Best Gas Mileage SUVs Under $10,000 in 2025

If you’re shopping for an SUV in 2025 and want to keep both your fuel costs and purchase price under control, you’re in luck — there are still several compact and crossover SUVs under $10,000 that get great gas mileage without sacrificing versatility or reliability.

These picks all average 28 MPG or better, are widely available on the used market, and offer enough cargo space and comfort for daily driving, light travel, or family use. Here’s my go-to list of fuel-efficient used SUVs under $10k worth considering right now.

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🚙 1. 2010–2014 Toyota RAV4 (4-Cylinder FWD)

• MPG: 22 city / 28 highway
• Why It’s a Smart Buy: The RAV4 is one of the most reliable compact SUVs ever made. The 4-cylinder version with front-wheel drive offers great gas mileage for the size and will easily hit 250,000 miles with basic upkeep.
• Price Range in 2025: $7,500–$10,000
• Watch Out For: Rear suspension wear and oil leaks on higher-mileage units

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🚙 2. 2011–2014 Honda CR-V (FWD)

• MPG: 23 city / 31 highway
• Why It’s a Smart Buy: This generation of the CR-V offers unbeatable cargo space, smooth handling, and fuel efficiency — especially for a non-hybrid SUV. It’s perfect for students, commuters, or small families.
• Price Range in 2025: $8,000–$10,000
• Watch Out For: Worn struts and some door lock actuator failures

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🚙 3. 2013–2016 Mazda CX-5 (FWD, 2.0L)

• MPG: 26 city / 35 highway
• Why It’s a Smart Buy: This is one of the best-handling compact SUVs you’ll find under $10K. The base 2.0L engine delivers stellar MPG, and it’s a lot more fun to drive than a RAV4 or CR-V.
• Price Range in 2025: $8,500–$10,000
• Watch Out For: Infotainment glitches and early paint wear

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🚙 4. 2009–2013 Subaru Forester (Manual or CVT)

• MPG: 21 city / 27 highway
• Why It’s a Smart Buy: Not the best on gas, but it’s one of the few AWD SUVs under $10K that still offers decent MPG. If you live somewhere with snow or light off-road needs, the Forester strikes a great balance between economy and capability.
• Price Range in 2025: $5,500–$9,000
• Watch Out For: Oil consumption on older models; check head gaskets on anything over 120k miles

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🚙 5. 2013–2015 Ford Escape (2.5L FWD)

• MPG: 22 city / 31 highway
• Why It’s a Smart Buy: This version of the Escape looks modern, drives well, and the base 2.5L non-turbo engine is more fuel-efficient and reliable than the EcoBoost versions.
• Price Range in 2025: $6,500–$9,500
• Watch Out For: Avoid turbo engines; look for FWD models to get the best MPG

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📊 Comparison Table: Best MPG SUVs Under $10K

Model	Year Range	MPG (City/Hwy)	Price (2025)	Key Strengths	Watch Out For
Toyota RAV4 (FWD)	2010–2014	22 / 28	$7.5k–$10k	Long-term reliability	Suspension & oil leaks
Honda CR-V (FWD)	2011–2014	23 / 31	$8k–$10k	Interior space & comfort	Struts, locks
Mazda CX-5 (2.0L FWD)	2013–2016	26 / 35	$8.5k–$10k	Best handling, great MPG	Paint fade, infotainment quirks
Subaru Forester AWD	2009–2013	21 / 27	$5.5k–$9k	AWD, rugged feel	Oil use, head gaskets
Ford Escape (2.5L)	2013–2015	22 / 31	$6.5k–$9.5k	Roomy + smooth ride	Avoid turbo models

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🔧 Ownership Tips for Older Fuel-Efficient SUVs

• Stick with front-wheel drive (unless you need AWD) to maximize fuel economy
• Avoid turbocharged models — they’re fun but more expensive to maintain
• Always check for tire wear and alignment, especially on older crossovers
• Make sure the transmission shifts smoothly — some CVTs and 6-speeds wear out early

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🧩 You Might Also Be Interested In:

• Most reliable fuel-efficient cars under $12k
• Best used Toyotas under $10k for fuel efficiency
• Best MPG cars for Uber or Lyft drivers under $12,000
• Used hybrids under $8,000 worth buying in 2025