Should you’re trying to find the perfect hybrid SUV, the reality is there truly aren’t that many decisions. Whereas there’s an limitless sea of these powered solely by gasoline, those who add batteries and superior gasoline financial system to the combo are few and much between. The superb information, nonetheless, is that the alternatives you have got are literally glorious. The highest-selling and top-rated Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 should not solely obtainable as hybrids, as an example, however are literally at their most interesting as hybrids.
Luxurious hybrid SUVs are a special story. Whereas Lexus provides every of its crossover SUVs as a traditional hybrid, these of different manufacturers are by and enormous plug-in hybrids that present a comparatively temporary quantity of all-electric propulsion, superior gasoline financial system and better costs which are considerably countered by EV tax rebates. We embrace each standard hybrids and plug-in hybrids within the beneath checklist of finest hybrid SUVs.
All are listed alphabetically inside every class.
Finest small hybrid SUVs | Finest midsize hybrid SUVs
Finest luxurious hybrid SUVs | Finest luxurious plug-in hybrid SUVs
Finest small hybrid SUVs
Ford Escape Hybrid and PHEV
Why it stands out: Typical and plug-in hybrid decisions; sharper dealing with; attractiveness
Might be higher: Disappointing inside high quality; much less cargo house than others; no AWD PHEV
Hybrid mixed gasoline financial system: 41 mpg (FWD) and 40 mpg (AWD)
Plug-in hybrid electrical vary: 37 miles
Plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system: 105 MPGe (FWD solely)
Learn our 2021 Ford Escape Evaluate
Whereas the Ford Escape typically will not be amongst our top-rated compact SUVs, it is not too far beneath the category leaders, and importantly, it is one of many few fashions that gives a hybrid. Greater than that, it is one in every of solely two obtainable as a plug-in hybrid. In addition to its powertrain, we recognize that the Escape is extra gratifying to drive than most compact SUVs and its know-how interface is extra superior than what you may discover within the CR-V and RAV4. We additionally like its helpful inside storage and spacious, sliding again seat (though its inside plastics high quality is disappointing).
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Why it stands out: Finest-in-class house; hybrid’s distinctive EV-like energy supply; center decrease LATCH anchor
Might be higher: Antiquated and glitchy tech interface; a bit uninteresting
Hybrid gasoline financial system: 38 mpg mixed (AWD solely)
Learn our 2021 Honda CR-V Evaluate
Think about the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search. Objectively talking, it is powerful to beat as a result of its large cargo capability, voluminous again seat, well-balanced driving dynamics, aggressive pricing and options, robust security scores and well-regarded reliability. By way of its hybridness, we like that Honda’s distinctive hybrid system sees most of its propulsion dealt with by the electrical motor (the engine not often powers the wheels straight), leading to a extra EV-like, torque-rich energy supply and a much less obtrusive fuel engine. For the overwhelming majority of compact SUV patrons, and particularly households, the CR-V Hybrid checks each field.
Kia Niro and Niro PHEV
Why it stands out: Cheaper price and higher gasoline financial system than different hybrid SUVs; user-friendly tech
Might be higher: AWD will not be obtainable; it is a smaller SUV and subsequently it has much less house
Hybrid mixed gasoline financial system: 49 mpg (most trim ranges), 50 mpg (FE trim) and 43 mpg (Touring trim)
Plug-in hybrid electrical vary: 26 miles
Plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system: 105 MPGe (FWD solely)
Learn our most up-to-date Niro PHEV overview
The Niro is totally different than the opposite small hybrid SUVs right here in that it is smaller and cheaper. Technically, it is a subcompact SUV, however as the remainder of these aren’t provided as hybrids, the Niro will get to hang around with the massive children for some time. There are execs and cons to its distinctive positioning. A price ticket that begins between $3,000 and $6,000 lower than the others is probably the most important professional, and you may little question discover that it principally will get 10 mpg higher than the opposite hybrid SUVs. Its gasoline financial system is extra akin to a Prius. The draw back is that though it is nonetheless moderately spacious, there isn’t any denying how a lot passenger and cargo room the Niro provides as much as the way more family-friendly CR-V, RAV4 and Escape. So it is totally different, but it surely’s undoubtedly price a glance.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime
Why it stands out: Two hybrid decisions; common and sport-tuned flavors; spacious again seat and cargo space; reliability
Might be higher: Antiquated tech interface
Hybrid mixed gasoline financial system: 40 mpg (AWD solely)
Plug-in hybrid electrical vary: 42 miles
Plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system: 94 MPGe
Our full 2021 Toyota RAV4 Evaluate
The RAV4 has extra passenger and cargo house than most. It is comfy and surprisingly attentive to drive (particularly the XSE Hybrid and Prime). Its inside is effectively constructed with high quality supplies, and provides user-friendly controls and ample storage. Its resale worth and reliability ought to be higher than nearly something on the street. These are all of the fundamentals that the RAV4 nails, however the newest model actually stands out by providing an unparalleled number of fashions. Though you possibly can’t get the hybrid because the very cool Journey or TRD Off-Highway, the surprisingly sporty XSE trim stage (pictured above) is unique to the hybrid and its sport-tuned suspension (and general character) is shared with the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. We like that there is a little one thing for everybody with the RAV4. (Observe that the Toyota Venza is principally a RAV4 Hybrid with totally different styling, a extra luxurious cabin and fewer house. It is a worthy various to think about).
