Best Hybrid SUV Options for Eco-Conscious Drivers

Looking for the best hybrid SUV? Finding a hybrid crossover or SUV is easier than you might think if you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly vehicle. 

Hybrid vehicles may appeal to cost and eco-conscious drivers who want to save on fuel costs while minimizing carbon emissions. If you need more room than what a compact or midsize hybrid offers, you might consider a hybrid SUV instead. Finding the best hybrid SUV starts with comparing the options for price, features, EPA ratings and fuel economy. To help make your search easier, we’ve evaluated the reviews for you to round up the best hybrid SUV options. Whether you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV, a hybrid crossover or small SUV hybrid, there are plenty of new and used buying options.

1. Kia Niro
2. Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
3. Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid
4. Nissan Rogue
5. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
6. Ford Escape Hybrid
7. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
8. Volvo XC 90 T8
9. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
10. Lexus NX300H
11. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
12. Ford Explorer Hybrid

1. Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is a versatile hybrid crossover that’s designed to be highly efficient when it comes to conserving fuel. It earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as one of the best hybrid SUVs in 2019 for safety. The Niro was also recognized as the 2018 Canadian Green Utility Vehicle of the Year. Starting at $25,495, the 2019 model is price-friendly if you’re looking for a new hybrid SUV and used models are even more affordable. Even though it’s a small SUV hybrid, the Niro still offers plenty of seating capacity and leg room, with an interior that looks like it belongs in a luxury SUV.

2. Acura MDX Sport Hybrid

The Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is one of the most powerful hybrid SUVs on the market, with the 2020 models boasting 290 horsepower under the hood. If you’re interested in an all-wheel drive hybrid, the MDX delivers, making it a good choice for navigating different types of terrain and road conditions. The third-row seating folds down so you have ample room for storage and second row seating can also be reconfigured for even more space. The Sport Hybrid also comes with a variety of safety features, including a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist system and a road departure mitigation system. The base MDX Sport model starts at $69,990 but you’ll spend around $40,000 for a 2017 or 2018 if you’d prefer to buy used.

3. Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

If you want a hybrid 7-seater, look no further than the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid SUV. Starting at $36,498, the 2020 Pathfinder Hybrid is one of the best hybrid SUV options for families who need a safe and roomy vehicle. The Pathfinder Hybrid was awarded a Top Safety Pick rating by the IIHS thanks to features like intelligent emergency braking, 360 surround view cameras and a blind spot warning system. A V6 engine with 284 horsepower and a towing capacity of up to 6,000 lb makes the Pathfinder equally suited to long road trips or shorter drives across town.

4. Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue is one of the best hybrid crossover vehicles you can buy for the money, with an MSRP of $27,700 for 2019 models. It’s also one of the safest hybrid SUVs with features like a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert system, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The Rogue Hybrid doesn’t offer quite as much cargo space as some of its competitors but you still get a decent amount of room for a small SUV hybrid. Front-wheel drive is standard, though you can upgrade to all-wheel drive and both offer a smooth ride overall.

5. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 is another AWD hybrid SUV that’s highly fuel efficient and reasonably priced, with an MSRP of $32,350 for the 2020 models. Some of the features that make it one of the best hybrid SUV buys include maneuverability, a spacious interior and a fun and sporty design. The RAV4 doesn’t offer quite as much towing capacity as some of the other hybrid crossover and SUV models on the market but it’s built on the reliability principles that make Toyota one of the top vehicle manufacturers. It’s a great pick as one of the best hybrid SUVs 2019 has to offer.

6. Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid

The Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid is redesigned for 2020 and it’s one of the best small SUV hybrids if you need seating for up to five. Starting at $36,549, it’s right in the midrange for hybrid SUV pricing and if you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid, those models will roll out in Spring 2020. The Titanium Hybrid includes intelligent all-wheel drive, traction control and adaptive cruise control to offer a smoother experience on the road. As smaller SUV hybrids go, it offers a decent amount of horsepower and it’s one of the top picks for fuel efficiency among its competitor hybrid vehicles.

7. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander is another hybrid 7-seater, which might be just what you’re looking for if you need a family-sized SUV. It’s Canada’s only midsize hybrid SUV and it’s unique for its excellent fuel-efficiency ratings, as well as its award-winning engine. The Highlander Hybrid offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lb which is good if you need to haul a boat or small camper for the occasional getaway. The Toyota Safety Sense package that comes included gives you reassurance behind the wheel, with a range of features that are designed to help you minimize the potential for collisions. The MSRP for 2019 models is $50,950, so it’s a bit pricier than some of the other hybrid SUVs available.

8. Volvo XC 90 Plug-In Hybrid

Volvos have a reputation for being reliable and dependable and the XC 90 represents the next wave in Volvo innovation. As a plug-in hybrid SUV, it runs off a combination of an electric battery and a combustion engine. In terms of horsepower, it’s one of the most powerful hybrid SUVs with a 400 hp engine. The 2019 Momentum model seats up to seven and both interior and exterior reflect the streamlined Scandiavian design that’s a hallmark of Volvo vehicles. Starting at $74,950, new models are at the higher end of the pricing spectrum but you can find used 2017s for under $60,000.

9. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid SUV in North America, with a total range of up to 480 miles. With a base price of $34,995, the 2019 models are affordable and designed to fit the needs of drivers who prefer a small SUV hybrid to a midsize or full-size vehicle. The Crosstrek Hybrid is exceptionally safe, not to mention it offers superior driveability and handling. With symmetrical all-wheel drive included standard, it’s capable of driving on virtually any road conditions. You can easily seat up to five and the rear seats fold down to offer more storage space if needed.

10. Lexus NX300H

The Lexus NX300H may be your go-to choice if you’re looking for the best hybrid SUV in the luxury class. This hybrid offers seating for up to five people and with a starting price of $46,650, it’s surprisingly affordable for a luxury SUV. Some of the best features include standard all-wheel drive, Apple CarPlay compatibility and a comfortable interior. The engine isn’t as powerful as some of the other hybrid SUVs you can buy in this price range but the NX300H makes up for that with an extensive list of safety features, premium technology packages and excellent fuel efficiency.

11. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a best-selling plug-in hybrid electric SUV that features three driving modes to help you achieve maximum efficiency anywhere you go. The Outlander has 100% EV four-wheel drive capability and super all-wheel control which is helpful for driving through all seasons and weather conditions. Base models start at $43,498 so if you don’t have quite as much to spend, you may want to look into a used Outlander PHEV instead. It’s one of the best hybrid SUV choices if you’re looking for warranty protection, with new vehicles covered up to 10 years.

12. Ford Explorer Hybrid

The Ford Explorer Hybrid is a brand-new innovation from Ford, with 2020 models augmenting the existing Explorer lineup. The Explorer Hybrid features rear-wheel drive and it comes with a 400 horsepower engine that makes it excellent for towing. It’s designed to be rugged on the outside, while delivering a quiet ride on the inside. Between the cargo space and seating, you should have more than enough room. The MSRP for the new Explorer Hybrid starts at around $52,000 so it’s a bit more expensive but it could be a solid buy if you’re looking for a hybrid SUV that’s both fast and powerful.

Birchwood Credit Solutions offers a wide variety of vehicles for sale, including hybrid SUVs and crossover hybrids. We work with buyers from virtually every credit background to help you secure the financing you need to make your next vehicle purchase. Browse our inventory online or begin your loan application today to learn what type of financing you may qualify for.