Whether you need a roomy vehicle with all-wheel drive, or you're simply looking for an SUV to suit your lifestyle, there are many hybrid models to choose from. Domestic and international car manufacturers are filling this important market niche with offerings in all sizes and with lots of features. A few stand out in industry reviews for their reliability, fuel economy, and performance.
Comparison Chart
There are several hybrid SUVs available, but these were some of the best hybrid vehicles in 2018.
Vehicle |
MPG |
Price |
Seating Capacity |
Horsepower |
Wheel Drive |
2019 Cayenne Hybrid |
27 Electric, N/A |
$79,900 |
5 |
455 hp |
AWD |
2018 Lexus RX Hybrid |
30 combined mpg |
$45,895 |
5 |
308 hp |
AWD |
2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid |
33 combined mpg |
$27,995 |
5 |
176 hp |
FWD/AWD |
2018 Acura MDX Hybrid |
27 combined mpg |
$52,100 |
6 to 7 |
321 hp |
AWD |
Volvo XC60 |
24 combined mpg |
$44,800 |
5 |
250 hp |
AWD |
2019 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Porche has a long-standing history with trying to make hybrid vehicles dating back to 1901; therefore, it should come as no surprise that the 2019 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid came in first on US News and World Report's Best Hybrid and Electric SUVs. The Cayenne SUV is also one of the best-selling Porche models in the US.
Specs
According to Porche, the Cayenne Hybrid starts at $79,900 and can seat five. It has 455 horsepower and tops out at 157 mph. Additionally, it can get 27 miles per gallon (mpg) in all electric mode at 85 miles per hour. The battery takes about two hours to charge if it is fully drained. US News noted it had excellent handling, a posh interior, and was completely redesigned in 2019. However, it was noted it was short on cargo space.
2018 Lexus RX Hybrid
Lexus introduced their first hybrid the RX400h in 2005. They currently offer the RX Hybrid and the RXL Hybrid in their 2018 models. Ranked eighth among Luxury Midsize SUVs by US News and third among Hybrid and Electric SUVs, the Lexus offers a long wheelbase and excellent fuel economy for an SUV.
Features
The Lexus offers an overall fuel economy of 30 mpg for about $49,000, which is far more affordable than the Porche. Additionally, it has a V6 engine and a certified super ultra-low emission vehicle rating. While the SUV was noted as roomy by US News, the entertainment system was listed as frustrating. Additionally, if you are in to carrying cargo, this might not be your SUV.
2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
The Nissan Rogue Hybrid offers less horsepower than some of its hybrid brothers but features a well-built cabin and offers a smooth ride. The Nissan Rogue Hybrid was featured among 9 Best Hybrid SUVs for 2018. It was also listed on the US News top 10 list.
Look Inside
Available in front and all-wheel drive, the SUV hybrid offers 33 city and 35 highway miles for the front wheel drive vehicle. You can get an optional moon or sun roof and fit five passengers in the vehicle. It comes in nine different colors and has a smart device integration entertainment system.
2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
With Honda's history that goes back to 1948 and a goal of having 75 percent of their car sales be electric or hybrid by 2030, it is no wonder the luxury Acura has made it to so many top 10 lists for hybrids. With an impressive 321 total horsepower, this car was featured on the Autowise Best Hybrid SUV in 2018.
Under the Hood
If you are looking for space, this might be more your style since it can seat six to seven passengers and still get 26 city and 27 highway miles per gallon. It also offers lots of standard features and an updated entertainment system. This AWD vehicle with a 3L/183 V6 did offer limited cargo space. The mpg was also somewhat less than competitors.
2018 Volvo XC60
Volvo has a long history of car making that dates back to 1927. Additionally, starting in 2019, they will be offering both electric and hybrid options in their new models. They also hope to add five purely electric models to their arsenal by 2021. Volvo's XC60 Hybrid model was listed among top hybrid SUVs by The Car Connection.
Specifications
The XC60 comes in three different designs and offers 22 city and 28 highway miles per gallon. It also features a twin engine consisting of an electric and gasoline Powertrain. This AWD vehicle is available with a 2 Liter, 4 cylinder turbo charged engine. This model also offers additional rear legroom and a Sensus infotainment system.
Why a Hybrid SUV?
While hybrid SUVs typically cost more and have lower gas mileage than a sedan version, there are clear pros and cons as to why someone would choose this vehicle. The hybrid offers a better fuel economy than a traditional SUV while providing the legroom, storage, and towing capacity you can't find in most sedans. The SUVs also offer great safety features and more visibility than a standard hybrid sedan.
The Choice Is Yours
There are several great SUV hybrid vehicles on the market, but a few take the cake. Not only do these vehicles offer great specs and a reasonable price range, they are also luxury vehicles that can tow your camper.