Finest midsize hybrid SUVs
Kia Sorento Hybrid
Why it stands out: Two hybrid decisions; finest gasoline financial system of any three-row SUV; high-end cabin; well-executed tech
Might be higher: No AWD model; not all Sorento trim ranges can be found
Hybrid mixed gasoline financial system: 37 mpg (FWD solely)
Plug-in hybrid electrical vary: TBD
Plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system: TBD
Learn our full 2021 Kia Sorento Evaluate
The Sorento is small for a three-row SUV — it principally has the outside dimensions of a two-row midsize SUV however manages to sandwich in a 3rd row for individuals who may foresee needing one every so often. Utterly redesigned for 2021, the Sorento options revised styling in line with however not copying the profitable Telluride. Inside, materials high quality is elevated, the design is good-looking and know-how will not be solely ample, however person pleasant. The identical well-executed driver help and security options that so impress within the Palisade and Telluride are additionally obtainable within the Sorento. And eventually, the Sorento advantages from a selection of two hybrid powertrains: the 37-mpg conventional hybrid obtainable now and the late-availability plug-in hybrid.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Why it stands out: Finest gasoline financial system for a big three-row crossover by so much; high-end inside
Might be higher: Cramped third-row seat in comparison with different massive three-row crossovers; sluggish and simplistic infotainment
Hybrid mixed gasoline financial system: 35 mpg (AWD solely)
Learn our full 2021 Toyota Highlander Evaluate
The Highlander Hybrid could not have as a lot house inside as class-leading three-row crossovers just like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, but it surely will get 14 mpg higher. That distinction is as large because it appears. Alternatively, its inside house is gigantic in comparison with most automobiles that handle 35 mpg mixed. Both method you take a look at it, the Highlander Hybrid is compelling. In addition to its gasoline financial system, although, the just lately redesigned Highlander is interesting in its personal proper with Palisade-rivaling inside high quality, composed trip and dealing with, and ample characteristic content material. It is also solely $1,400 greater than the gas-only V6-powered Highlander, which suggests you may shortly pay again the premium.
Finest luxurious hybrid SUVs
Lexus RX 450h
Why it stands out: It is the one midsize luxurious hybrid; the inside is superbly made; F Sport is gratifying to drive
Might be higher: Antiquated and strange tech interface; L mannequin’s third row is fairly pointless
Hybrid mixed gasoline financial system: 30 mpg (450h, AWD solely) and 29 mpg (450h L, AWD solely)
The Lexus RX has lengthy loved a fame for bulletproof reliability and loads of high-end options, however this newest model actually kicked issues up when it comes to meticulous inside high quality, improved driving dynamics (particularly the F Sport mannequin) and daring styling that admittedly will not be for everybody. It additionally launched the extended-length RX 450h L that is extra important for its better cargo capability than its near-useless third-row seat. Since we’re speaking about hybrid SUVs, the RX 450h will get 30 mpg mixed, which is fairly glorious for a midsize luxurious SUV. Plus, not like most different Lexus/Toyota hybrids, its 308 horsepower is completely aggressive when it comes to acceleration. Finally, if you need a hybrid SUV and do not wish to pay significantly extra for a plug-in mannequin, that is your solely selection. It is actually not a foul one.
