Planning a family road trip is a balancing act. You need an SUV with enough space for passengers and luggage, a comfortable ride to keep everyone happy, and—most importantly—the fuel efficiency to keep your budget in check.
In this guide, we highlight the best fuel-efficient family SUVs for long trips, specifically hybrids that deliver on space, comfort, and MPG. Ranked from the least efficient to the most, these 2025 models are road-trip ready.
10. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Combined MPG: 36
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 36 mpg |
| Cargo Space (3rd Row Up/Down) | 14.6 / 79.6 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 146.6 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $36,000–$45,000 |
| Drivetrain | AWD available |
| Approx. Driving Range | 580 miles per tank |
Best For: Style-conscious families of 5–7 who want SUV versatility, a high-tech interior, and good highway mileage.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been named a Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, and the new hybrid redefines the SUV experience with a robust yet refined design and an expanded interior.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: The new Santa Fe Hybrid achieves a commendable 36 mpg combined, putting it on par with the Grand Highlander in terms of efficiency for a three-row SUV.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: The new Santa Fe has a bold, boxy design that translates to a very spacious and functional interior. The third row is better for smaller children, but the first two rows offer plenty of room.
- Cargo & Versatility: The square design allows for a huge, versatile cargo area that is easy to load. With the second and third rows folded down, it’s a cavern.
- Safety & Tech: The Santa Fe has a long list of standard features and a modern, high-tech interior.
9. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Combined MPG: 36
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 36 mpg |
| Cargo Space (3rd Row Up/Down) | 20.6 / 97.5 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 153.3 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $45,000–$55,000 |
| Drivetrain | AWD available |
| Approx. Driving Range | 600 miles per tank |
Best For: Larger families who want three usable rows, enormous cargo space, and Toyota’s bulletproof hybrid tech.
With convenient tech, smart storage where you’d least expect it, and plenty of room to comfortably fit the whole family, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is a crowd-pleaser with space to spare.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: While its MPG is lower than the compact SUVs on this list, 36 mpg is a remarkable number for a three-row SUV. It’s the king of efficiency for larger families.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: The Grand Highlander’s main purpose is comfort and space. It has a genuinely usable third row and a huge amount of passenger volume, ensuring everyone has enough room.
- Cargo & Versatility: With all three rows in place, it still has enough space for a few carry-on bags. With the third row folded down, the cargo space is enormous.
- Safety & Tech: It comes with all the standard Toyota safety features, and a large infotainment screen keeps the whole family connected.
8. 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Combined MPG: 38
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 38 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up/Down) | 41.2 / 80.3 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 108.2 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $33,000–$40,000 |
| Drivetrain | AWD available |
| Approx. Driving Range | 510 miles per tank |
Best For: Families who want bold styling, abundant cargo space, and class-leading tech in a midsize package.
With its refreshed styling and the welcome return of physical knobs for HVAC and audio, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is quicker and more efficient than its standard counterpart.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: The Tucson Hybrid offers a strong combined MPG of 38, making it a very efficient choice for families. Its design is bold and distinctive, helping it stand out.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: The Tucson has a surprisingly spacious and airy cabin, with a modern digital dashboard and comfortable seating for five adults. Rear legroom is generous, a major plus for kids on a long drive.
- Cargo & Versatility: This is one of the Tucson’s strongest features. It offers a massive amount of cargo space, both with the seats up and down, making it a top contender for families who pack heavy.
- Safety & Tech: Hyundai’s infotainment and safety technologies are excellent, offering a user-friendly experience and a long list of standard features.
7. 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Combined MPG: 38
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 38 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up/Down) | 31.4 / 56.3 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 100.9 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $38,000–$43,000 |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard |
| Approx. Driving Range | 510 miles per tank |
Best For: Drivers who value engaging performance and upscale cabin design, without giving up fuel efficiency.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a handsome and fun-to-drive SUV with a class-above cabin. It borrows its powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, providing excellent efficiency and standard all-wheel drive.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: The new CX-50 Hybrid offers Mazda’s premium feel and engaging driving dynamics with a strong combined MPG of 38. It’s for the driver who wants a more spirited and refined road trip experience.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: Mazda is known for its high-quality interiors, and the CX-50 is no exception. It features premium materials and a driver-centric cockpit that makes the miles fly by. The seats are well-bolstered and comfortable for long stretches.
- Cargo & Versatility: While its cargo space is a little less than some rivals, it’s designed to be versatile for adventure gear. The focus is on a low, flat cargo floor for easy loading of camping or sports equipment.
- Safety & Tech: Mazda’s safety features are excellent, and the infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, a major plus on the road.
6. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Combined MPG: 39
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 39 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up/Down) | 37.5 / 69.8 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 98.9 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $35,000–$45,000 |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard |
| Approx. Driving Range | 530 miles per tank |
Best For: Active families looking for an all-weather-ready hybrid SUV with excellent space and a reputation for reliability.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is a pioneering SUV icon with efficient performance, an advanced digital experience, and the latest technology. A powerful stance and rugged new style ensure the all-new RAV4 looks sophisticated in the city and capable off-road.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: With its 39 mpg combined rating, the RAV4 Hybrid is a very efficient choice. Its strong reputation for reliability gives drivers confidence on long trips.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: The interior is functional and comfortable, with a good amount of space for passengers. It may not be as plush as the Lexus, but it’s durable and well-built for family use.
- Cargo & Versatility: The RAV4 has a generous amount of cargo space, making it a very practical family hauler. It’s an excellent choice for those who need to pack for a week-long trip.
- Safety & Tech: Toyota’s Safety Sense suite is standard, providing a wide array of driver-assistance features.
