Pick the Right Hybrid SUV

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We're going to start this article with a major take-away. Whether you plan to buy or lease a new hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), it is important to remember that, according to the Department of Transportation, the average American only drives 39.7 miles or less per day. A new plug-in hybrid such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime can take you 42 miles on all-electric energy before it engages its gasoline engine. That means that for most of us, having a PHEV is the same as having an EV. You will likely do most of your driving on electricity alone. 

If you intend to charge your plug-in hybrid overnight at home, it is like waking up to a full battery every day. Yet, if you are going for a long road trip, you don't have to worry about recharging on the road. The RAV4 Prime gets an EPA estimated 34 miles per gallon on gasoline and when you combine its electric range, you are talking about a crossover SUV that will take you 94 MPGe for combined gas/electric operation.

Picking the Right Hybrid

Assuming you are in the market for a new hybrid vehicle, we understand that there are hybrids available in many different forms including sports cars, hatchbacks, compacts, minivans and even pickup trucks, but by far the most popular hybrids today are family-friendly crossover SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, the Toyota Grand Highlander, or the Volvo XC-90. But to pick the best hybrids and plug-in hybrids, we looked at a vast number of vehicles and narrowed our list down to those that offer the best performance, handling, cargo space, comfort, overall value, and fuel efficiency. We hope the following rankings will help you narrow your focus for the best hybrid for you. They are listed as first, second, third and fourth in each category.
Compact SUV Hybrids
Practical and efficient, the Honda CR-V comes with front-wheel drive and an EPA Estimated 40 mpg combined. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors gets you 204 horsepower and the NHTSA gives it a Five Star Safety Rating and many safety features are standard.
Starting MSRP $36,000.

With a roomy interior and quiet ride, the Sportage includes a turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder with two electric motors to achieve 227 horses and front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It is also available as a plug-in hybrid that can take you an EPA Estimated 34 miles on electric power only.
Starting MSRP $29,965.
Quicker and more efficient than the standard Tucson, the Hybrid version comes with a 1.6-liter four cylinder and an electric motor to make 231 hp, and the PHEV version makes 268 horses and takes you an EPA Estimated 33 miles on electric power only. Plus, many driver assist features come as standard.
Starting MSRP $34,510.

The popular RAV4 and RAV4 Prime ticks all the boxes for comfort, quality, and reliability. Powered by a 2.5-liter four cylinder and three electric motors for 219 hp, all-wheel drive is standard. The Prime will take you an EPA Estimated 42 miles on electric power only and gets a Five Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
Starting TSRP $33,120.
Mid-Size SUV Hybrids
In powerful Hybrid Max trim, the Highlander can take you from zero to 60mph in 5.6 seconds with its 362 hp powertrain. The standard trim comes with a 2.5-liter four cylinder and two electric motors for 245 hp and the EPA rates it at an EPA Estimated 37 mpg city/34 mpg highway.
Starting TSRP $46,470.

The off-road warrior is back with full-time four-wheel drive, powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder i-FORCE MAX powertrain making a mighty 326-horsepower. Two rows of seating for five includes the latest driver assist safety features and the EPA rates it at an EPA Estimated 36 mpg combined.
Starting TSRP $57,400.
A rugged design and standard all-wheel drive and three-rows of seating make the Santa Fe Hybrid a great choice. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor for a combined 232 horses and the EPA rates it at an EPA Estimated 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway. A host of driver assist features come as standard.
Starting MSRP $38,365.

New for 2025 with a luxurious interior feel and a comfortable ride, the Crown Signia offers a hybrid powertrain with 243 horses and all-wheel drive. The EPA rates fuel economy at an EPA Estimated 38 mpg combined. All trim levels include Toyota's latest driver assist safety features.
Starting TSRP $45,040.
Luxury SUV Hybrids
First - Volvo XC90
This three-row crossover SUV is a beautiful package with a plush cabin and is available with three hybrid powertrains. The base model offers 247 hp, mid-range models add a supercharger for 295 hp, and the T8 PHEV pumps out 488 horses and an EPA Estimated 33 miles of all-electric range.
Starting MSRP $58,695.

A luxury SUV powerhouse, the X5 xDrive50e is a plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged inline six and an electric motor for a combined 483 horsepower. It can blast you from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and take you an EPA Estimated 39 miles on all-electric power.
Starting MSRP $66,875.
With speed and handling that's worthy of the Porsche name, the Cayenne is a posh crossover with plenty of cargo room and luxury throughout. The E-Hybrid marries a turbocharged V6 with an electric motor for 463 horses and an amped-up S E-Hybrid brings 512 hp and all-wheel drive.
Starting MSRP $86,695.

The Q7 is a sleek three-row SUV with engaging road manners and a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a 12-volt hybrid system as standard. You can bump up the juice with a 3.0-liter V6 and 48-volt system for 335-horsepower. The Q7 managed a Five Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
Starting MSRP $61,795.
Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs
Compact - Volvo XC60 T8
Trademarked Scandinavian styling gives the XC60 a unique look and the T8 PHEV's 455-hp powertrain is managed through a turbo- and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors. Zero to 60 mph happens in 4.5 seconds, and it will take you an EPA Estimated 35 miles on electricity only.
Starting MSRP $48,345.

With athletic handling and an upscale interior, the CX-90 PHEV is faster than its gas-powered brother and gives you an EPA Estimated 26 miles of all-electric range thanks to a 323-hp plug-in powertrain. Volvo's i-Activsense brings a suite of driver assistance safety goodies.
Starting MSRP $51,400.
A luxury ride that offers off-road prowess, the Range Rover is available as a plug-in hybrid that includes massaging seats and a beverage chiller. The P550e's powertrain makes 542-horsepower. The standard P400SE develops a healthy 395 horses from its turbocharged inline-six and 48-volt hybrid system.
Starting MSRP $109,025.

In the world of Plug-in Hybrid SUVs, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime offers innovative design, excellent fuel economy, and tech forward features. A 302-horsepower PHEV powertrain delivers impressive performance and Toyota Safety Sense brings you extensive safety features. It's easy to see why the RAV4 is the best-selling Toyota in the world.
Starting TSRP $45,085.