Most Economical SUV in 2025

Today, the marketers of the Indianapolis used car dealer Indy Auto Man are ready to uncover the mystery of what car is called the most economical SUV of 2025.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid wins the title

In 2025, Consumer Reports named the best cars in different categories, and the RAV4 PHEV plug-in hybrid became the most fuel-efficient SUV.

Subaru triumphed in the subcompact and compact crossover categories, with the Crosstrek and Forester models taking the top spots. The Crosstrek was lauded for its standard all-wheel drive, impressive fuel efficiency, and outstanding driving performance. Meanwhile, the newly designed Forester earned accolades for its effective sound insulation, roomy interior, and generous trunk space. Additionally, its primary and more widely favored rival, the Toyota RAV4 crossover, also received an award. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 PHEV was named the most fuel-efficient crossover. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combines efficiency, convenience, and modern technology. This car is suitable for those who want to save on fuel but are not ready to give up comfort and the ability to conquer off-road. 

The third Toyota among the winners was the spacious Highlander Hybrid crossover, which showcased fuel efficiency comparable to that of compact SUVs, all while offering exceptional interior space and three rows of seating.

This year, Toyota did not make big changes to the RAV4 Hybrid model. It changed the name of one of the versions: the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) became the RAV4 PHEV. The design and basic characteristics remain the same. So those looking for the most economical SUV can buy a used RAV4 SUV and get the same benefits for an attractive price. Let’s discover what Toyota can offer when it comes to the best hybrid SUVs.  

Technical specifications and performance

The standard RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 hp, providing decent performance for city driving and highway cruising. The hybrid variant boosts power by an additional 16 hp through its 2.5-liter engine and electric motor. Unlike the eight-speed automatic transmission installed in the gasoline RAV4, the hybrid features a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The RAV4 Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph nearly a full second faster than the standard RAV4, completing the sprint in just 7.1 seconds compared to the regular model's 8.0 seconds. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid delivers a more confident and responsive driving experience, moving swiftly and smoothly. The standard RAV4 tends to produce more engine noise under heavy acceleration and experiences greater lag. Despite these differences, both SUVs share similar ride and handling characteristics.

Fuel economy: best and cheapest SUV to run

One of the main advantages of the RAV4 Hybrid is its fuel economy. The SUV combines a gasoline and an electric engine, which allows you to save fuel:

• 41 mpg in the city;
• 38 mpg on the highway;
• 40 mpg in combined mode.

This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to buy the most economical SUV in Indianapolis.

Interior design and comfort of the most economical SUV

The interior of the RAV4 Hybrid is comfortable and roomy. There is enough space for passengers, and all controls are in convenient places. The interior materials are high-quality, and the large touch screen allows convenient multimedia and other functions control. In addition, the car has:

• Heated seats;
• Soft leather armrests;
• Panoramic sunroof;
• Soft interior lighting.

Also, for those who choose the plug-in option (PHEV), there is the option to drive only on electricity, which allows you to travel up to 42 miles without using gasoline.

Safety technologies

Toyota has equipped the RAV4 Hybrid with modern safety systems, such as:

• Automatic braking;
• Adaptive cruise control;
• Lane departure warning;
• Blind-spot monitoring.

These features help the driver to be more attentive and safe on the road.

Price: Which SUV is more economical?

The RAV4 Hybrid has an average price premium of $3,000 compared to a similarly equipped standard RAV4. However, hybrid vehicles come with standard all-wheel drive, whereas regular models are equipped with FWD. When comparing a hybrid RAV4 to a gas-only AWD model of the same trim level, the hybrid is only $1,5K more expensive. When choosing a used SUV, the difference may level out depending on the year and mileage. 

Warranty and service

Toyota provides a standard warranty for the RAV4 Hybrid: 3 years or 36,000 miles on major components and up to 5 years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain. The hybrid components are covered by a warranty of up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. And the best part is that Toyota's warranty is transferable, meaning you get all the benefits when buying a used car.

Buy the most economical SUV in Indiana!

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a great vehicle for those who want to combine efficiency and comfort. Its outstanding fuel economy, comfortable interior, modern safety technologies, and affordable trim levels make it an ideal choice for people looking for the best SUV.

At Indy Auto Man, Indianapolis, we can offer a selection of used Toyota cars for sale. Browse our inventory or leave a request if you are looking for the exact model so that we can notify you of availability - we have new arrivals each week!