Full-size SUVs are nearly extinct in Europe. But here in the US, they still have demand. The general trend is that the modern full-size SUV has to be luxurious and extravagant and therefore don’t have to be fuel-efficient. You’ll find no full-size SUV with more than 25 MPG fuel consumption, for instance. Let’s see, what the exact numbers are.
GMC Acadia
2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain © General Motors
There is some controversy whether the GMC Acadia and other SUVs based on the GM Lambda platform are mid-size or full-size. Until recently, the length of every Lambda-based SUV exceeded 200 inches, so, technically, they were all full-size. However, GM insistently marketed them as mid-size SUVs, and, in order to underpin the market policy, the company made the all-new GMC Acadia shorter than 200 inches. Unfortunately, this does not affect the fuel efficiency, which is not so great for full-size SUV, not to mention some prominent mid-size examples.
Chevrolet Traverse
2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ © General Motors
The Chevy Traverse is a Lambda-based sibling of the GMC Acadia, with identical powertrain and fuel efficiency. It is slightly longer and more expensive, though.
Buick Enclave
2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition © General Motors
Another (last one) member of the GM’s Lambda-based SUV family that can be distinguished only by the Buick badge, slightly different exterior & interior design, and luxury features.
Ford Flex
2014 Ford Flex © Ford Motor Company
The Ford Flex is not particularly popular, but it has some interesting characteristics nonetheless. We’ve already mentioned it in our ‘best lists’ including Best SUVs with 6-Cylinder Engine and 3rd-Row Seating and The Most Affordable SUVs with 3rd-Row Seating. Apparently, it is also good at fuel efficiency.
Dodge Durango
2016 Dodge Durango R/T © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
The Dodge Durango has a long history behind as a mid-size and later as a full-size SUV with nearly a dozen of different trims from basic and featureless to highly luxurious. The current-generation Durango surpasses its rivals from GM in fuel efficiency and loses only to a few.
Ford Explorer
2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport © Ford Motor Company
The Ford Explorer looks brightly into the future as one of the most fuel-efficient and best-selling SUVs in the class. It was mid-sized from 1991 to 2010 but grew larger since 2011.
Land Rover Range Rover
2016 Land Rover Range Rover © Tata Group
Range Rovers are known worldwide for their purebred luxury, off-road capabilities, and great design. Apparently, British engineers decided to add some more extravagance to their pricy SUV by implanting a fuel-efficient diesel engine. Thus, the Range Rover is one of the most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs now.
Mercedes-Benz GLS350d
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS350d © Daimler AG
- Starting MSRP: $67,050
- MPG: TBA
An all-new dark horse from Mercedes-Benz that is a candidate for the title of the most fuel-efficient full-size SUV on the road. The exact fuel efficiency of this German caprice with a diesel engine is unknown, but experts predict that it can beat the Range Rover with ease.
