and Ford Explorer Active RWD at 24 mpg combined. Those figures are for the exact trims and drivetrains named—not all versions of either model. The same comparison reports 8 seats and 20.6 cubic feet behind the raised rear seats for the Grand Highlander LE FWD, versus 6 seats and 16.3 cubic feet for the Explorer Active RWD. These are manufacturer-reported, trim-specific figures. Toyota Grand Highlander comparison

Rank #4
XDGDHSH Full Car Cover for Ford Explorer Hybrid Midsize SUV 2020-2026, Water-Resistant Outdoor Car Cover with Side Zipper, Wind-Resistant Automobile Covers for All Season Sedan Storage,A Orange
  • 🚗【Outdoor Car Cover for Daily Vehicle Storage】Outdoor Full Car Cover for Ford Explorer Hybrid Midsize SUV 2020-2026. This full car cover is suitable for outdoor parking, driveway storage, garage use, and long-term vehicle coverage. Please measure your car before purchase for a better fit.
  • 🚗【Water-Resistant Lightweight Material】Made with upgraded multi-layer fabric, this outdoor car cover helps reduce exposure to rain, dust, dirt, leaves, and seasonal outdoor conditions. Lightweight construction allows easier installation, removal, and compact storage when not in use.
  • 🚗【Driver-Side Zipper for Quick Access】Built with a convenient side zipper, allowing easier access to the driver seat area without removing the entire cover. Suitable for daily commuting, temporary parking, and regular outdoor use.
  • 🚗【Reflective Strips for Night Visibility】Reflective safety strips help improve visibility in dark parking areas, garages, streets, and driveways while adding a clean modern appearance to the full exterior car cover.
  • 🚗【Suitable for All-Season Outdoor Use】Ideal for helping keep your vehicle cleaner during sun, rain, snow, dust, bird droppings, and falling leaves exposure. Foldable design includes convenient storage for everyday vehicle protection and travel use.
2025 configuration Combined fuel economy Seats Cargo behind raised rear seats
Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD (gas) 24 mpg 8 20.6 cu. ft.
Ford Explorer Active RWD (gas) 24 mpg 6 16.3 cu. ft.

The conventional models provide a baseline for shoppers weighing hybrid efficiency against seating, cargo, and other priorities. The comparison is limited to these specific trims and does not establish how every gas-powered midsize SUV performs.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to choose the right configuration

  1. Match the EPA rating to the drivetrain. Compare combined mpg for the exact FWD or AWD version you are considering.
  2. Decide whether a plug-in hybrid fits your routine. Separate electric/blended MPGe from gasoline-only mpg, and consider whether regular charging is realistic.
  3. Check space with your seats in use. Assess third-row comfort and cargo room with all intended rows raised, not only maximum cargo capacity with seats folded.
  4. Estimate fuel spending for your driving. Use your expected annual mileage and local fuel prices rather than treating the guide’s annual-cost examples as personal forecasts.
  5. Balance efficiency with capability. Consider AWD needs, performance, and purchase cost alongside fuel economy; confirm the specific trim is available where you shop.

EPA estimates are designed for standardized comparisons, not guarantees of real-world results. The EPA’s 2025 guide explains its ratings and fuel-cost estimates.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
PEDAL COMMANDER for Toyota Venza 2021-2024 Throttle Response Controller
  • Faster Acceleration: Are you looking for Toyota Venza performance parts or Toyota Venza accessories that improve your driving experience? Pedal Commander tunes the delay from your electronic gas pedal, allowing your Toyota Venza to accelerate faster, giving your vehicle a night/day difference in performance
  • 36 Adjustable Settings: Equipped with 4 different modes: Eco, City, Sport, and Sport +. Each mode has an additional 36 adjustable settings to fine-tune to your liking, making this a must have Toyota Venza accessory
  • Eco Mode: The Pedal Commander throttle response controller significantly slows throttle response to improve efficiency
  • Quick & Easy Installation: Pedal Commander is a simple plug-and-play device that takes only about 10 minutes to install. Now Bluetooth compatible, you can control the unit using our free Pedal Commander app
  • Will Not Void Your Warranty: Pedal Commander will not void the warranty on your Toyota Venza or leave any trace behind on your ECU

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.