5 Hybrid SUVs Less Fuel-Efficient Than the Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick sets a high fuel-efficiency benchmark that many hybrid SUVs struggle to match.
1The Maverick Benchmark
The 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid stands out as a highly efficient pickup, achieving an EPA-certified 38 mpg combined. It delivers 42 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway. This performance establishes a difficult benchmark for many hybrid SUVs, which often struggle to match these specific fuel economy figures.
2Subaru Forester Hybrid
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid utilizes a 2.5-liter engine and a Toyota-sourced electric motor to achieve 35 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. While it offers standard all-wheel drive, it falls short of the Maverick in city efficiency by seven mpg. Its starting price of $36,180 is significantly higher than the Maverick.
3Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 329 horsepower. Despite its power, the most efficient trim delivers 34 mpg combined, lagging behind the Maverick by four mpg. With a starting price of $45,760, it represents a more expensive option for families prioritizing interior space over maximum fuel efficiency.
4Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE achieves 36 mpg combined, 37 mpg city, and 34 mpg highway. It trails the Maverick in all three EPA-rated categories. Starting at $48,375, this midsize SUV offers more room but requires more frequent stops at the gas station compared to Ford’s compact hybrid pickup truck.
5Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Surprisingly, the standard 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is less efficient than its larger sibling, the Grand Highlander. It delivers 35 mpg across city, highway, and combined cycles. This makes it seven mpg less efficient in the city than the Maverick, while its base price of $49,615 makes it a costly alternative.
6Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid uses a plug-in system with a 2.4-liter engine, yet it only achieves 27 mpg combined. This is significantly lower than the Maverick, trailing by 11 mpg in combined driving. Despite its 45-mile electric-only range, its overall fuel efficiency metrics remain well below the standards set by Ford.
7Selection Methodology
The selection process focused on official EPA-certified fuel economy data for 2026 models. Each SUV listed demonstrated lower mpg ratings in at least two of the three reference categories—city, highway, or combined—compared to the Maverick. These vehicles were chosen to illustrate how even modern hybrid SUVs can underperform against the Maverick.
8Market Implications
The Ford Maverick proves that utility and high fuel efficiency can coexist in a single, affordable platform. While hybrid SUVs offer different benefits like increased passenger capacity or all-wheel drive, they often sacrifice fuel economy to achieve those features. Consumers should weigh these efficiency trade-offs carefully when selecting their next vehicle purchase.
Original article: SlashGear — 5 Hybrid SUVs Less Fuel-Efficient Than the Ford Maverick