Full-size SUVs, as the name implies, are the largest SUVs on the market.
Also known as large SUVs, they are often powerful and have monstrous engines. The major downside to this class of vehicles is their poor/mediocre gas mileage.
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While this is the case, it’s still not impossible to find full-size SUVs with decent gas mileage.
If you are on the lookout for a fuel-efficient large SUV for the money, you are in luck, as we have put together this list for you.
Below are some of the cheapest full-size SUVs with the best gas mileage (Understand miles-per-gallon).
1. Chevrolet Tahoe (Diesel)
The Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the most popular vehicles from the iconic Chevrolet brand.
It debuted in 1994 and entered its fifth generation in 2021. The Tahoe has sold millions and remains one of the best-selling large SUVs. We have more here on what years to buy for the Chevy Tahoe.
Besides its evident commercial success, it also enjoys excellent ratings from critics and it is currently #2 on U.S. News’ list of the best large SUVs.
Some of its top features include roominess, an elegant interior, and an agile build.
The diesel variant of the Tahoe also boasts an excellent fuel economy with up to 21 MPG in the city and a maximum of 28 MPG on the highway.
All of that is for a starting price of $55,995 for the base variant. That pretty much explains why the model ranks so high on this list. Meanwhile, also explore some cheap SUVs that look expensive.
2. GMC Yukon (Diesel)
The GMC Yukon is, in a manner of speaking, the Chevrolet Tahoe’s older twin as it was launched in 1991. They are considered twins because they are badge-engineered counterparts, with the Yukon being the “luxury” variant.
As one would expect, the GMC Yukon also enjoys its fair share of the critical and commercial success the Tahoe enjoys. It has sold millions of units and is considered one of the best large SUVs by major reviewers.
Some of its best features include its balanced ride, agile engine options, and enormous passenger/cargo space. The diesel variant gets pretty good gas mileage with up to 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
Prices for the Yukon start at $59,195, which is pretty reasonable for a vehicle of its stature. Overall, it’s a good deal, for buyers who are looking to cop a relatively cheap and fuel-efficient full-size SUV.
Make sure to also read our article about SUVs with most trunk space.
3. Chevrolet Suburban (Diesel)
The Chevrolet Suburban is one of the oldest and most iconic vehicle models ever. It is often ranked as one of the longest-lasting vehicles and is now in its twelfth generation with millions of sales.
Despite its “age,” the Suburban has retained its classic quality and is still considered one of the best full-size SUVs in the market. Its most recent model boasts incredible features, including monstrous cargo space, composed ride, and potent engine options.
Speaking of engine options, the Chevy Suburban offers a turbo-diesel engine with up to 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the base variant starts at $55,670, although a turbo diesel engine will likely cost you about $10,000 more.
4. Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia was launched in 2000 for the 2001 model year as a full-size SUV. It is Toyota’s largest SUV and has attained considerable commercial success while also earning a top spot among the best SUVs.
Some of its top-tier features include spacious seating, excellent off-roading, impressive tow rating, and myriads of exciting standard features.
Its gas mileage stands at 21 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for a combined 22 MPG which you may consider fair. All of that for a starting price of $59,895? We say, go for it!
Please also read our article about cheap SUVs with manual transmission.
5. Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator debuted as a full-size SUV in 1997 for the 1998 model year. It is now in its fourth generation and has earned a decent reputation among buyers and a mostly positive reception from critics.
Here are the best years for Lincoln Navigator (and years to avoid).
Some of the Navigator’s best features include its strong engine, splendid interior, and intuitive infotainment system.
It also boasts some of the best fuel economy numbers in its class, with up to 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
For a luxury car, it carries reasonable price tags across variants, starting at $79,330 for its base model.
6. Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is widely known as the famous Ford Bronco’s successor and it was first launched in 1996.
It entered its fourth generation in 2018 and has garnered several awards and accolades as well as featured atop some lists of the top large SUVs.
The Ford Expedition has also held its own as one of the best-selling large SUVs in the auto market. It sports some impressive features, including potent twin turbo-charged engines, immense tow ratings, an elegant cabin, and excellent seating.
The Expedition also boasts pretty impressive gas mileage for a vehicle of its class with about 19 MPG combined for its FWD drivetrains. It’s also one of the least expensive large SUVs in the market starting at $55,670 for the base variant.
7. Cadillac Escalade (Diesel)
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV that debuted in 1998. Now in its fifth generation, it has garnered considerable success commercially and critically.
We have an overview of the best and worst generations for the Cadillac Escalade.
It is also rated the second-best luxury large SUV on U.S. News list.
Some of its best features include its roomy and elegant interior, huge cargo area, composed hanging, and impressive tech features.
While its V8 engine has lackluster gas mileage, the diesel engine makes up for it with a pretty good 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
Prices start at $81,090 for the base variant and a turbo diesel engine would even cost more. However, it is certainly more than worth it, especially if you are a sucker for great gas mileage.
8. Lexus LX
The Lexus LX is a luxury full-size SUV marketed by Lexus since 1996. Now in its fourth generation, it sells over 6,000 units every year and is considered a good vehicle by critics.
Some of its best features include its comfy ride, excellent off-roading, and great gas mileage.
It has a starting price of $88,245 according to True Car, which puts an asterisk on its place on this list. However, 17 MPG in the city, 22 MPG on the highway, and a combined 17 MPG certainly earns it some goodwill.
Make sure to also checkout our article about SUVs with the most comfortable seats.