Best Hybrid SUVs For 2023

It’s hard to compete with the Kia Niro as a hybrid with space, and a 2023 update makes it even harder. The 2023 Niro gets updated, stretched longer and wider and far more attractive styling, inside and out, including its distinctive new “Aero Blade.” Among a growing list of hybrid, PHEV and EV compact crossovers, the Niro covers all the bases at an attractive price notably less than its full EV version.

The Niro is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market (although it is on the smaller side), According to the EPA, the conventional hybrid manages a combined 53 mpg combined by pairing a 1.6-liter inline-four gas engine with a 32-kilowatt electric motor to deliver 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers drop with 18-inch wheels that come standard on the top-tier SX Touring. The PHEV uses the same gas engine but upgrades to a more powerful electric motor and a bigger, 11.1-kwH battery pack. Together, they make 180 hp and 195 lb-ft. The plug-in hybrid musters an EPA-rated 108 MPGe rating. But it also offers up to 33 miles per charge, according to the feds, a full 25% improvement over the outgoing crossover. Note that the Niro continues to be front-wheel-drive only.

At a starting price of $27,785, including the $1,295 destination fee, for the base Niro Hybrid LX, it’s thousands less than a Ford Escape Hybrid, though it comes in slightly higher than some other hybrid crossovers of similar size. And, at up to 53 mpg, you’ll quickly save cash on fuel. The top-of-the-line Niro SX Touring Hybrid gives you plenty of features for the money at $36,085.

The Escape can be expensive, topping $40,000 in some configurations, but Ford gives a lot for the money. The small crossover is ideal for small and growing families, especially with its variety of fuel-efficient powertrains. The optional hybrid powertrain can deliver up to 41 mpg combined, according to the EPA, but Ford also offers a plug-in hybrid variant. The Escape also features Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety technology standard, superior crash ratings and a surprisingly spacious cabin, with up to 38.8 inches of rear legroom. An upgrade for 2023 (new ST-Line, a revised naming schedule, fresh styling and tech) can make the Escape higher value, especially for buyers returning from sedans like the Fusion and those looking for more space than the Niro, the Escape also offers an easy transition into hybrid crossover life. 

The new Platinum trim brings the 2.0L EcoBoost engine with AWD and a hybrid powertrain option with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Ford offers the ST-Line as a hybrid version with front-wheel drive. ST-Line Select and the ST-Line Elite open the door to an available 250-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive and an available hybrid option. The full hybrid model with front-wheel drive targets 199 horsepower combined output and an EPA-estimated range of more than 550 miles, but final certification is pending on both counts. Going Platinum with the FWD Hybrid hits $37,460, and the plug-in front-wheel drive is $39,995.

The RAV4 hybrid sets the standard for capable hybrid SUVs. There is a trim for everyone and optional all-wheel drive across the line makes it appealing for buyers in seasonal regions as well as the weekend warrior types who enjoy light trailblazing. Its fuel efficiency is already competitive in the segment but is boosted by its optional hybrid powertrain and new plug-in hybrid variant, the RAV4 Prime. While exterior styling may not be for everyone, the RAV4 is more self-assured than ever before and offers a menu of choices much longer than key rivals. It also has a competitive starting price and lots of standard tech including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.

Toyota’s RAV4 is the top-selling SUV in America, and while it has some great rivals, it earns the crown honestly. It’s fuel-efficient, scores well in crash tests, and it’s well-equipped. It’s not quite as roomy as its rivals, but it’s comfortable and competitively priced. Outdoor fans can opt for Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The hybrid is only available as AWD and comes in LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited trims along with regular RAV4s; the hybrid adds SE and XSE trim. The RAV4 hybrid ranges from $32,575 in LE trim to $40,880 in Limited trim.

