The best hybrid SUVs for 2024: Ample space, admirable efficiency

2024-12-19 08:01:11 Invest

Thanks to a glut of hybrid crossover SUVs on the market today, saving at the pump without compromising space, comfort, or style is easier than ever. And plug-in hybrid SUVs go beyond, offering some EV-only range around town without using any gasoline at all. When the electrons run out, simply keep driving and the gas engine will sort things out.

Best of all, the cost to step up to a hybrid or PHEV isn’t as steep as it once was, the difference being on the order of $2,000 for vehicles that cost less than $40,000. That's another reason it’s never been easier to get a compromise-free hybrid SUV.

13. 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | MT Score 7.9

Easier to recommend than its gas-only sibling, the2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines the standard Tucson’s style with a more refined and efficient powertrain. It has plenty of torque — 258 lb-ft in total — though the overall driving experience remains more competent than transcendent. Although the Tucson Hybrid does boost fuel economy, its efficiency trails its class. This compact crossover does offer more rear legroom than both the RAV4 and CR-V. One area the hybrid Tucson is inferior to its gasoline counterpart is that climate controls are relegated to its enlarged screen, rather than the more practical physical controls in the un-hybridized variant.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $33,950
Cargo Space: 75 cu ft
Power: 226 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 37/36/37 mpg

12. 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid | MT Score 7.9

A size up from the Tucson/CR-V/RAV4 compact SUV crowd, the 3-row2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid puts efficiency ahead of power, offering 39 mpg in the city in a midsize crossover package. That said, while the Sorento technically offers six seats (a rarity in this class), third-row legroom is so compromised that it limits its utility. Like many Kias and Hyundai models, the Sorento Hybrid has plenty of standard tech features, including auto emergency braking, wireless phone charger, lane keep/follow and more. Anupdated version is waiting in the wings.

2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $38,365
Cargo Space: 76 cu ft
Power: 227 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 39/35/37 mpg

11. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | MT Score 8.0

Two powertrain options make the2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid two somewhat different vehicles. The base setup is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four mated to an electric motor for 245 horsepower, providing up to 37 mpg in this large crossover SUV. The upsell is the Hybrid Max powertrain, which pairs an electric motor with a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. The combined output of this setup is a substantial 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Neither of the high-end Grand Highlander Hybrids is slow, but the Hybrid Max’s power comes at the cost of fuel economy, which tops out in the high 20s at best. Both options offer plenty of space behind the front seats for both passengers and cargo.

Best compact SUVs for 2024:See our everyday all-rounders

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $46,415
Cargo Space: 98 cu ft
Power: 245 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 362 @ 6,000
Torque: 175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm; 400 @ 2,000
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 26-37/27-34/27-36 mpg

10. 2024 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | MT Score 8.4

Up to 37 miles of electric-only range makes the2024 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid effectively an EV for those with shorter commutes. That EV-style feel continues into the interior, with its large infotainment displays, though the interior comes across as cheap-feeling overall. Keep inmind that Ford has also had some noteworthy quality issues recently. And, unlike its competition, the Escape PHEV doesn’t offer all-wheel drive. One thing Ford got right is the comfy ride.

2024 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $41,995
Cargo Space: 61 cu ft
Power: 210 hp @ 6,250 rpm
Torque: 155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 42/36/39 mpg

9. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | MT Score 8.4

Sexy it may not be, but for those looking to get a solid vehicle with plenty of space and mpg, the2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is hard to beat. Returning up to 45 mpg, the Corolla Cross Hybrid saves more fuel — and rides better — than anything else in its price bracket. There are a few downsides with this otherwise overachieving crossover, such as its cheap interior materials and a small second row. But considering its ability to save you money at the dealer and at the pump, it’s hard to call this crossover a compromise.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $29,570
Cargo Space: 62 cu ft
Power: 196 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 139 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 45/38/42 mpg

8. 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid | MT Score 8.5

Despite being the most powerful CR-V ever, the2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is no drag racer. The drivetrain is finely tuned for efficiency, achieving up to 43 mpg according to the EPA. One of the benchmarks of the compact crossover SUV class, the CR-V Hybrid tends to be good at things that hybrid SUV owners want. This includes reasonable pricing, a spacious and well-styled interior and the aforementioned good fuel economy. There are some negatives, however, such as its pokey acceleration.And although itsinteriormaybe stylish, it lacks cargo space under the rear floor. All in all, the CR-V is a capable competitor in an increasingly competitive segment.

2024 electric SUVs:Can the 2024 Kia EV9 replace a gas-powered family hauler?

