With the weather getting warmer and people looking to do a bit of traveling, it always comes back to one essential question: “How hard is it going to hit me at the gas pump?”

Not all vehicles answer this question equally, and when it comes to SUVs, many Americans believe it’s not worth knowing!

These vehicles had taken a terrible wrap during the recession. With gas prices climbing and wallets shrinking, it seemed perverse to invest in a huge car that took you a short distance in terms of gas mileage.

The American economy is easing out of its slow down, leading consumers to give SUVs a second glance.

Regardless of increased interest in SUVs, fuel efficiency remains a major factor in the decision to purchase of these vehicles.

If you’re looking for the best SUVs in terms of miles per gallon, these are your top three picks:

We effortlessly clicked off nearly 1000 miles in one of these over the weekend. http://t.co/zaYPQl2271 pic.twitter.com/bBzoRrJimw

— Scott Brownlee (@ToyotaPR) November 11, 2013

Lexus RX 450h – This SUV came up on a number of lists for best gas mileage, even topping a few. It gets 30 mpg combined (32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway). The average expected cost is $46,000.

Toyota Highlander – It’s physically similar to the Lexus RX 450h and is an ideal seven-seater if you have a big family. As for gas mileage, it tends to get a combined 26 mpg (27 mpg city and 25 mpg highway). There is also a hybrid model available. Expected cost $29,000.

Subaru XV Crosstrek – It’s described as a smaller SUV, but when it comes to miles per gallon this model packs quite a punch. Its gas mileage is typically 26 mpg, however the hybrid is believed to provide maximum of 31 mpg! The average cost is $21,995.

#Subaru's 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrids price has finally been set. Check out how much it is here: http://t.co/c9DZNItPIz pic.twitter.com/zlpgmqdYKf

— Subaru Of Morristown (@SubaruOfMotown) October 8, 2013

While these represent some of the best SUVs you can look for, there are a few models you should avoid:

Mercedes-Benz G550 – It costs $113,000 and yet only gets 13 mpg. It’s like a cruel joke.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG – At $47,000, it’s far less expensive than the G550. But at 11 mpg, it’s probably the lowest bang for buck on the market in terms of fuel efficiency.

Remember everyone deriding Hummer re: MPG? 2008 8cy H3 got combined 14 MPG; 2013 8cy Mercedes-Benz G550 — 13 MPG

— Abe Sauer (@abesauer) August 15, 2013

Know of any other SUVs you’d recommend? Are there SUVs with terrible mpg to be avoided? Share in the comments below!

Image via Wikimedia Commons