The world is rapidly moving towards more sustainable ways of living. One impactful way you can contribute is by choosing a hybrid SUV. As we face challenges like climate change, making eco-friendly choices is crucial. Hybrid SUVs bridge the gap between gas-guzzling vehicles and electric cars. They offer impressive fuel efficiency and fewer emissions without sacrificing performance or comfort.

This article is your guide to the top hybrid SUVs of 2023. We’ll look at models that stand out for innovative features, fuel economy, and overall value. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or want to switch from a standard vehicle, this article has the information you need to decide. From budget options to luxury picks, we cover the finest hybrid SUVs of 2023. So keep reading as we review the best hybrid SUVs of the year. 

 

Why Choose a Hybrid SUV?

Choosing a hybrid SUV is more than a fleeting trend – it’s an eco-conscious decision that benefits your wallet and the planet. Demand for hybrid SUVs has skyrocketed as people become more environmentally and cost-aware. These vehicles offer three key benefits: sustainability, long-term savings, and uncompromised performance. Let’s explore why a hybrid SUV could be your best option.

 

Environmental Benefits

With climate change an increasingly urgent issue, every sustainable step counts. Hybrid SUVs significantly reduce your carbon footprint, emitting fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline models. Some have eco-driving modes that further minimize environmental impact, making them a responsible choice.

 

Cost-Effectiveness

While hybrid SUVs may cost more initially, the long-term financial benefits are substantial. A key advantage is improved fuel efficiency, resulting in fewer gas station trips and savings over time that can offset the higher starting cost. Additionally, many countries provide tax incentives for hybrid and electric vehicle owners, offering more cost savings.

 

Performance

Choosing a hybrid SUV doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Advanced powertrains combine the best of electric and gas engines for smoother, more responsive driving. Whether navigating city streets or cruising highways, hybrid SUVs deliver impressive acceleration and handling. Some offer all-wheel-drive and off-road capabilities, proving you can have both performance and efficiency.

 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Hybrid SUV

Choosing the right hybrid SUV is an important decision. With many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Focusing on key factors like fuel efficiency, comfort, technology, and safety can simplify the process. Let’s explore what to consider when selecting the perfect hybrid SUV.

 

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is often top of mind with hybrid SUVs. Check the miles-per-gallon (MPG) ratings when comparing models. Some hybrid SUVs deliver impressive efficiency, exceeding 40 MPG in city driving. This means fewer gas station trips and a smaller carbon footprint. Fuel economy is a major hybrid SUV consideration.

 

Interior Comfort

When spending significant time driving, comfort matters. Seek hybrid SUVs with spacious, adjustable seats and high-quality materials. Options like leather upholstery, heated seats, and generous legroom make long trips more enjoyable. Also, consider cargo space, especially for family trips or outdoor gear. A comfortable interior enhances the overall driving experience.

 

Technology

Technology is pivotal in vehicles today. Modern hybrid SUVs often have state-of-the-art tech like advanced infotainment, navigation, and smartphone compatibility. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are becoming standard, allowing seamless phone integration. Choose a model that meets your tech needs for convenience.

 

Safety

Safety should be a top priority when buying any vehicle. Look for robust safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Some models offer semi-autonomous driving for added protection. Don’t compromise on safety.

 

Top Picks for 2023

 

 

 

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is a top hybrid SUV choice for good reason. With impressive EPA estimates of 42 mpg city and 48 highway, its fuel economy is a major draw for budget and eco-conscious buyers. Beyond efficiency, it offers a smooth, comfortable ride thanks to its well-designed, spacious interior with user-friendly tech. Advanced safety features also ensure secure driving. While some note its transmission could be smoother in city conditions, the overall value and quality make the Sportage Hybrid a compelling hybrid SUV option for shoppers. Its combination of efficiency, comfort, tech, and safety make it a standout.

 

 

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a top choice with its $31,350 to $39,110 price range. It delivers excellent 37 mpg combined fuel efficiency alongside a spacious, comfortable interior. Packed with advanced techs like Apple CarPlay and safety features, including Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, it leaves little to be desired. The Tucson Hybrid provides great value with its well-rounded package and generous warranty. For those seeking a reliable, sustainable hybrid SUV, the Tucson is a compelling option that hits all the marks with its efficiency, comfort, technology, safety, and overall value proposition.

 

 

2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV

The luxurious 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV hybrid SUV starts at $47,445, positioning it on the higher end of the market. It touts a 26-mile all-electric range from its 2.5L inline-four PHEV powertrain, generating 329 horsepower and 369 lb-ft torque. While aiming to blend efficiency and performance, some note its unique powertrain can prove tricky, especially for those accustomed to traditional combustion engines. However, its upscale interior and advanced tech features help justify the price for buyers seeking a premium hybrid SUV experience. Though not without flaws, the CX-90 PHEV brings desirable luxury touches to the hybrid SUV segment.

