If you're searching for the best hybrid SUV, the truth is there actually aren't that many choices. While there's an endless sea of those powered solely by gasoline, those that add batteries and superior fuel economy to the mix are few and far between. The very good news, however, is that the choices you have are actually excellent. The top-selling and top-rated Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are not only available as hybrids, for instance, but are actually at their most appealing as hybrids.
Luxury hybrid SUVs are a different story. While Lexus offers each of its crossover SUVs as a conventional hybrid, those of other brands are by and large plug-in hybrids that provide a relatively brief amount of all-electric propulsion, superior fuel economy and higher prices that are somewhat countered by EV tax rebates. We include both conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids in the below list of best hybrid SUVs.
All are listed alphabetically within each category.
Best small hybrid SUVs
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Consider the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search. Objectively speaking, it's tough to beat due to its massive cargo capacity, voluminous back seat, well-balanced driving dynamics, competitive pricing and features, strong safety ratings and well-regarded reliability. In terms of its hybridness, we like that Honda's distinctive hybrid system sees most of its propulsion handled by the electric motor (the engine rarely powers the wheels directly), resulting in a more EV-like, torque-rich power delivery and a less obtrusive gas engine. For the vast majority of compact SUV buyers, and especially families, the CR-V Hybrid checks every box.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The Tucson is the new kid in town and it's made quite an entrance. Its fuel economy is effectively the same as the CR-V and RAV4, and its roughly the same size (it has a more useful cargo area, but that comes at the expense in part of no spare tire). On paper, it lines up closely with those top competitors. The big difference, and advantage, the Tucson Hybrid has can be found inside where it showcases a premium design with higher-quality materials and wildly superior technology. Be it the standard unit or the pretty widescreen one, Hyundai's touchscreens put Honda and Toyota's to shame in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Its driver assistance tech is also better executed. Basically, the Tucson is the more state-of-the-art choice. There is also a Tucson plug-in hybrid coming soon with 33 miles of range, but we have yet to test that.
Kia Niro and Niro PHEV
The Niro is different than the other small hybrid SUVs here in that it's smaller and cheaper. Technically, it's a subcompact SUV, but as the rest of those aren't offered as hybrids, the Niro gets to hang out with the big kids for a while. There are pros and cons to its unique positioning. A price tag that starts between $3,000 and $6,000 less than the others is the most significant pro, and you'll no doubt notice that it basically gets 10 mpg better than the other hybrid SUVs. Its fuel economy is more akin to a Prius. The downside is that although it's still reasonably spacious, there's no denying how much passenger and cargo room the Niro gives up to the far more family-friendly CR-V, RAV4 and Tucson. So it's different, but it's definitely worth a look.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime
The RAV4 has more passenger and cargo space than most. It's comfortable and surprisingly responsive to drive (especially the XSE Hybrid and Prime). Its interior is well built with quality materials, and offers user-friendly controls and abundant storage. Its resale value and reliability should be better than almost anything on the road. Those are all the basics that the RAV4 nails, but the latest version really stands out by offering an unparalleled variety of models. Although you can't get the hybrid as the very cool Adventure or TRD Off-Road, the surprisingly sporty XSE trim level (pictured above) is exclusive to the hybrid and its sport-tuned suspension (and overall character) is shared with the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. We like that there's a little something for everyone with the RAV4. (Note that the Toyota Venza is basically a RAV4 Hybrid with different styling, a more luxurious cabin and less space. It's a worthy alternative to consider).
Best midsize hybrid SUVs
Kia Sorento Hybrid
The Sorento is small for a three-row SUV — it basically has the exterior dimensions of a two-row midsize SUV but manages to sandwich in a third row for those who could foresee needing one on occasion. Completely redesigned for 2021, the Sorento features revised styling in keeping with but not copying the successful Telluride. Inside, material quality is elevated, the design is handsome and technology is not only abundant, but user friendly. The same well-executed driver assistance and safety features that so impress in the Palisade and Telluride are also available in the Sorento. And finally, the Sorento benefits from a choice of two hybrid powertrains: the 37-mpg traditional hybrid and the plug-in hybrid added for 2022.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid may not have as much space inside as class-leading three-row crossovers like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, but it gets 14 mpg better. That difference is as massive as it seems. On the other hand, its interior space is gigantic compared to most vehicles that manage 35 mpg combined. Either way you look at it, the Highlander Hybrid is compelling. Besides its fuel economy, though, the recently redesigned Highlander is appealing in its own right with Palisade-rivaling interior quality, composed ride and handling, and ample feature content. It's also only $1,400 more than the gas-only V6-powered Highlander, which means you'll quickly pay back the premium.