Redesigned in 2022, the Lexus NX is a small luxury crossover that’s newly competitive in a crowded segment full of strong players. The old NX’s lack of pep and frustrating infotainment system have been erased by a new array of powertrains (including a plug-in) and big, futuristic screens. It also gains 28% more cargo space, though its hold is still on the small side. The $59,000+ PHEV is pricey, but buyers looking for a premium five-passenger SUV under $50,000 will find a dizzying array of competent, quiet and luxurious choices in the NX lineup.

Offered in standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, the NX 350h is a unique hybrid that doesn’t have a direct competitor at its price point. The best combination, however, and one that will save a few trips to the pump, is the hybrid NX 350h, which slots in at $44,205. It comes with 239 total horses under the hood, a 7.2-second zero-to-60 time, and a 39-mpg combined EPA estimate.

Equipped with the base 2.5-liter engine, the 350h experience is enhanced by two electric motors. The NX 350h model fuel economy takes a big leap up to 41 in the city and 37 on the highway, and the 590-mile range will also feel like an indulgence. Of course, if fuel economy is at the top of your priority list, the plug-in 450h+ gets an EPA-estimated 84 MPGe, which includes the 37 miles of all-electric range.

The 2023 UX 250h gives Lexus an entry in a hot segment—pint-sized premium crossover SUVs—but it also presents a challenge in making the vehicle feel special enough to justify its price tag. To its credit, the hybrid-only UX does get top safety ratings, its fuel economy is way ahead of anything else in the class, and it exhibits the usual quality of materials and workmanship found in other Lexus models. The move to hybrid-only for the Lexus UX250 gives it a huge advantage in fuel economy.

This crossover’s small footprint does mean some limitations, however. Rear seat room and cargo space are a bit restricted, but for those who want city-friendly size, excellent fuel economy and a premium experience, this stylish and feature-packed little SUV delivers on all counts.

Base price for the front-drive UX250h is $35,925 (including a $1,075 destination fee), and AWD is a $1,400 option across all models. The Premium trim starts at $38,385, and is our pick amongst the trims because it adds nice features (heated and ventilated front seats, power rear door with kick sensor, rain-sensing wipers) as standard and opens the option book for the 12.3-inch touchscreen and Lexus Premium audio system, which are unavailable on the base model.

The Toyota Venza remains a bit of an outlier in the hybrid compact SUV segment. It’s squeezed on the low-end by the RAV4 hybrid but offers less interior volume; on the high-end, it’s pressured by the Lexus NX 350h but doesn’t share that brand’s cache or dynamics. Notably, the Venza shares much of its powertrain and platform with both. What remains is a quiet, fuel-efficient vehicle with just enough understated style to stand out against the compact SUV horde. If a smidge of individuality is worth a small price premium, the Venza should be on your list.

In 2021 it was reintroduced as a premium, hybrid-only, tuned-for-on-road-performance crossover. It’s built for small families and empty nesters seeking the versatility of a two-row utility vehicle that sips fuel. The five-seater also boasts updated technology, safety features, infotainment and an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain rated to achieve 39 mpg in combined highway and city driving. That’s a solid number for any SUV, especially with all-wheel drive. The Venza absolutely demolishes its non-hybrid competition in this area. But still the RAV4 hybrid brings in better numbers for mpg and starting price.

In 2020 the CR-V welcomed a hybrid powertrain to the lineup, which helps make the popular crossover a compelling choice for fuel-conscious buyers. Its gas engine already delivered competitive fuel economy, but the hybrid yields up to 38 mpg in combined driving. Couple that with a spacious cabin and lots of cargo space and it isn’t hard to see why the CR-V is so popular.

Slightly larger and slightly more powerful than the 2022 model year, the 2023 Honda CR-V is designed to help buyers learn the benefits of electric driving: Hybrid models, which Honda expects to make up 50% of sales, feature enhanced regenerative braking and one-pedal driving. To entice customers, Honda has loaded hybrid models with more power and premium features, including sport mode, which is unavailable on the gas-only model. Still, fuel economy remains roughly the same as prior gas and hybrid models. With significant design changes, and more interior space and power, the 2023 CR-V delivers more than expected; in other words, it incrementally improves the same formula that made it the brand’s best-selling passenger vehicle.

