Gas Prices Up? Kia of Duluth's Top March SUVs for MPG-Minded Drivers (Telluride, Sportage & Seltos)
Gas prices have a way of changing the conversation fast. When every fill-up feels bigger than it should, Duluth-area drivers start looking at what a vehicle costs after the purchase-especially gas mileage and MPG. At Kia of Duluth, March brought a clear top three SUVs: the 2025 Kia Telluride, 2026 Kia Sportage, and 2026 Kia Seltos. Here's what makes each one a standout, with an emphasis on fuel economy considerations, ownership value, and choosing the right SUV for your daily drive.
● Best overall MPG focus: Consider a compact SUV like the 2026 Kia Seltos to help reduce fuel use.
● Best balance of space and efficiency: The 2026 Kia Sportage is a popular pick for Duluth drivers who want room without a three-row fuel bill.
● Best for families needing three rows: The 2025 Kia Telluride delivers comfort and capability, then smart driving habits help you get the most from every tank.
Quick MPG note: Fuel economy can vary by trim level, engine, drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD), and driving conditions. Always check the window sticker for the exact vehicle you're considering. Still, comparing MPG (and choosing the right size vehicle for your needs) is one of the easiest ways to lower your monthly costs when gas prices run high.
1) 2025 Kia Telluride: Big comfort, big capability, smarter road-trip planning
The Telluride is the "do-it-all" Kia SUV that families keep coming back to: three rows, strong highway manners, and the space to make daily life (and weekend getaways) easier. It's not the smallest SUV on the road, and that means fuel economy is part of the conversation, but many buyers still choose it because it can replace the need for a second vehicle or make long-distance driving far more comfortable.
Mileage mindset for Telluride shoppers: With a larger, three-row SUV, your best fuel economy wins often come from how you drive and how you set the vehicle up-steady speeds on Highway 53, keeping tires properly inflated, removing unused roof accessories, and using drive modes appropriately. If you frequently carry passengers or cargo, the Telluride's ability to do more in one trip can also offset fuel use versus taking multiple vehicles.
Best for: Families who need three rows, frequent road-trippers, drivers who want a confident, stable ride in changing Minnesota weather.
2) 2026 Kia Sportage: The sweet spot for space + fuel economy
If you want SUV versatility without paying a "bigger SUV" fuel bill, the Sportage is a favorite for a reason. It offers a roomy cabin, useful cargo space, and an easy-driving feel that fits commutes, errands, and weekend trips.
Why it's a March standout when gas is expensive: The Sportage lineup is built for shoppers who want strong efficiency for the size. Depending on configuration, Sportage models can be a smart step toward better mileage than a three-row SUV, while still giving you the higher seating position and utility people love. If you're prioritizing fuel costs, it's also worth asking about available hybrid options, which are designed to push efficiency even further.
Best for: Drivers who want an SUV that feels "just right" for daily life-comfortable, versatile, and efficiency-minded.
Money-saving tip: Over a typical year of driving, even a small MPG improvement can add up-especially if most of your miles are commuting or highway travel.
3) 2026 Kia Seltos: Smaller SUV, easier on fuel, still ready for Duluth life
The Seltos is a great answer for drivers who want SUV flexibility in a more compact footprint. It's easy to park, easy to live with day-to-day, and it's often where shoppers land when their top priority is lowering fuel costs without giving up the ride height and cargo practicality of an SUV.
Fuel-economy advantage: In general, a smaller, lighter SUV can deliver better mileage than larger vehicles-so if you're watching your weekly fill-ups, the Seltos deserves a serious look. It's especially appealing if most of your driving is around town with occasional highway trips, and you'd rather keep fuel spending predictable while still having room for groceries, gear, and weekend plans.
Best for: Commuters, first-time SUV buyers, and anyone who wants an efficient daily driver with SUV practicality.
Why Kia is a smart choice when you're worried about gas mileage
When fuel prices climb, the "best" vehicle isn't just about what you like today, it's about what's affordable to live with all year. That's where Kia stands out. Across the lineup, Kia offers efficiency-minded options in multiple sizes, so you can right-size your SUV (compact, two-row, or three-row) instead of paying for more vehicle, and more fuel, than you need. Many models also offer available hybrid powertrains (depending on model, trim, and availability), giving MPG-focused shoppers a path to even lower fuel use without giving up comfort or capability.
Efficiency choices in the segments people shop most: From compact SUVs like the Seltos to versatile two-rows like the Sportage and family-ready three-rows like the Telluride, you can choose the size that fits your life and your fuel budget.
Strong value per gallon: Kia vehicles are known for offering a lot of features for the money-so you're not forced to "move up" to get the comfort, safety tech, and convenience you want while still keeping an eye on MPG.
Ownership confidence: Kia's warranty coverage is a big reason shoppers feel good about the long-term cost of ownership which is important when you're trying to keep both fuel and maintenance spending predictable.
MPG & Fuel-Economy FAQ (Duluth, MN)
Is AWD worse for gas mileage than FWD?
Often, yes-AWD can reduce MPG compared to a similar FWD model because it adds weight and drivetrain complexity. That said, many Duluth drivers still choose AWD for extra traction and confidence in winter conditions. The best approach is to compare the wind ow sticker MPG for the exacttrim you're considering.
Should I pay more attention to city, highway, or combined MPG?
Combined MPG is usually the best single number for comparing vehicles. If most of your driving is stop-and-go a round town, city MPG matters more; if you travel frequently on 1-35 or take regular highway trips, highway MPG becomes more important.
Are hybrid SUVs worth it when gas prices are high?
They can, especially if you drive a lot of miles or spend plenty of time in lower-speed driving where hybrids often shine. Availabilityvaries by model and trim, so it's smart to ask what's on the lot now and compare the expected fuel savings against the price difference. Right now, we have 40 available on the lot, giving you a wide selection to choose from. This means you can easily compare features, trims, and fuel economy options side-by-side to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
How can I improve MPG in my SUV right away?
Keep tires properly inflated, drive smoothly (easy starts and gradual braking), remove unnecessary weight, and avoid unused roof racks/cargo boxes when possible. On longer trips, steady speeds can also help. These habits matter even more when gas prices spike.
Want help choosing at Kia of Duluth?
Tell us about your commute, how many passengers you carry, and whether you prefer FWD or AWD. We'll help you compare Telluride, Sportage, and Seltos options side-by-side including the fuel economy on the exact trims we have available-so you can feel confident about your monthly fuel costs.
Disclaimer: Fuel economy figures vary by model, trim, drivetrain, and driving conditions. Reference the window sticker/EPA estimates for the specific vehicle you're considering.