Back to GuidesBuyers who want a more efficient vehicle, but also the size and higher seating position of an SUV, still have a lot of options. There are a number of hybrid SUVs on the market ranging from subcompact to full-size three-row SUVs.
We've curated a list of the dozen best hybrid SUVs on the market for 2023 and 2024 (for the purposes of this article, we are talking about traditional hybrid SUVs). Read on for a list of options with the cargo space of an SUV and the fuel efficiency of a hybrid.
1. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
2. Kia Sportage Hybrid
3. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
4. Kia Sorento Hybrid
5. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
6. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
7. Toyota Venza
8. Honda CR-V Hybrid
9. Kia Niro
10. Lexus RX
11. Ford Explorer Hybrid
12. Toyota Sequoia
1. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $37,545 in base Blue trim, which is also the most efficient in the lineup getting an EPA estimated 36 MPG city and 31 on the highway. Higher trims see a raise in MSRP with the top-tier Limited trim starting at $43,205. Power is provided by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This is all backed by Hyundai’s five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 3 years of complimentary maintenance.
The Santa Fe also includes a nice suite of standard tech and luxury features including heated front seats, a 10.25 touchscreen system with navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations, digital key, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless device charging. Included safety features are also an exhaustive list including forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, rear occupant alert, driver attention alert, safe exit assist, blind spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid listings here.
2. Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage is all-new for the 2023 model year, with many updates that put it near the top of the Hybrid crossover marketplace. In the lowest-price hybrid and most efficient trim, the Kia Sportage EX Hybrid starts at $28,815 and the top trim X Line Prestige Hybrid starts at $44,515. Fuel Economy is estimated at up to 44 MPG highway and 42 MPG in the city for front-wheel drive equipped base models. All hybrid models are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor making a combined 226 horsepower. The Kia Sportage matches the Hyundai Santa Fe’s warranty but does not include complimentary maintenance.
The Sportage is spacious for a compact SUV with best-in-class rear seat room and cargo space. Standard features include a 12.2-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A long list of safety features are also standard including automatic emergency braking, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention assist, rear parking sensors, and rear occupant alert.
Browse Kia Sportage Hybrid listings here.
3. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota benefits from decades of experience with hybrid vehicles dating back to the original Toyota Prius. Though overshadowed by the PHEV RAV4 Prime the normal RAV4 Hybrid is still a worthwhile option in the hybrid SUV segment. The hybrid powertrain includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motors putting our 219 horsepower combined. A CVT drives the front wheels and an electric motor at the rear wheels provides the RAV4 Hybrid with standard AWD. In base LE trim, the RAV4 Hybrid starts at $32,060 and goes up to $40,365 in Limited trim. Fuel efficiency is EPA estimated at 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway.
A Woodand Edition trim is added to the RAV4 Hybrid for 2023 with more off-road capability thanks to all-terrain tires and a TRD suspension. The RAV4 received updated tech for the 2023 model year with a new infotainment system user interface and added wireless versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A standard 8.0-inch touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster or upgraded 10.5-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch gauge cluster handle driver information and infotainment duties. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
Browse Toyota RAV4 Hybrid listings here.
4. Kia Sorento Hybrid
The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a midsize SUV with standard third-row seats, making it a great option for families. The Sorento Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor for a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. In its most efficient trim, the Sorento Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 39 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. A traditional six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard with AWD available for an extra cost. Kia claims a road trip driving range of up to 655 miles without having to stop to fuel up.
In base EX Hybrid trim, the Sorento starts at $38,015 and costs up to $43,815 in Prestige Hybrid trim. Included tech and convenience features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, and eight USB chargers are standard. Safety features and driver assistance include automatic emergency braking, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, safe exit assist, driver attention warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology.
Browse Kia Sorento Hybrid listings here.
5. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors making a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available, and a continuously variable transmission comes with either drivetrain configuration. The most efficient front-wheel drive models get up to 36 MPG city and 35 MPG on the highway.
The Highlander starts at $41,555 in base LE trim and up to $52,010 in top Hyrbid Platinum trim. An 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay is standard, while higher trims get a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Wireless device charging is also standard. Depending on options, the Highlander Hybrid has comfortable seating for seven or eight passengers. Toyota Safety Sense includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, road sign assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse Toyota Highlander Hybrid listings here.
6. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is powered by a 226-combined horsepower hybrid drivetrain featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor. EPA estimated fuel economy is impressive for an SUV with standard AWD at 38 MPG highway and 38 MPG city in its most efficient configuration. Opting for higher-end models drops mileage slightly.
In base Blue Hybrid trim the Tucson starts at $32,685, and includes a bevy of both tech and safety features. In its top Limited Hybrid trim, the Tucson starts at $40,445. Hyundai throws in wireless device charging, heated front seats, heated mirrors, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, rear-seat USB charging, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Standard safety features are also plentiful, including rear occupant alert, forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, rear-cross traffic collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go tech.
Browse Hyundai Tucson Hybrid listings here.
7. Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza shares a platform with the RAV4 Hybrid, but has sleeker looks and is geared towards the on-road lifestyle. Unlike the RAV4 the Venza is only available as a Hybrid and it starts at a base price of $35,455 in base LE trim, while the highest Limited trim costs at least $43,600. The powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors making a combined 219 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard with gas and electric power driving the front wheels, plus an electric motor to power the rear wheels. The EPA rates the Venza at an estimated 40 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.
