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AWD Cars with the Best MPG for 2022: Pros & Cons, Photos, and More


PUBLISHED TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022
Couple walking towards SUV as sun sets on mountains

Get more MPG with these used AWD cars.

Poor roads and bad weather can create big driving challenges—and while snow and ice are the usual culprits, they aren't the only ones. Heavy rain, sleet, gravel roads, and steep hills can cause even the most confident drivers to fishtail and spin their wheels. Having an AWD car that's capable in all seasons and situations makes a difference. And finding an AWD car that's great on gas is even better.

When it comes to getting the most miles to a gallon, several AWD options fit the bill. Many of today's AWD SUVs and cars pair hybrid powertrains with enhanced traction systems for stable handling on differing terrain. Add in luxury-appointed cabins with generous cargo space and appealing high-tech features, and you really can't go wrong.

To help you on your search, we've compiled a list of 15 used AWD cars with the best MPG for 2022 shoppers, based on CarMax vehicle and sales data from October 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022, and using city and highway fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov.

 We've also included pros and cons from our expert partners at Edmunds to help you narrow down your choices. Read on to discover which of these fuel-sipping AWD cars is a fit for you.

  1. TIE: 2017 Jaguar XF & 2017-2018 Jaguar XE

  2. 2017-2019 Lexus RX 450h

  3. 2015-2019 Lexus NX 300h

  4. 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

  5. 2019 Lexus UX 250h

5. TIE: 2017 Jaguar XF & 2017-2018 Jaguar XE

Jaguar XF 2017

2017 Jaguar XF

30 City MPG / 40 Highway MPG

Pros
  • Two powerful V6 engine options and a diesel four-cylinder

  • Interior features luxurious trim and materials throughout

  • Large amount of trunk space

Cons
  • Doesn't offer Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto integration

The 2017 Jaguar XF is a luxury midsize sedan featuring aluminum architecture that weighs 265 lbs. less than its predecessor. This four-door sedan feels quick and agile on the road, while its lightweight design ensures great performance, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway with the 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and AWD.

The interior reflects the sedan's luxury classification with premium materials and standard features, including a sunroof for natural light, push-button ignition, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Other base trim standard features on the 2017 Jaguar XF include:

  • Sunroof

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control

  • Leatherette upholstery

  • 11-speaker Meridian sound system

Learn more at our Jaguar XF research page.

Jaguar XE

2017-2018 Jaguar XE

30 City MPG / 40 Highway MPG

Pros (2018 Jaguar XE)
  • Impressive gas mileage with optional diesel engine

  • Exhibits sharp handling and steering performance around turns

Cons (2018 Jaguar XE)
  • Interior materials don't stack up to rivals

  • Backseat is relatively cramped

  • Auto stop-start system is abrupt

If you're looking AWD luxury sedan with fast acceleration and fuel-sipping performance, the 2017-2018 Jaguar XE is worth a look. All trims offer an available 180-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway with AWD.

 The powertrain is no slouch, reaching 60 mph from zero in only 7.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). 2017-2018 Jaguar XE sedans also include Jaguar Drive Control, which features normal; eco; dynamic; and rain, ice, and snow mode to customize your performance to suit the conditions.

Other standard features on 2017-2018 Jaguar XE base models include:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels

  • Eight-way power-adjustable front seats

  • Dual-zone climate control

  • Bluetooth® connectivity

  • Eight-inch touchscreen display

Explore more Jaguar XE research.

4. 2017-2019 Lexus RX 450h

Lexus RX 450h

31 City MPG / 28 Highway MPG

Pros (2019 Lexus RX 450h)
  • Attractively designed cabin

  • Supremely quiet

  • Appealing ride and handling balance with F Sport package

Cons (2019 Lexus RX 450h)
  • Optional tech interface is distracting to use

  • Below-average cargo capacity

Another swift and sensible AWD car is the Lexus RX 450h luxury hybrid SUV. 2017-2019 models are equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine and three electric motors that return an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway to help you go longer between fill-ups.

