Fuel economy numbers can turn a showroom favorite into a steady drain on the monthly budget. EPA-based estimates for large SUVs, luxury flagships and a few exotics show how far annual pump spending can climb. Here are twelve vehicles where thirsty engines make the fuel line a serious ownership cost.
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1. GMC Yukon: Big V8, Big Bill
mpgbuddy’s EPA figures put the GMC Yukon 4WD with the 6.2L V8 at 16 mpg and a $5,150 annual fuel cost.
That makes the full-size SUV one of the costlier entries to fuel. Shoppers weighing the V8 trim could compare it with the lower-output engine choices and run the numbers against actual annual mileage. Annual estimates rest on assumed mileage and fuel prices, so personal totals will vary. Shoppers who prefer certainty can ask a dealer to walk through the sticker before committing to the trim.
2. Infiniti QX80: Luxury Haul, Heavy Pump
According to mpgbuddy’s EPA figures, the Infiniti QX80 4WD manages 17 mpg and an annual fuel cost of $4,850.
Large luxury SUVs often carry that kind of running cost. Buyers planning long commutes may want to multiply the rating by real driving habits before signing, since estimates assume typical mileage. Checking the EPA window sticker for the exact trim is a sensible first step. A quick calculation using personal weekly mileage turns the published estimate into something more useful.
3. Land Rover Defender: Mild Hybrid, Still Thirsty
The Land Rover Defender 110 MHEV is rated at 17 mpg with a $4,850 annual fuel cost, based on mpgbuddy’s EPA figures.
The mild-hybrid label does not make this large SUV a frugal one. Anyone eyeing the Defender for weekend trips should still budget for a fuel bill near the top of the SUV range. Drivers with long commutes would feel the difference most. Because the number is an estimate, the actual bill can land above or below it depending on routes and driving style.
4. Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Wagoneer Wallet Hit
Listed at 18 mpg, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4WD carries a $3,700 annual fuel cost in mpgbuddy’s EPA figures.
That is a lower bill than several rivals on this list, yet still a hefty yearly sum for a family hauler. Test-driving with a trip computer reset can reveal what the rating means in everyday traffic. Premium fuel requirements, where they apply, can push actual spending higher. Looking at the rating alongside towing or cargo needs helps decide whether the vehicle fits.
5. Jeep Gladiator: Truck With a Trail Tab
mpgbuddy’s EPA figures show the Jeep Gladiator 4WD at 19 mpg and a $3,550 annual fuel cost.
Open-air midsize pickups tend to trade efficiency for capability. Owners who rarely go off-road might ask whether the 4WD hardware suits their routine, because the fuel figure applies to everyday use as well. Comparing the estimate with a similar model’s rating gives helpful perspective. Someone comparing several large vehicles may find the yearly total easier to judge than miles per gallon.
6. Hyundai Palisade: Family SUV, Real Fuel Bill
The Hyundai Palisade is rated 19 mpg combined and about $3,550 a year in fuel on mpgbuddy, nearly three times the Prius bill.
A mainstream three-row crossover can still cost far more to fuel than a hybrid hatchback. Families comparing the two should weigh cargo and seating space against that gap in yearly spending. Light-footed driving and tire pressure checks can trim the total slightly. Even small differences in mileage add up across a multi-year ownership period.
7. Rolls-Royce Cullinan: The Top of the Table
mpgbuddy’s figures put the Rolls-Royce Cullinan at 13 mpg combined and a $6,300 annual fuel cost.
That ties for the highest annual figure on this list. Ultra-luxury buyers rarely shop by fuel economy, but the number still adds up quickly over several years of ownership. Fuel cost is only one line in the budget next to insurance and depreciation. Buyers who keep a car for many years should consider how fuel prices might change.
8. Bentley Bentayga: Bentayga Burns Through Gas
The Bentley Bentayga is rated at 16 mpg combined with a $5,150 annual fuel cost, according to mpgbuddy’s figures.
Luxury and performance rarely come with thrift. Prospective owners can confirm the estimate by checking the EPA window sticker on a specific build, since powertrain and options change the rating. Combined ratings blend city and highway driving, so mostly urban use may land lower. Considering a smaller engine option, where offered, is one way to test the tradeoff.
9. Mercedes-Maybach S 680: Maybach Math
mpgbuddy’s figures list the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic at 14 mpg combined and a $5,850 annual fuel cost.
Chauffeur-grade sedans carry big engines, and the yearly pump total reflects that. Buyers might treat the figure as a baseline and expect higher spending if most trips are short city runs. Service records and maintenance also influence efficiency on used examples. Pairing the estimate with insurance quotes gives a better view of monthly running costs.
10. Rolls-Royce Phantom: Phantom Fuel Tab
The Rolls-Royce Phantom matches the Cullinan with 13 mpg combined and a $6,300 annual fuel cost, per mpgbuddy’s figures.
As the flagship sedan, the Phantom shows that the brand’s top annual fuel cost is not limited to its SUV. Owners usually accept the expense, though it belongs in any honest running-cost estimate. Anyone shopping should keep the yearly figure beside the sticker price when comparing options. Checking recent owner feedback on real-world mileage can reveal how close the sticker comes.
11. BMW XM Label: Plug-In Without the Payoff
The plug-in hybrid BMW XM Label still rates only 14 mpg combined on gasoline in the 2026 EPA data.
The rating applies once the battery is depleted, so a driver who rarely plugs in will see something close to it. Charging habits matter more than the hybrid badge for this high-performance SUV. Treat the figure as a planning guide rather than a promise. Owners can track fill-ups for a few weeks to see how the estimate holds up.
12. Aston Martin Vanquish: Vanquish Sips Premium
mpgbuddy’s figures put the Aston Martin Vanquish at 16 mpg combined and a $5,150 annual fuel cost.
A grand tourer with that much power is not built for economy. Drivers who plan frequent road trips may find the cost easier to absorb than daily commuters would. Online calculators can adjust the estimate for local gas prices. Anyone shopping in this territory should set a fuel budget before visiting the showroom.
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