5. 2025 Lexus NX Hybrid
Combined MPG: 39
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 39 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up/Down) | 22.7 / 46.9 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 97.5 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $45,000–$55,000 |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard |
| Approx. Driving Range | 520 miles per tank |
Best For: Luxury-focused buyers who want upscale comfort and tech without compromising on hybrid efficiency.
The Lexus NX Hybrid excels in fuel efficiency and capability. With its 240 horsepower, it offers a dynamic drive with a combined 39 MPG manufacturer estimate.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: For a luxury SUV, 39 mpg is an impressive number. The Lexus NX proves that you don’t have to sacrifice fuel economy for a premium experience.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: This is a key selling point. The interior is beautiful, with high-quality materials and an extremely quiet cabin. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, making it perfect for long, multi-hour drives.
- Cargo & Versatility: Cargo space is a bit limited compared to non-luxury rivals, but it’s sufficient for a small family’s luggage. The focus is on passenger comfort and the driving experience, not maximum cargo hauling.
- Safety & Tech: As a Lexus, the NX comes with a full suite of cutting-edge safety and technology features, including a stunning infotainment system.
4. 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid
Combined MPG: 40
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 40 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up/Down) | 37.5 / 65.4 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 104.0 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $32,000–$38,000 |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD optional |
| Approx. Driving Range | 520 miles per tank |
Best For: Drivers looking for an affordable, American-made hybrid SUV with excellent range and flexible cargo options.
With a sliding second row, tons of cargo space, and loads of leg room, the 2025 Ford Escape SUV can keep up with any day that comes your way. It is available with four powertrains, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: The Escape Hybrid’s 40 mpg combined rating puts it on par with the class leaders. It’s a great option for those who prefer an American brand and appreciate a balanced mix of performance and efficiency.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: The interior is practical and user-friendly. While it may not have the luxury feel of a Honda or a Toyota, the seats are supportive and the technology is easy to use.
- Cargo & Versatility: The Escape offers a good amount of cargo space for its size, making it a viable option for family trips. The rear seats can slide back and forth, allowing you to prioritize passenger legroom or cargo space.
- Safety & Tech: The Escape includes Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, which are a major plus for long-distance drivers.
3. 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Combined MPG: 40
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 40 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up/Down) | 39.3 / 76.5 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 106.0 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $34,000–$41,000 |
| Drivetrain | AWD available |
| Approx. Driving Range | 530 miles per tank |
Best For: Families who prioritize interior space, comfort, and Honda’s long-standing reliability on long-distance drives.
The 2025 Honda CR-V boasts a rugged design with a long wheelbase and wide stance. Stepping up to a hybrid trim gets you a responsive, 204-horsepower powertrain with a 40 city/34 highway mpg rating.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: The CR-V Hybrid delivers a very impressive 40 mpg combined, a remarkable number for an SUV of its size. The hybrid system is seamless and quiet, making for a pleasant driving experience.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: This is where the CR-V shines. it has a high-quality interior with some of the most comfortable and spacious seats in its class. Rear passengers will appreciate the generous legroom, and the large windows give the cabin an airy feel.
- Cargo & Versatility: With a massive 39.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats, the CR-V is a master of utility. It can swallow up luggage, sports equipment, and everything else a family needs for a long trip.
- Safety & Tech: The CR-V is known for its excellent safety ratings and comprehensive list of standard and available safety features.
2. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Combined MPG: 42
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 42 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up/Down) | 21.5 / 61.8 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 116.4 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $28,000–$33,000 |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard |
| Approx. Driving Range | 475 miles per tank |
Best For: Small families who want dependable AWD performance, excellent MPG, and just enough space for weekend getaways.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers an ideal blend of sporty style, versatile space, and advanced technology for a truly engaging drive. With 196 net combined horsepower and Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, it is ready for any adventure.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: The Corolla Cross Hybrid is a fantastic new entry, bringing Toyota’s proven hybrid technology to a compact and affordable package. Its 42 mpg combined rating is excellent, making it a reliable road trip partner.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: The interior is straightforward and functional. While it’s not a luxury vehicle, the seats are supportive and the cabin is well-insulated from road noise for a comfortable ride.
- Cargo & Versatility: It offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size, with a lower load floor for easy access. The standard all-wheel drive is a huge plus for families who travel in diverse weather conditions.
- Safety & Tech: Toyota’s suite of safety features is a major selling point. Every model comes with advanced driver assistance systems that make highway cruising safer and less fatiguing.
1. 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid
Combined MPG: 53
Quick Specs:
| Combined MPG (Est.) | 53 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up/Down) | 22.8 / 63.7 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 127.9 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| MSRP (Est.) | $28,000–$35,000 |
| Drivetrain | FWD only |
| Approx. Driving Range | 520 miles per tank |
Best For: Eco-conscious couples or small families who want unbeatable fuel economy and a practical, city-friendly footprint.
The 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid is a CUV that has innovation at its heart. It boasts a bold and assertive design, a spacious yet minimalist interior, and futuristic advanced technology, connectivity, and safety.
- Fuel Efficiency on the Highway: The Niro is the undisputed leader in this category, with a mind-boggling combined MPG of 53. This means fewer stops at the gas station and more money for family fun. Its small size and light hybrid powertrain are perfectly tuned for maximizing efficiency on long drives.
- Interior Comfort for Long Drives: Despite its compact dimensions, the Niro surprises with a spacious and well-designed cabin. It offers more passenger volume than many rivals, with plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and back. The dashboard is modern and intuitive, keeping the driver and passengers entertained with a large infotainment screen.
- Cargo & Versatility: While not the largest SUV on the list, its cargo space is practical and can handle luggage for a small family. The liftback design makes loading and unloading easy, and with the rear seats folded down, it has ample space for larger items.
- Safety & Tech: The Niro comes with a host of standard safety features, including forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, providing peace of mind on long highway stretches.