It’s not as efficient as the all-wheel drive Toyota RAV4 hybrid, but it’s increased 3 mpg city, 2 highway and 2 combined compared to the 2022 CR-V hybrid. However, going AWD in the hybrid takes a small toll, reducing fuel economy to 40 city, 34 highway and 37 combined.

This thrifty hybrid returns up to 37 mpg combined. Refreshed in 2021, the crossover takes aim at buyers looking for an SUV that straddles the line between compact and midsize. The Sorento could have become the odd man out in the Kia lineup, considering the Kia Telluride’s success, but it manages to carve a niche in the family-centric segment by offering a three-row, seven-passenger layout with a slightly smaller footprint and lower price than its big brother Telluride. It now has a plug-in option (which is now its most expensive option loaded up to nearly $50,000) and off-road equipment. Many of the best features are held back for the higher trims, which puts the Sorento painfully close to larger SUVs, but there’s plenty to like here: good road manners, the option of decent off-road capability, up to 37 mpg from the hybrid and lots of personalization choices.

It would be difficult to beat the Lexus RX in terms of style, efficiency, luxury feature content, time-proven reliability and friendly pricing. There are much more powerful and spacious SUVs available, but that’s never been the RX’s purpose. The RX is about smoothness and serene calm, which it delivers with aplomb while sipping fuel in hybrid form. It has a smooth, quiet ride that makes passengers a priority while still providing plenty of engagement for the driver, especially in the powerful 500h trim. Those looking for proper SUV cargo room, driving excitement or a more useful third row might want to consider other choices, but the RX’s recipe has been a popular one for a long time and remains so.

The base 350h 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine gets 37 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway and 36 mpg combined. The high-performance hybrid in the 500h still gets good fuel economy with 27 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg combined. Like the smaller NX and UX hybrids, the RX hybrid has long dominated fuel economy in its class.

It has a number of excellent rivals, but the Toyota Highlander impresses with a lengthy list of safety assist features, available all-wheel drive on every trim level and a good-looking and comfortable interior. Its new turbocharged gasoline engine is powerful and fuel-efficient, while the available hybrid is rated at 36 mpg. It’s been in the hybrid game since the beginning of the trend for SUVs. Its third row isn’t as spacious as with some competitors, nor is its cargo space when those seats are up, but there are very few three-row hybrids of any kind. It isn’t exciting to drive, but brings solidly average fuel efficiency to a bigger family-friendly ride.

The Santa Fe offers plenty of hybrid options and the most efficient, happily, is also the least expensive to buy, with the 34-combined-mpg Blue ringing in at $34,300, excluding fees. The two other hybrid models, SEL Premium ($38,360) and Limited ($40,710), offer 32 mpg in combined driving. A  PHEV option joined the lineup in 2022 for 31 miles of all-electric range. Size-wise, the Santa Fe falls just between the RAV4 and the larger, heavier Toyota Highlander, but the Highlander hybrid returns 2 to 3 mpg more in every measure than the Hyundai. Some other hybrid alternatives, like Toyota’s Venza, also offer more mpg at a lower price. An all-new Santa Fe will appear later this year for the 2024 model year.

It’s hard to justify the exorbitant prices of some of the Explorer configurations, particularly the hybrid, which is only available on the higher-level Limited model and nears the price of the Lexus RX. The hybrid uses a 3.3-liter V6 coupled with an electric motor for a combined output of 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, so it’s lively to drive, but it only returns up to 27 mpg combined. It’s available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, which makes the Explorer one of the more road-ready hybrids on this list. While the least efficient, its mpg improves the numbers on the conventional (but bigger than others) SUV at 21 mpg combined.