What Are You Really Paying For?
Hybrids are often praised as the future of driving, but not every SUV with an electric motor lives up to the promise. While some models impress, others fall short with underwhelming efficiency or lackluster performance. With all the hype, it can be tough to tell the difference. That’s why we’re starting with the 10 hybrid SUVs you’re better off avoiding.
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1. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
On paper, it blends power with green promises. In practice, it delivers neither consistently. The electric range is underwhelming, and once the battery drains, fuel economy nosedives. With a steep price tag of above $60,000 and clunky software, this hybrid feels more like a compromise than an upgrade.
2. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The 2024 Outlander PHEV advertises 64 MPGe, but once the charge drops, it averages just 26 mpg. Starting around $40,000, it underwhelms with sluggish performance and a dated cabin. For a similar price, several rivals, such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime, deliver stronger powertrains and better refinement.
3. Lexus NX 350h
Despite the Lexus badge, the NX 350h lacks the expected refinement. The infotainment system frustrates more than it helps, and the cabin doesn't live up to its price tag of around $45,000. It's not a terrible car, but you pay luxury rates for a mid-tier performance.
4. Toyota Venza
This one leans heavily on style, but the substance is missing. The vehicle has sluggish acceleration and a tight cargo area of about 28.8 cubic feet, limiting its practicality. It uses a proven hybrid system, yet somehow makes the drive feel flat and forgettable.
5. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Despite its modern appearance, the Tucson Hybrid falls short where it matters most. Edmunds highlights sluggish acceleration and lower fuel economy than competitors, with EPA combined at 37 mpg, and testing shows closer to 34 mpg. This uneven performance concern reduces its long-term appeal.
6. Ford Escape Hybrid
At a glance, the Escape Hybrid offers strong mileage and mainstream appeal. Yet real-world performance often disappoints. Cabin noise creeps in at highway speeds, and build quality feels uneven across trims. Though the EPA ratings may look promising (42 mpg city), the SUV can feel rough and inconsistent in everyday use.
7. Volvo XC60 Recharge
Despite premium styling and a 455-horsepower hybrid setup, the XC60 Recharge struggles to justify its cost. The touchscreen controls dominate nearly every function, often slowing fundamental interactions. While its electric-only range tops out at 35 miles, the ride feels less refined than its luxury branding suggests.
Pros & Cons Review: 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge on Everyman Driver by Everyman Driver
8. Kia Sorento Hybrid
While it offers three-row seating, the Sorento Hybrid doesn't handle the extra weight well. Acceleration feels sluggish, especially with a full cabin. Interior space is tight in the third row, and the use of cheap materials, like hard plastics, falls short of class standards.
9. Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Mazda aimed for an upscale image, but the PHEV starts at around $49,945 and offers only 26 miles of EV range. The interior comfort and cabin finesse feel compromised for the price. Also, MotorTrend notes “slight lurches” during electric-to-gas transitions.
FUEL EFFICIENT! 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Review by TheStraightPipes
10. Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid
The base model offers decent value, but the Sport Touring trim adds thousands for cosmetic upgrades. While the fuel economy is 40 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, the driving dynamics don't quite satisfy. With a slightly more responsive drive, its nearly $40,000 price mainly adds comfort features rather than practicality or performance.
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Now, let's look at ten hybrid SUVs that live up to their promise and are worth the investment.
1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
It consistently ranks as one of the most reliable hybrids on the market, according to Consumer Reports. The RAV4 Hybrid delivers impressive fuel economy without sacrificing cargo space or ride comfort. Owners praise its low operating costs and substantial resale value, making it a top pick for long-term practicality.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
This midsize hybrid blends refined driving with impressive efficiency. The FWD version earns 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. It comes standard with dual wireless phone charging and a Surround View Monitor for 360° parking assistance. Hyundai’s industry‑leading warranty further enhances its value.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review | Worth The Hybrid Hype? by AutoDeal.com.ph
3. Kia Sportage Hybrid
Kia’s Sportage Hybrid stands out with its bold styling and roomy rear seating. It achieves 43 mpg combined per EPA estimates and starts at around $30,000. Overall, it’s a hybrid SUV that offers excellent value without cutting corners on daily usability.
4. Ford Explorer Hybrid
While many three-row hybrids stumble on power, the Explorer Hybrid stands out with a 5,000‑lb towing capacity and a robust 318 hp hybrid V6. Its powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and strong highway manners. For families needing size and strength without huge gas bills, this hybrid earns its value.
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5. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross Hybrid blends compact size with urban efficiency. It delivers 42 mpg combined per EPA and starts just under $29,845 MSRP. All-wheel drive comes standard, and Toyota includes full safety suite features like adaptive cruise and lane departure alerts.
6. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Unlike many hybrids, the Crosstrek doesn't give up its rugged DNA. With standard all-wheel drive and a compact footprint, it handles trails and tight parking spots equally well. Its blend of light off-road capability and year-round reliability makes it a rare find in the hybrid market.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Review | Small SUV Taken On and Off-Road | Drive.com.au by Drive.com.au
7. Lexus RX 500h
This one redefines luxury performance. The RX 500h reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, yet maintains 27 mpg city and 28 highway on hybrid mode. Suspension tuning keeps the ride composed, delivering solid handling without sacrificing comfort.
NEW! 2023 Lexus RX 500h Review by TheStraightPipes
8. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid remains a go-to choice for fuel-conscious families, offering up to 36 mpg city and three usable rows of seating. With over 84 cubic feet of cargo space and consistently high reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, dependability is well supported.
9. BMW X5 xDrive50e
This SUV delivers 483 hp and an EPA electric range of about 40 miles. It also returns 22 mpg combined when running as a hybrid. Transitions between power modes are seamless, and the chassis stays composed under pressure.
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e Is A Plug-In Hybrid SUV That Is The Best Of Both Worlds by Redline Reviews
10. Hyundai Kona Hybrid
The Kona Hybrid thrives in urban settings, offering 42 mpg combined and sharp steering response in tight spaces. With up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a starting price near $26,000, it delivers surprising practicality and comfort for its size.
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