 

 

 

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

With its $35,660 to $41,320 price range, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a strong midsize SUV contender. It delivers a well-rounded package, including peppy powertrains and a comfortable interior. A 1.6L turbo engine and electric motor combine for 226 horsepower while achieving an impressive 36/31 mpg fuel economy in its efficient Blue trim. The Santa Fe Hybrid features a 12.3-inch digital display, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, and robust safety tech. For those prioritizing performance, comfort, and tech in a reliable hybrid SUV, the Santa Fe checks all the boxes at a reasonable price point. Its blend of attributes makes it a top choice in the segment.

 

 

 

2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Starting at $36,690, the versatile 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid comes in two well-appointed trims: EX and SX Prestige. Both pack a turbo 1.6L engine and an electric motor producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque while achieving 37 mpg combined fuel economy. The Sorento Hybrid offers great standard features, including a large touchscreen and user-friendly infotainment. Moving up to the SX Prestige adds luxuries like a digital display, AWD, ventilated seats, and more. Despite somewhat limited cargo space with the third row upright, the feature-loaded Sorento Hybrid is a standout SUV blending performance, comfort, efficiency, and value at a reasonable price point.

 

Luxury Hybrid SUVs

 

 

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The uniquely capable 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid SUV starts at $36,845. It pairs a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a modest 148 horsepower acceleration. While not the quickest SUV, it makes up for performance with luxurious appointments and formidable off-road skills from standard AWD. The Crosstrek Hybrid offers just 17 miles of EV range but provides a plush, tech-filled interior using high-end materials. For buyers who care more about luxury features and off-road prowess than outright speed, the well-equipped Crosstrek Hybrid is a comfortable, versatile choice among hybrid SUVs.

 

 

Toyota Venza

The 2023 Toyota Venza midsize SUV blends luxury and efficiency at a $33,595 to $41,740 price point. Its hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with three electric motors for 219 total horsepower and excellent 40 mpg city/37 highway EPA-rated fuel economy. Inside, the Venza Pampers has an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on trim, and standard advanced safety like automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. While not the most spacious in class, the Venza focuses on delivering a well-equipped, comfortable, and fuel-efficient driving experience. For those wanting luxury, safety, and efficiency in a hybrid SUV package, the Venza hits the mark.

 

Hybrid SUVs with Best Fuel Efficiency

 

 

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV is a game-changer with its $41,590 to $45,460 pricing and stellar 94 MPGe/38 mpg fuel efficiency. It packs a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined 302 horsepower, enabling 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. A new 10.5-inch touchscreen runs Toyota’s latest software with dual Bluetooth, Apple/Amazon Music streaming, and AI voice recognition. Safety gets an upgrade as well with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. For shoppers wanting both impressive performance and advanced features from their plug-in hybrid SUV, the well-rounded RAV4 Prime hits the sweet spot.

 

 

2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid

The 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid stands out with solid engines and rear-wheel-drive enhancing handling and towing but lags in efficiency with just 25 mpg combined EPA rating. Only offered in higher Limited and Platinum trims starting at $53,820, it comes at a premium price. Despite the cost, the rear seat and cargo space are average, and interior materials are unimpressive, per review. Strong standard safety techs like automated emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring help justify the price somewhat. For buyers prioritizing performance over efficiency and value, the Explorer Hybrid brings towing and handling prowess but falls short of a well-rounded hybrid SUV.

 

Hybrid SUVs for Families

 

 

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid

The revamped 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid blends utility and luxury starting at $39,845. It provides ample cargo space alongside an impressive, elevated cabin experience. The lithium-ion battery enables 38 miles of electric driving range and 420 miles total in hybrid mode. Advanced safety features like MI-PILOT Assist also come standard, making the Outlander PHEV a reliable choice for any journey. This plug-in hybrid isn’t just about efficiency – it offers a well-rounded performance, safety, comfort, and value package. The Outlander checks the boxes as a top choice among plug-in hybrid SUVs for an affordable PHEV delivering on all fronts.

 

 

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

The new 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SUV presents an affordable option at $27,970 to $31,065, especially for buyers prioritizing fuel economy. While official MPG figures are still forthcoming, the 2.0L four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 196 combined horsepower is expected to deliver excellent efficiency. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 also provides advanced safety tech like collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. With its promising fuel-sipping powertrain, ample safety features, and competitive pricing, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is shaping up as a compelling budget-friendly hybrid SUV choice worth watching when it arrives.

 

Conclusion

Hybrid SUVs are the future of sustainable driving. They blend performance, cost-effectiveness, and eco-benefits that traditional vehicles lack. Whether you’re a parent needing a spacious family car, an individual wanting luxury and comfort, or someone seeking an affordable yet efficient option, there’s a tailored hybrid SUV. Switching to a hybrid SUV isn’t just smart financially – it’s a step towards a greener, more sustainable future for all. These vehicles offer the ideal fusion of practicality and environmental consciousness.