 With a zero to 60 mph time of 7.9 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new), the 2017-2019 RX 450h has spirit.

Standard features on the 2017-2019 Lexus RX 450h include:

  • Power liftgate

  • Power-adjustable front seats

  • 40/20/40 split folding and reclining second-row seats

  • Bluetooth connectivity

View our Lexus RX 450h research page to discover more.

3. 2015-2019 Lexus NX 300h

Lexus NX 300h

33 City MPG / 30 Highway MPG

Pros (2019 Lexus NX 300h)
  • Great gas mileage for a luxury crossover

  • Back seat has enough room for adults

  • Very quiet cabin at highway speeds

Cons (2019 Lexus NX 300h)
  • Infotainment interface can be distracting to use

  • Limited cargo capacity

The AWD Lexus NX 300h is a luxury hybrid SUV with excellent performance and a premium cabin that's well-suited for trips in and out of town. 2015-2019 models feature a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with three electric motors that generate 194 total system hp and an EPA-estimated 33 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

 Your passengers will feel pampered with generous rear-seat legroom and stadium-like rear seats that offer available power-folding and power-reclining adjustments for tailored comfort.

Base trim standard features on the 2015-2019 Lexus NX 300h include:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control

  • Leatherette upholstery

  • Rearview monitor

  • Eight-speaker audio system

Continue your Lexus NX 300h research for more information.

2. 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
34 City MPG / 30 Highway MPG
Pros (2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid)
  • Great gas mileage for a compact crossover

  • Big, useful cargo area for a compact crossover

  • Advanced driver aids come standard

Cons (2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid)
  • Utilitarian interior look and feel

  • Less useful interior storage

  • Real leather seating is not available

If you need a fuel-sipping SUV to carry passengers and lots of belongings, the AWD Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a great choice. 2016-2018 models feature a generous cargo area for camping gear or sports equipment, offering 35.6 cubic feet of volume behind the second row and 70.6 cubic feet with it folded. Power is generated by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that yield an EPA-estimated 34 mpg city and 30 mpg highway in 2016-2018 models.

 This AWD hybrid SUV also includes traction and vehicle stability control to provide surefooted handling in slick conditions (2016-2018 models).

Other standard features on the 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid include:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels

  • Integrated fog lights

  • Cloth upholstery

  • Power tilt and slide moonroof with sunshade

  • Six-way adjustable driver's seat with sport bolsters

Check out our Toyota RAV4 Hybrid research page to learn more.

1. 2019 Lexus UX 250h

Lexus UX 250h

41 City MPG / 38 Highway MPG

Pros
  • High gas mileage from hybrid powertrain

  • Lots of standard and optional driver-assistance features

  • Maneuverable around town thanks to small dimensions

Cons
  • Infotainment interface can be difficult to use

  • Limited rear legroom

  • Small cargo area with a high liftover height

Topping our list of AWD cars with the best mpg is the Lexus UX 250h—a five-passenger luxury hybrid SUV with nimble handling and great gas mileage. 2019 models with AWD use a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and three motors to produce a combined 181 hp. With an EPA-estimated 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, the 2019 UX 250h is an excellent choice for commuting or business trips.

 This SUV also features a low center of gravity and impeccable handling, making it a great choice for driving through city traffic or on winding roads.

The 2019 Lexus UX 250h comes standard with:

  • Single-projector dual-beam LED headlights

  • Solid aluminum roof rails

  • Leatherette upholstery

  • Seven-inch multimedia system display

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration

Explore more information on our Lexus UX 250h research page.

Whether you're seeking a high-end nameplate like Jaguar or Lexus, or you're looking for the practicality and versatility of a Toyota, these AWD cars have the capability you want, along with excellent mpg figures.

Looking for more fuel-sipping cars? Check out these related articles:

* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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