Due to its sleeker shape, the Venza offers slightly less practicality than the RAV4, with a tighter interior space. A standard 8.0-inch touchscreen includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims receive a 12.3-inch touchscreen and onboard navigation, as well as a premium JBL stereo with nine speakers. Safety and driver assistance features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Though the warranty falls short of offerings from Hyundai and Kia, Toyota does include two years of complimentary maintenance.
Browse Toyota Venza listings here.
8. Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V is all new for the 2023 model year, it’s bigger, has a more modern look, and features an improved comfortable ride. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors for a total output of 204 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive optional. All-wheel drive is standard on higher trim Sport Touring models. The CR-V Hybrid receives EPA estimated fuel economy of 43 MPG city and 36 MPG highway in its most efficient trim.
The CR-V Hybrid starts at $33,695 in Sport Hybrid trim and features a decent suite of standard equipment. Heated front seats, a power moonroof, and dual-zone climate control are all included. In its top trim, the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid starts at $40,395. Tech features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear USB charging ports, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. To get a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, step up to Sport Touring trim. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Warranty coverage is average, but includes two years of complimentary maintenance.
Browse Honda CR-V Hybrid listings here.
9. Kia Niro
The Kia Niro comes standard with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and one electric motor making a combined 139 horsepower. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handles shifting duties and unlike most offerings on this list, the Niro is front-wheel drive only. The Niro gets up to 53 MPG in the city and 54 on the highway according to EPA estimates. Higher trims significantly drop highway fuel economy to 45 MPG.
Starting at a base MSRP of $27,915 in LX trim the Niro includes a nice array of safety, comfort, and tech. Base models get an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system while in all other trims, it grows to a 10.3-inch screen. Top SX Touring trim starts at $36,215. Regardless of screen size, the system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the bigger screen adds navigation and these trims also get wireless charging. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise is available on higher trims. Like the other Kia offerings on this list, the Niro includes class-leading warranty coverage.
Browse Kia Niro listings here.
10. Lexus RX
The Lexus RX offers a few levels of trims and performance specs for those buyers shopping for a hybrid luxury SUV. The RX is all new for the 2023 model year and has two available hybrid powertrains. 350h models feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, making a combined 246 horsepower, with a CVT and standard AWD. RX500h models get a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and electric motors churning out 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. In RX350h trim the EPA estimates 37 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. RX500h models pay the price for the extra power with fuel economy of 28 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.
In its least expensive RX350h trim the price starts at $51,145, while RX500h F Sport Performance starts at $63,745. The RX packs the features buyers would expect from a luxury SUV with a 9.8-inch or 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Of course, buyers can option premium features like a Mark Levinson premium stereo, navigation, and a head-up display for an extra cost. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse Lexus RX listings here.
11. Ford Explorer Hybrid
The Ford Explorer Hybrid is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine and electric motors making 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. It also has a good towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and can be equipped with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. EPA estimated fuel economy in the most efficient configuration is 27 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.
The hybrid powertrain is available as an option for Limited and Platinum trim of the Explorer meaning it is packed with luxury and tech features but does have a higher starting price. The hybrid option costs an additional $5,935 on top of the base price of $48,665 for the Limited trim. A 10.1-inch touchscreen, Bang & Olufsen premium stereo system, and a heated steering wheel are all included at this level. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control in Limited trim. For more premium features add the $5,935 upcharge to the price of $55,415 for an Explorer in Platinum trim.
Browse Ford Explorer Hybrid listings here.
12. Toyota Sequoia
Buyers looking for a full-size truck-based SUV with a hybrid powertrain have somewhat limited options, but the all-new Toyota Sequoia has you covered. All Sequoias are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 and an electric motor that pump out 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque combined. A 10-speed automatic transmission is a standard as well as rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive is available. In its thriftiest configuration, the Sequoia gets EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 MPG city and 24 MPG combined. Those numbers may seem unimpressive but are a vast improvement over the outgoing generation.
The Sequoia is not cheap starting at $59,960 in base SR5 trim and costing up to $77,660 in off-road-ready TRD Pro trim. A 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but is not offered in the base SR5 trim. Standard safety features are more generous with included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control regardless of which variant you choose.
Browse Toyota Sequoia listings here.
Hybrid SUV Buying Tips:
As the automotive landscape moves toward electric vehicles, some buyers aren’t ready to fully commit to the limited range of all-electric vehicles. Plug-in Hybrids offer a good compromise with limited electric range, but they generally have a substantial additional cost compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
Eco-minded buyers can have both improved fuel economy and a lower carbon footprint by looking at a traditional hybrid. Combining an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, and a small battery pack can increase mileage without a massive increase in price or the limitations of an electric vehicle.
Now, you may be wondering about the difference between hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. A hybrid uses a combination of gas and electric propulsion, with a small battery and no, or very limited, all-electric range.
A hybrid also relies on the power generated by the gas engine to create electricity to charge the battery and run the electric motor.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is similar to a hybrid but generally has a larger battery and longer electric driving capability.
A PHEV can also be charged via an external power source, meaning some drivers may use little to no gas if they charge at home and have shorter commutes. Electric cars rely on external sources for all power, have no gas motor, and have larger batteries. Electric cars have a longer all-electric range but need to plug in to recharge.
