There are more best SUVs cars of 2023 alternatives than ever before, not just in terms of size and form factor but also in terms of powertrain, which includes regular gasoline, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and even completely electric vehicles. The ideal solution for you is determined by your circumstances, use case, and budget. Is it preferable to go hybrid or electric to save money on gas? Electric cars offer numerous benefits, but they are more expensive to purchase, and there is a learning curve when it comes to charging techniques.
The primary benefit of hybrids and plug-in hybrids is that they combine many of the advantages of both methods of propulsion. They may be utilized in the same way as a regular gasoline car, but they are far more efficient than gasoline-only vehicles. In most circumstances, this is attainable at a lower cost than a comparable pure electric car. The weight and complexity of two distinct systems designed for one purpose, as well as their higher cost than most gasoline counterparts, are the downsides of hybrid SUVs to consider. They are also less efficient and perform less well than pure electric vehicles.
All of that being said, if a nice medium between pure gasoline and full electric sounds appealing, a hybrid SUV will be ideal. You may even pick which side of the happy medium you desire, with hybrid SUVs resembling gasoline SUVs and plug-in hybrids resembling full-electric cars. As you scroll down, we’ll talk about the best hybrid SUVs, as well as the best plug-in hybrid SUV possibilities, and the top-rated picks for hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs of all sizes and price points.
1. 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Because of its remarkable combination of quality and value, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a standout that sits solidly atop our hybrid SUV rankings. In addition to excellent passenger and storage space, the Tucson Hybrid provides quick acceleration, a pleasant and quiet ride over bumpy roads, and strong handling in curves. It has some of the most spacious seating and cargo dimensions in its class, as well as an appealing, upmarket interior. Long powertrain and hybrid component warranties add to the value proposition. The Tucson is speedy and has a smooth ride, but it isn’t as fuel-efficient as many of its hybrid SUV competitors. With a low starting price, this Hyundai is an excellent deal that should be near the top of your shopping list.
2. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is an exceptional SUV. Its brand-new hybrid has some of the finest luggage and passenger room in the market, as well as excellent fuel efficiency, a plethora of technology and driver-assistance systems, and a contemporary and well-crafted cabin. While not very fun to drive, the Sportage Hybrid has more than enough power for both daily errands and interstate cruising. It also provides balanced driving dynamics. It has good fuel efficiency, a well-built and high-tech cabin, large seating, and plenty of cargo capacity. Despite the infotainment system having a few quirks, the all-new Sportage Hybrid is an excellent pick for anybody looking for a value-packed hybrid SUV with a small footprint and a plethora of standard and optional options.
3. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is an excellent hybrid SUV. The Santa Fe Hybrid has a lot going for it, with two more-than-capable engine options, large and supportive seats, and a lengthy list of standard equipment. Although the infotainment system may be fussy, this Hyundai is a well-rounded car. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor provide 226 horsepower in standard hybrid vehicles. The same turbo-four engine is used in plug-in hybrid vehicles, but it is combined with a more powerful electric motor, producing 261 horsepower. Every model comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It doesn’t quite equal the rest of the class in terms of fuel efficiency, but it’s still a superior addition.
4. 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V Hybrid 2023 is a fantastic SUV. It has a high-quality interior, comfortable seating in both rows, lots of cargo room, and decent fuel efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid handles well as well, though it isn’t very exciting to drive, and its transmission sounds like it is suffering when pressed. Its interior has an appealing style influenced by the Civic small vehicle, as well as current technology such as an infotainment system with an optional 9.0-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Of course, every CR-V comes equipped with a slew of driving aids, like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-204-hp V’s hybrid engine provides a pleasant ride and confident, if not thrilling, road handling.
5. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 Hybrid has an open and sturdy cabin with seating for up to five people, plenty of storage capacity, and a sleek and user-friendly infotainment system. It has basic safety measures and a superb reputation for dependability. It’s also pretty pleasant to drive, and its hybrid technology offers a win-win situation: quick acceleration and excellent fuel economy. Except for excessive road, wind, and engine noise, there isn’t much to hate about this Toyota. The handling isn’t sports-car sharp, and the car’s noncommittal road manners aren’t likely to appeal to drivers who appreciate agility for a daily ride. Nonetheless, the RAV4 Hybrid is a stylish, practical, and comfortable little crossover that gets decent gas mileage, which is a lot to offer in the sector.
6. 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2023 Highlander Hybrid is a good SUV. It has a stylish and simple interior, ample seating in the first two rows, a fuel-efficient motor, and a comfortable ride. It drives competently, and its motor is responsive enough in most conditions, but we wouldn’t call this SUV enjoyable to drive. In addition, the third row is quite crowded. Even on the base L, the inside is well-equipped, with modern amenities, simple electronics, and a slew of driver-assistance technologies as standard. With an attractive leather interior, a quality JBL music system, and other tech features, the Limited model does an excellent imitation of a Lexus. Despite this, rivals have a nicer cabin and better driving characteristics, making the Highlander a less tempting proposition in comparison.
7. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Toyota RAV4 Prime 2023 is a well-rounded and versatile SUV with a comfortable ride and a powerful and fuel-efficient motor. It has a family-friendly and feature-rich cabin with high build quality, ample seats, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The plug-in hybrid engine offers excellent fuel economy as well as quick acceleration. It’s not a thrilling vehicle to drive, but the handling is assured, and the ride is mainly comfortable. The suspension of the Toyota absorbs all but the sharpest road irregularities, and body roll is kept to a minimum. The regenerative brakes function properly and smoothly. It has an electric motor and a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 302 horsepower. It’s combined with a CVT, and all-wheel-drive vehicles feature an additional motor on the back axle.
8. 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid is an impressive hybrid SUV. It sips fuel steadily, even if it isn’t as fuel-efficient as other rivals, and is available in both gas-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) types. This Kia offers a sleek interior and user-friendly electronics. The acceleration is impressive, and the ride is enjoyable. The acceleration is excellent both from a standstill and while reaching greater speeds. The six-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly. This Kia maintains its cool with a comfortable ride, even over bumpy pavement, and it handles curves with ease. Yet, the lack of steering responsiveness keeps it from feeling athletic. It mostly fails to distinguish itself in the class because of its mediocre handling, tight third row, and tiny cargo compartment when all seats are occupied.
9. 2023 Kia Niro
The 2023 Kia Niro is slated to bring a dash of style to its eco-friendly reputation with a dramatic new appearance. The standard hybrid model has a 139-hp four-cylinder engine, but the more exciting plug-in hybrid variant has a more powerful electric motor that boosts output to 180 horsepower. The cabin, which is lined with sustainable materials, complements the aggressive outward appearance and appears quite posh for what will be one of Kia’s entry-level cars; it will sit next to the boxy Soul at the bottom of the list. It gets more than 50 mpg on the highway, and while it’s not very exciting to drive, it’s also not completely boring. The Niro boasts adequate passenger capacity in all rows, a well-appointed interior, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. But this Kia is not without flaws. Its performance is only average, and it trails several of its class rivals in terms of baggage space and some unusual interior features.
10. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
If you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV in a tiny, city-friendly package, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a good option. The Crosstrek Hybrid can go up to 17 miles on battery power alone, then switch to a fuel-efficient hybrid mode when the battery runs low or faster acceleration is necessary. This SUV is easy to operate in compact spaces and rides well on less-than-ideal roads. It is also praised for its comfortable seats, plenty of standard equipment, and user-friendly infotainment system. The Crosstrek Hybrid, on the other hand, seems underpowered when accelerating to highway speeds, and its battery pack takes up a large amount of storage room. The interior, while well-built, is uninteresting for a $40,000 SUV. The all-electric driving range of the Crosstrek is also not particularly competitive.