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $35,400
Cargo Space: 66 cu ft
Power: 204 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Torque: 138 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 43/36/40 mpg

7. 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid | MT Score 8.6

A little more fun and a little less practical than most other compact plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs, the2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is likable if not always recommendable. Its styling certainly stands out in a sea of same-same small SUVs, and it offers an engaging driving experience to back up its sheetmetal. However, the battery that helps enable the Tucson’s 261 horsepower takes away some cargo and passenger space, meaning that fun comes with a cost. It’s also not the quickestPHEV compact SUV, though its 7.1-second 0–60 time puts it ahead of most of its peers and certainly ahead of the average vehicle in traffic. Thirty-three miles of pure electric range is commendable but not class-leading.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $40,100
Cargo Space: 66 cu ft
Power: 261 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 35 mpg

6. 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | MT Score 8.6

Think of the2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as a sort of roving living room, with massive second-row space and not-insignificant front legroom. It’s also affordable, both at the dealer and at the pump. The third row is tight but fine for smaller children. This rolling lounge roves far, indeed, with maximum range of around 600 miles for both the more efficient front-drive variant (616 miles) and the all-wheel-drive version (598 miles). Cargo space is also good, though like most living rooms, acceleration and passing power on the freeway is limited.

2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $42,365
Cargo Space: 84 cu ft
Power: 243 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 36/35/36 mpg (FWD)

5. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid | MT Score 8.7

With nearly 38 miles of all-electric range,the2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid might be the most compelling vehicle Mitsubishi makes right now. Related to the well-regardedNissan Rogue, the Outlander Hybrid sits near the top of its class. As a bonus, its PHEV powertrain drops its 0–60 mph by more than two seconds, to 6.5 seconds, meaning it’s decidedly quick for a hybrid crossover. Deplete the battery fully, though, and the Outlander Hybrid goes from exceptional to mediocre. Returning just 26 mpg on gasoline, the Outlander is very much at the low end of the class of compact PHEV SUVs. Inside, things are better. A third row is available, but it isn’t big enough for adults to squeeze in, while the front two rows offer appropriate spaciousness. One final standout feature is that SEL and higher trims of the Outlander Hybrid can use DC fast charging to recharge from empty to 80 percent in just 38 minutes. Note that max charging speed is only 50 kW, and it uses the increasingly outdated CHAdeMO port.

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $41,790
Cargo Space: 67 cu ft
Power: 131 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Torque: 195 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 26 mpg

4. 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid | MT Score 8.9

The2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid gives a good first impression, with slick, modern looks inside and out. The powertrain is also cutting-edge, putting out 258 lb-ft of torque, making it quicker than most of its peers. Fuel economy is an admirable 44 mpg with the front-drive variant, but the AWD version of the Sportage Hybrid gets a comparatively lacking 38 mpg. Besides being attractive, the interior of the Sportage sports plenty of legroom in both the front and rear rows and relinquishes less than a cubic foot of cargo space compared to the gas-only version. For a compact crossover, its nearly 74 cubic feet of maximum cargo room is impressive. The Sportage Hybrid is one of thebest hybrid SUVs, and our gripes with it are largely minor. HVAC controls can be challenging to use while driving, and although the suspension is certainly cushy, the Sportage Hybrid’s overabundance of body roll might mean it’s a bit too soft.

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $29,965
Cargo Space: 74 cu ft
Power: 227 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 42/44/43 mpg (FWD)

3. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | MT Score 9.0

A gasoline RAV4 is a proper compact crossover in its own right, but the2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of the top vehicles in the size class. It’s an all-around improvement over the standard RAV4, delivering smooth power, excellent safety ratings and systems and a reasonable amount of space. While the RAV4 Hybrid’s electrified powertrain delivers good power and acceleration for the class, it's also impressively frugal, returning up to 41 mpg. Practicality isn’t exceptional in the RAV4, but it does have passenger and cargo space that matches the average of the class. Besides mileage and value dropping as one moves up the trim ladder, the main downside of the RAV4 Hybrid is boring handling, though few crossover buyers are likely to care.

Related: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs. RAV4 Prime / Toyota RAV4 vs. RAV4 Hybrid

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $33,075
Cargo Space: 70 cu ft
Power: 219 @ 5,300 rpm
Torque: 163 @ 3,600 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 41/38/39 mpg

2. 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid | MT Score 9.1

Thirty-four miles of all-electric range sets the2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid apart from its equally good-looking Hybrid stablemate. Likewise, its HVAC controls can be a pain, but otherwise the interior is a great place to be and great to look at. The PHEV Sportage gets more power along with the larger battery that enables that electric-only range, meaning a quicker and more entertaining drive. That same battery reduces cargo space, however. The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid is a compromise, but nothing else matches its style, range and reasonable practicality.

2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $40,965
Cargo Space: 66 cu ft
Power: 261 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 35 mpg

1. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime | MT Score 9.3

The best hybrid SUV in our estimation is the2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime. The RAV4 Prime offers an exceptional 42 miles of all-electric range, and its 5.5-second 0–60-mph run means it’s the quickest Toyota this side of the turbocharged GR Corolla. Although its dramatic performance advantage over every other compact crossover is an excellent party piece, the Prime’s range is its main advantage, allowing the average American to do their entire daily drive without using a drop of gasoline. Interior space is good for the class, despite the larger battery that enables EV-like use. When gas runs out, its 38 mpg isn’t too impressive, especially considering its rather high price tag. Regardless, the RAV4 Prime has more than enough advantages to take our top pick in the hybrid SUV category.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime | Pros and Cons

Base Price: $45,040
Cargo Space: 70 cu ft
Power: 302 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 165 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Economy: 38 mpg