Best AWD Vehicles: Hybrid SUVs [Top Ranked Models]
Aaron Turpen is an automotive writer and reviewer living in Wyoming, USA. A life-long off-road and mechanical enthusiast, Aaron has had a varied career in vehicles. Aaron grew up with home mechanics and maintenance on tractors, trucks, and cars as well as small engines and devices. At any one time, he’s worked as an automotive disassembler (aka “junk yard parts puller”), shade tree mechanic, over-the-road truck driver, and more. Aaron’s interests include family-oriented vehicles, off-roading, and anything fun involving tires and steering. With most of his life having been in rural America, Aaron understands pickup trucks and SUVs, winter weather hazards, and what life is like where phrases like “Just down the road” mean “within 100 miles.” Aaron’s automotive writing career has included outlets such as Carfax, CarTalk, NewAtlas.com, and many others. He’s appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, on various YouTube channels, and on several podcasts. Aaron also operates a couple automotive sites: EVmeme.com and Drivemodeshow.com
Hybrid options in sport utilities and crossovers have become more common today than they were just five years ago. But while there are plenty of options on the market, these efficient SUVs are still relatively rare.
In this roundup, we’re listing the best hybrid SUVs available with all-wheel drive (AWD). We’ve ranked them using several metrics that include fuel efficiency, seating capacity, and starting price.
As with all vehicle comparisons, the balance of value versus the costs associated with the vehicle is important. A hybrid, for example, should have a return for the premium spent to get the more efficient drivetrain.
Check out all our picks for the most fuel-efficient SUVs >>
Table of Contents
What Is a Hybrid SUV?
A hybrid vehicle uses more than one energy source to propel itself. In the case of automotive, that usually means a gasoline and electric propulsion system working together.
Most hybrids use a gasoline engine as the primary motivator for the vehicle with an electric motor or motors attached to the drivetrain (usually at the transmission) to add supplemental power and take over as the sole power source in lower-speed driving. Most hybrids recharge the batteries that power the motors via regenerative braking, which uses some of the kinetic energy lost while slowing a vehicle to make electricity and store it in batteries.
Some hybrids have a plug and are usually referred to as plug-in hybrids. These work the same as a regular hybrid vehicle, but can be plugged into a wall or car charging unit to add power while not moving and have larger batteries (and longer electric-only ranges) as a result. While our list here doesn’t specifically list any plug-in hybrids, there are options for them with some of the models we’ve included. Usually at greater expense to the buyer.
Best AWD Hybrid SUVs Comparison
| Hybrid SUV | Base Price | Seating Capacity | MPG (city / highway) |
| Ford Escape Hybrid | |||
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | |||
| Honda CR-V Hybrid | |||
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | |||
| Toyota Venza Hybrid |
1. Ford Escape Hybrid
The compact SUV, Ford Escape Hybrid, tops our list because of its combination of low cost, excellent fuel economy, and sporty design and feel.
It accelerates well, has smooth braking (even when regenerating), and real-world fuel economy returns that easily mimic those on paper.
The Escape Hybrid’s chief downside is how low-rent the interior feels compared to others on this list. A reflection of its no-nonsense price tag.
Current Ford Escape Hybrid Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Ford | Escape Hybrid |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Ford deals here.
2. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Introduced a few years ago with its innovative drivetrain utilizing an electric motor to power the rear axle (leaving out a physical driveshaft), the RAV4 Hybrid, a small SUV, continues to dominate hybrid SUV sales in North America. It’s a good-looking, well-designed vehicle that feels and acts accordingly.
High fuel economy returns and a good amount of usefulness and all-weather capability are highlights.
For those looking to take the efficiency up a notch, a more expensive plug-in hybrid model, the RAV4 Prime, is also available.
Check out our list of the best AWD vehicles under $30K.
Current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Toyota | RAV4 Hybrid | ||||
| 2024 | Toyota | RAV4 Hybrid | 5.75% | $359/month for 36 months, $4,999 due at signing | 4/30/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals here.
3. Honda CR-V Hybrid
The midsize Honda CR-V has won awards (and sales figures) for its excellence. The hybrid model adds fuel efficiency to those winning metrics, but comes with a significant price jump. Unlike the other two on our list above it, the CR-V loses some cargo space to accommodate the hybrid’s battery.
That doesn’t compromise interior roominess for passengers or a great feel on the road, though, keeping the CR-V Hybrid a top choice here.
Current Honda CR-V Hybrid Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Honda deals here.
4. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid has been around for a while, but the 2024 version brings more efficiency and a more ground-up “made to be a hybrid” design. While still not actually a hybrid by default, Toyota did put a lot more effort into making this three-row midsize-SUV a very efficient and ergonomic family hauler.
Outside of it being larger and more expensive than the others on this list, it has few downsides.
For those looking to maximize three-row effectiveness with a hybrid powertrain, Toyota also has the Sienna minivan with a hybrid option, but not with AWD.
Current Toyota Highlander Hybrid Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Toyota | Highlander Hybrid | ||||
| 2024 | Toyota | Highlander Hybrid | $559/month for 36 months, $4,999 due at signing | 4/30/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals here.
5. Toyota Venza
Toyota dominates the hybrid game in automotive, and that’s clear from our list here.
The Venza is a hybrid by default. It’s a tad more premium in its design and feel when compared to others on this list, and has a price tag reflecting that, but it is an excellent hybrid SUV regardless.
The Venza is a solid choice with near-luxury chops, especially if you have a preference for wagon-style crossovers over the more square-bodied models.
Current Toyota Venza Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Toyota | Venza | ||||
| 2024 | Toyota | Venza | 4/30/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals here.