Best luxury hybrid SUVs
Lexus NX 350h and NX 450h+
So here's the deal: the only luxury car company that sell conventional hybrids these days is Lexus. As such, choosing our favorites here is like restricting your favorite food choices to one restaurant's menu. Nevertheless, we do get a new Lexus hybrid for 2022: the completely redesigned NX 350h. It produces 239 horsepower resulting in improved performance over its predecessor, but crucially, the new version is also quieter and more refined in its operation. It draws less attention to its hybridness, which is always a good thing. Fuel economy is extremely good for a compact luxury SUV at 39 mpg combined. It also benefits from the same upgrades as the rest of the NX line, including an all-new interior with massively improved technology. That's not all, though. The NX 350h conventional hybrid is joined by a new plug-in hybrid, the NX 450h+. It's definitely the most desirable in the NX line, as it not only brings with it all-electric range and the best efficiency, it's also most agreeable to drive. Crucially, its 37 miles of electric range blows away the competition.
Lexus RX 450h
The Lexus RX has long enjoyed a reputation for bulletproof reliability and plenty of high-end features, but this latest version really kicked things up in terms of meticulous interior quality, improved driving dynamics (especially the F Sport model) and bold styling that admittedly won't be for everyone. It also introduced the extended-length RX 450h L that's more significant for its greater cargo capacity than its near-useless third-row seat. Since we're talking about hybrid SUVs, the RX 450h gets 30 mpg combined, which is pretty excellent for a midsize luxury SUV. Plus, unlike most other Lexus/Toyota hybrids, its 308 horsepower is perfectly competitive in terms of acceleration.
Best plug-in hybrid luxury SUVs
BMW X5 xDrive45e
Unlike most plug-in hybrids, the X5 xDrive45e doesn't come with a massive price increase over its gas-only siblings. With a starting price of $64,695, including destination, the plug-in hybrid X5 costs only $800 more than the equally equipped xDrive40i. That's before you factor in the $7,500 federal tax credit and possible state-level credits that'll effectively drop the price far below the gas-powered versions. Oh, and don't forget all the money you'll save at the pump. So, financially it makes all the sense in the world as the X5 of choice, while being just as quick as the xDrive40i (0-60 in 5.3 seconds) and equal in virtually every other way, too. Now, compared to other PHEV SUVs, the X5 provides more electric range than its Volvo and Lincoln competitors, while providing the sensational balance between ride comfort and capable handling we've come to expect from BMW's midsize SUV. It's not nearly as spacious, though, and does not offer a third-row seat.
Lexus NX 450h+
The NX 450h+ is a new entry for 2022, and it stands to make waves as it blows away the competition in terms of all-electric range. Having 37 miles instead of something in the high teens means it's likely to cover the entirety of most Americans' commutes without turning on the gas engine. That's unlikely for BMW and Volvo's otherwise agreeable plug-in hybrids. And although it isn't as engaging to drive as the BMW, it's got enough zest to it, and its devotion to providing a quiet and comfortable driving experience is enhanced with the NX's 2022 overhaul. That also brings with it an all-new interior with an equally new tech interface, though passenger and cargo space remain on the small side for a compact luxury SUV. In total, if you want a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV, this is a great place to start.
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring
The Aviator Grand Touring (aka plug-in hybrid) goes a bit further on a charge (21 miles) than the typical luxury plug-in hybrid and its overall miles-per-gallon-equivalent rating of 56 mpg-e is fully competitive. Despite these better-than-normal green credentials, it absolutely blows the competition out of the water with eye-bulging performance figures of 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. That's borderline absurd. Like the gas-only Aviator, you get a spacious, well-equipped, easy-to-use and high-style interior, plus a refined driving experience that attempts to make your time behind the wheel "effortless" as opposed to "sporty." The main downside with the Grand Touring is you pay for that massive performance advantage — it starts at around $70,000. The BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 plug-ins are several thousand cheaper.
Volvo XC90 Recharge
Rarely is a new car as equally capable of meeting practical needs and emotional wants, but the XC90 Recharge does just that. It's a three-row SUV with genuine room in all its rows for even adults and tons of cargo space. It's also a plug-in hybrid, so you should be saving plenty of gasoline and emitting less CO2. At the same time, the XC90 is one of the best-looking SUVs ever made, with clean Scandinavian design inside and out that still looks fantastic despite being introduced several years ago. Its luxury credentials are also well served with high-end materials and abundant feature content, and with 400 horsepower on tap, the XC90 Recharge also serves as the XC90's high-end, top-performance choice. Cake and eating too, etc.
Related video:
