Best Hybrid SUVs [Top Ranked Models]
John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer. John’s focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of an academic team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of the battery thermal control designer. After earning his engineering degree, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University. For 20 years, he applied his engineering and sales talents in the worlds of semiconductor manufacturing, biopharmaceutical production, and automotive electronics supply chain. Always a writer, John has published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career and dedicated himself to chasing his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to online publications such as Car Talk, John’s work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers, and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites.
You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run by choosing the right SUV with great gas mileage.
The market for fuel-efficient SUVs is expanding rapidly this year. Here is our rundown of the most fuel-efficient SUVs available today without a plug.
Don’t be surprised if this list skews heavily toward Toyota. The company that brought the first hybrid to market hasn’t looked back, and it builds the broadest selection of high-mileage SUVs.
Check out all our picks for the most fuel-efficient SUVs >>
Table of Contents
Best Hybrid SUVs Comparison
| Model | EPA Fuel Economy | Annual Fuel Cost | Potential Savings |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD | |||
| Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD | |||
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD | |||
| Lexus RX 450h AWD | |||
| Ford Escape Hybrid AWD | |||
| Ford Explorer Hybrid AWD |
1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
The five-passenger Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of the top-selling small SUVs in America. If any vehicle demonstrates the high market demand for fuel-efficient crossover SUVs, this is the one.
The RAV4 Hybrid is all-wheel drive in every trim and boasts a 219 hp powertrain that results in a 40 MPG Combined EPA rating. Using a total of three electric motors to augment its uniquely efficient four-cylinder gas engine, the RAV4 Hybrid has proven to be ultra-reliable over eight model years and two generations. It is also America’s top-selling hybrid SUV. The RAV4 Hybrid was updated in 2018, and it gained a much more modern infotainment system.
Those shoppers who like the RAV4 Hybrid but are looking for a sleeker body shape should check out the all-new Toyota Venza. Shoppers looking for a premium hybrid SUV similar to the RAV4 Hybrid will find it in the Lexus NX. All three models share the same core technology.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Features
- Standard AWD
- Spare tire with every trim
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
- Two years of included maintenance
- 1,750-pound tow rating
Current Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota deals and average prices paid.
2. Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD
Although Honda was long second only to Toyota in its commitment to fuel-efficient passenger vehicles, it took the company until last year to produce a hybrid version of their popular midsize SUV. Available in two or all-wheel drive, the CR-V Hybrid will feel familiar to any former Honda owner. It offers the same satisfying driving experience that has attracted Honda shoppers for decades.
Although the Honda CR-V Hybrid is “only” rated at 38 MPG, in our real-world testing over a week of combined driving, it exceeded that rating by about 1 MPG. Two things missing from the CR-V Hybrid are a spare tire and a towing rating. Honda doesn’t offer a spare in any trim of this SUV, and its US version is not rated to tow.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Features
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
- Honda Sensing active driver aids
Current Honda CR-V Hybrid Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Honda | CR-V Hybrid | ||||
| 2023 | Honda | CR-V Hybrid | 3.90% | 5/1/23 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Honda deals and average prices paid.
3. Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD
Those looking for a fuel-efficient midsize SUV with three rows and a legacy of reliability will find it in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Toyota offers the Highlander Hybrid with front or all-wheel drive. With a strong 243 hp and the combined torque output of the electric motor in the hybrid drive, the Highlander Hybrid feels just as strong as any of its non-hybrid peers on the open road.
The Highlander Hybrid with front-wheel drive earns a 36 MPG fuel economy rating and the AWD version 35. The Highlander Hybrid is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, and every trim offers a spare tire.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Features
- Choice of front or all-wheel drive
- Spare tire standard
- 3,500-pound towing capacity
- Modern infotainment
- Two years of included maintenance
Current Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota deals and average prices paid.
4. Lexus RX 450h AWD
The Lexus RX 450h is offered in two versions, the classic two-row and newer three-row “L” version. Both use a unique six-cylinder hybrid powertrain. With a 30 MPG fuel economy rating, the Lexus RX series offers an unusual combination of power, luxury, and efficiency.
Despite its finer accouterments, the RX is a midsize SUV with an optional tow package that includes a transmission cooler and heavy-duty alternator. Every RX 450h trim also has a spare tire, rare among luxury vehicles in general and almost non-existent in luxury green vehicles today.
Lexus RX 450h Features
- Choice of two or three rows
- Smooth V6 hybrid engine
- Towing approved
- Spare tire in every trim
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
Current Lexus RX 450h 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 Lexus deals and average prices paid.
5. Ford Escape Hybrid AWD
The small SUV from Ford is offered in either front-wheel drive with a Combined EPA fuel economy estimate of 41 MPG or AWD with a 40 MPG rating. Like Toyota, Ford has been offering an Escape Hybrid for a long time, and Ford’s commitment to fuel savings is evident across its entire product line.
We have not tested the current-generation Escape Hybrid and see relatively few on the road. We’d caution buyers to check local availability before mentally committing to one. One added note; Ford has removed the spare tire from all Escapes for 2021. We hesitate to call any vehicle without a spare tire a “utility” vehicle.
Ford Escape Hybrid Features
- 1,500-pound tow rating
- 41 MPG in FWD
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
Current Ford Escape 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 Ford deals.
Ford Explorer Hybrid AWD
How does a six-passenger vehicle with a 25 MPG rating earn a spot on a list of vehicles with great fuel economy? Hear us out.
The Explorer is a large three-row SUV, and the one we feel fits the term Sport Utility Vehicle better than any other vehicle on this list. With a 5,000-pound towing capability and massive 87 cu ft cargo capacity, the Explorer Hybrid is a true SUV.
Ford couples a 3.3-liter V6 engine with its hybrid powertrain to produce 318 hp. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but Ford’s sophisticated all-wheel drive system is optional.
Ford Explorer Hybrid Features
- Self-seal tires (No spare)
- 5,000-pound tow rating
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+ safety rating
- 7.9-inch minimum ground clearance
