Yahoo Autos 12 best hybrid SUVs for 2022
If you're searching for the best hybrid SUV, the truth is there actually aren't that many choices. While there's an endless sea of those powered solely by gasoline, those that add batteries and superior fuel economy to the mix are few and far between. The very good news, however, is that the choices you have are actually excellent. The top-selling and top-rated Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are not only available as hybrids, for instance, but are actually at their most appealing as hybrids.
Luxury hybrid SUVs are a different story. While Lexus offers each of its crossover SUVs as a conventional hybrid, those of other brands are by and large plug-in hybrids that provide a relatively brief amount of all-electric propulsion, superior fuel economy and higher prices that are somewhat countered by EV tax rebates. We include both conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids in the below list of best hybrid SUVs.
All are listed alphabetically within each category.
Best small hybrid SUVs | Best midsize hybrid SUVs
Best luxury hybrid SUVs | Best luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs
Best small hybrid SUVs
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Why it stands out: Best-in-class back seat space; hybrid's distinctive EV-like power delivery; middle lower LATCH anchor
Could be better: Antiquated and glitchy tech interface; a bit dull
Hybrid fuel economy: 38 mpg combined (AWD only)
Read our 2022 Honda CR-V Review
Consider the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search. Objectively speaking, it's tough to beat due to its massive cargo capacity, voluminous back seat, well-balanced driving dynamics, competitive pricing and features, strong safety ratings and well-regarded reliability. In terms of its hybridness, we like that Honda's distinctive hybrid system sees most of its propulsion handled by the electric motor (the engine rarely powers the wheels directly), resulting in a more EV-like, torque-rich power delivery and a less obtrusive gas engine. For the vast majority of compact SUV buyers, and especially families, the CR-V Hybrid checks every box.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Why it stands out: Beautiful interior; excellent infotainment and safety technology; traditional automatic transmission
Could be better: No spare tire; styling a tad outrageous
Hybrid fuel economy: 37-38 mpg combined (AWD only)
Plug-in hybrid electric range: 33 miles
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy: 80 MPGe
Read our 2022 Hyundai Tucson Review
The Tucson is the new kid in town and it's made quite an entrance. Its fuel economy is effectively the same as the CR-V and RAV4, and its roughly the same size (it has a more useful cargo area, but that comes at the expense in part of no spare tire). On paper, it lines up closely with those top competitors. The big difference, and advantage, the Tucson Hybrid has can be found inside where it showcases a premium design with higher-quality materials and wildly superior technology. Be it the standard unit or the pretty widescreen one, Hyundai's touchscreens put Honda and Toyota's to shame in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Its driver assistance tech is also better executed. Basically, the Tucson is the more state-of-the-art choice. There is also a Tucson plug-in hybrid coming soon with 33 miles of range, but we have yet to test that.
Kia Niro and Niro PHEV
Why it stands out: Lower price and better fuel economy than other hybrid SUVs; user-friendly tech
Could be better: AWD is not available; it's a smaller SUV and therefore it has less space
Hybrid combined fuel economy: 49 mpg (most trim levels), 50 mpg (FE trim) and 43 mpg (Touring trim)
Plug-in hybrid electric range: 26 miles
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy: 105 MPGe (FWD only)
Read our most recent Niro PHEV review
The Niro is different than the other small hybrid SUVs here in that it's smaller and cheaper. Technically, it's a subcompact SUV, but as the rest of those aren't offered as hybrids, the Niro gets to hang out with the big kids for a while. There are pros and cons to its unique positioning. A price tag that starts between $3,000 and $6,000 less than the others is the most significant pro, and you'll no doubt notice that it basically gets 10 mpg better than the other hybrid SUVs. Its fuel economy is more akin to a Prius. The downside is that although it's still reasonably spacious, there's no denying how much passenger and cargo room the Niro gives up to the far more family-friendly CR-V, RAV4 and Tucson. So it's different, but it's definitely worth a look.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime
Why it stands out: Two hybrid choices; regular and sport-tuned flavors; spacious back seat and cargo area; reliability
Could be better: Antiquated tech interface
Hybrid combined fuel economy: 40 mpg (AWD only)
Plug-in hybrid electric range: 42 miles
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy: 94 MPGe
Our full 2022 Toyota RAV4 Review
The RAV4 has more passenger and cargo space than most. It's comfortable and surprisingly responsive to drive (especially the XSE Hybrid and Prime). Its interior is well built with quality materials, and offers user-friendly controls and abundant storage. Its resale value and reliability should be better than almost anything on the road. Those are all the basics that the RAV4 nails, but the latest version really stands out by offering an unparalleled variety of models. Although you can't get the hybrid as the very cool Adventure or TRD Off-Road, the surprisingly sporty XSE trim level (pictured above) is exclusive to the hybrid and its sport-tuned suspension (and overall character) is shared with the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. We like that there's a little something for everyone with the RAV4. (Note that the Toyota Venza is basically a RAV4 Hybrid with different styling, a more luxurious cabin and less space. It's a worthy alternative to consider).
Best midsize hybrid SUVs
Kia Sorento Hybrid
Why it stands out: Two hybrid choices; best fuel economy of any three-row SUV; high-end cabin; well-executed tech
Could be better: Not all Sorento trim levels are available
Hybrid combined fuel economy: 37 mpg (FWD only)
Plug-in hybrid electric range: 32 miles
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy: 79 MPGe
Read our full 2022 Kia Sorento Review
The Sorento is small for a three-row SUV — it basically has the exterior dimensions of a two-row midsize SUV but manages to sandwich in a third row for those who could foresee needing one on occasion. Completely redesigned for 2021, the Sorento features revised styling in keeping with but not copying the successful Telluride. Inside, material quality is elevated, the design is handsome and technology is not only abundant, but user friendly. The same well-executed driver assistance and safety features that so impress in the Palisade and Telluride are also available in the Sorento. And finally, the Sorento benefits from a choice of two hybrid powertrains: the 37-mpg traditional hybrid and the plug-in hybrid added for 2022.
