5 SUVS TO HELP YOU SAVE AT THE PUMP

As of this writing, the national average fuel price is $4.24 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. Up 20% from a month ago, gas prices aren’t likely to taper or deflate unless crude oil supply improves or consumer demand softens. Until that happens, costly fill-ups are hitting Americans who are already grappling with inflation.

Understandably, drivers are keen to keep their fuel bills in check. Purchasing a new vehicle solely for better fuel economy isn’t usually a wise decision, and that’s especially true in today’s shortage plagued car-buying market. But if you were already shopping for a new SUV, now’s a great time to consider a more fuel-efficient model.

To refine your research, specialists highlights five SUVs based on a combination of EPA-estimated fuel economy and our test team’s full evaluations of performance, utility and more. All prices below include the destination charge.

2022 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

Offered in both conventional and plug-in hybrid variations, the 2022 Ford Escape is one the most fuel-efficient small SUVs you can buy. The standard hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined (44 city/37 highway), giving it a total potential maximum range of 582 miles. The plug-in hybrid returns 40 combined mpg and supplements its efficiency with 37 miles of electric-only operation. That means those with shorter commutes and convenient charging options may rarely need to use fuel.