Lexus UX 250h
Why it stands out: Distinctive gasoline financial system; pretty inside high quality up entrance
Might be higher: Cramped inside; it is gradual
Hybrid mixed gasoline financial system: 42 mpg (FWD) and 39 mpg (AWD)
Learn our Lexus UX Evaluate
The newborn Lexus will get 42 mpg mixed with front-wheel drive and 39 mpg with all-wheel drive, which is actually distinctive for a subcompact luxurious SUV. The BMW X1 sDrive28i, for instance, is taken into account very gasoline environment friendly for the section and will get solely 27 mpg mixed. If you would like a premium small SUV and wish to hold your gasoline consumption low, that is your finest guess. We additionally just like the UX’s good-looking and high-quality inside (up entrance no less than, there’s some low-cost plastic within the again) that has loads of distinctive parts not present in different Lexus automobiles. There are downsides, nonetheless. The UX is fairly cramped inside, the Distant Contact tech interface is a continuing supply of frustration, and acceleration is glacial for a luxurious SUV. So it is not an ideal selection, however then in terms of a small hybrid luxurious SUV, Lexus is your solely selection. (Observe that Lexus additionally sells the NX 300h that slots in between the UX and NX in dimension and worth, but it surely’s about to get replaced and its 31 mpg pales compared to the cheaper and surprisingly luxurious 39-mpg Toyota Venza).
Finest plug-in hybrid luxurious SUVs
BMW X3 xDrive30e
Why it stands out: Compelling price ticket with tax rebates and fuel financial savings; gratifying to drive
Might be higher: Minimal all-electric vary; minimal coloration decisions
Plug-in hybrid electrical vary: 18 miles
Plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system: 60 MPGe
Our full 2021 BMW X3 Evaluate
In contrast to BMW’s 3 Sequence and 5 Sequence plug-in hybrids, the X3 does not undergo from a big discount in cargo capability. Its cheap $4,900 over the equally geared up gas-only xDrive30i must also be erased by the $5,836 federal tax rebate plus the cash you save by using its 18 miles of all-electric vary. In different phrases, this isn’t solely plug-in hybrid SUV to think about, it is arguably the BMW X3 to get. You will nonetheless get the identical well-made and spacious inside, sharp driving dynamics, robust efficiency and ample in-car know-how as each X3.
The Volvo XC60 Recharge can be worthy of consideration. We expect it appears higher than the BMW and has a better general fuel+electrical energy vary, but it surely’s additionally $4,000 dearer and is not nearly as good to drive.
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring
Why it stands out: Huge efficiency; large house; modern inside design
Might be higher: Excessive price of entry
Plug-in hybrid electrical vary: 21 miles
Plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system: 56 MPGe
Our full 2021 Lincoln Aviator Evaluate
The Aviator Grand Touring (aka plug-in hybrid) goes a bit additional on a cost (21 miles) than the standard luxurious plug-in hybrid and its general miles-per-gallon-equivalent ranking of 56 mpg-e is totally aggressive. Regardless of these better-than-normal inexperienced credentials, it completely blows the competitors out of the water with eye-bulging efficiency figures of 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. That is borderline absurd. Just like the gas-only Aviator, you get a spacious, well-equipped, easy-to-use and high-style inside, plus a refined driving expertise that makes an attempt to make your time behind the wheel “easy” versus “sporty.” The primary draw back with the Grand Touring is you pay for that large efficiency benefit — it begins at round $70,000. A Volvo XC90 Recharge is about $7,000 cheaper to begin.
Volvo XC90 Recharge
Why it stands out: Spacious third-row and cargo space; Scandinavian design; lower cost for this subsegment of SUVs
Might be higher: Unrefined fuel engine; tech interface does not agree with everybody
Plug-in hybrid electrical vary: 18 miles
Plug-in hybrid gasoline financial system: 54 MPGe
Learn our full 2021 Volvo XC90 Evaluate
Hardly ever is a brand new automotive as equally able to assembly sensible wants and emotional needs, however the XC90 Recharge does simply that. It is a three-row SUV with real room in all its rows for even adults and tons of cargo house. It is also a plug-in hybrid, so you ought to be saving loads of gasoline and emitting much less CO2. On the identical time, the XC90 is without doubt one of the best-looking SUVs ever made, with clear Scandinavian design in and out that also appears incredible regardless of being launched a number of years in the past. Its luxurious credentials are additionally effectively served with high-end supplies and ample characteristic content material, and with 400 horsepower on faucet, the XC90 Recharge additionally serves because the XC90’s high-end, top-performance selection. Cake and consuming too, and many others.
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