Key Takeaways

• Most of our top-rated hybrid SUVs fall into the compact segment, where efficiency and value are prioritized.
• The Koreans made a strong showing in this segment, with multiple contenders from Kia and Hyundai.
• The best hybrid SUVs combine efficiency with punchy performance and typical SUV versatility.

Hybrid SUVs are hugely popular right now, and for good reason. They combine the practicality of an SUV body style with a level of efficiency to match or better an equivalent sedan, minimizing any compromises. Sifting through all the hybrid SUVs on sale can be a daunting task, but we’ve made it simple by ranking the best models, based on our BuzzScore. This scoring methodology takes into account design, quality, performance, efficiency, and reliability. From budget-minded compacts to full-size luxury models, these are the best hybrid SUV models you can buy for the 2023 model year.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work
here
.

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson isn’t just a good hybrid SUV, it’s a great all-around SUV. This all-purpose option doesn’t cut any corners: it has a combined 226 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive, or a combined 38 mpg with the Blue trim. Under the hood, the Tuscon Hybrid runs off a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This hybrid system provides brisk acceleration and stand-out fuel economy, worthy additions to drivers who need to get around the city with ease. It also includes several convenient features, like a hands-free smart liftgate for easy loading and unloading. Paired with the optional remote smart parking assist feature, you have the ease of next-gen tech at your fingertips. The Tucson deserves its spot as our best compact hybrid SUV for 2023.

2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge

With two Volvo models on our list, there’s plenty of Swedish engineering to enjoy. First up, the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge offers efficiency and opulence from the outside. It has a 2.0L supercharged and turbocharged engine, and combined with an electric motor, it produces 455 hp. The comfortable seats and quiet interior make the XC90 Recharge a particularly relaxing SUV to drive. Advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. This is the best-rated midsize hybrid SUV or crossover for 2023 on our list.

2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid

The Korean brands make some of the best hybrid SUVs, and the same applies to the Kia Sorento Hybrid. Like the Tucson Hybrid, the Sorento Hybrid emphasizes versatility with its comfortable design and punchy performance. Both trim levels have a 1.6L turbo hybrid powertrain with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and the EPA rating is 37 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive model.

Kia prioritizes safety in the 2023 Sorento Hybrid, as seen with an enhanced safety suite. This includes a myriad of active safety features like blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, safe exit assist, lane departure warning, and more.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

A crossover with the Corolla nameplate attached to it is destined for success, and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is one of the most efficient hybrids you can buy in its segment. This crossover achieves 45 mpg in city driving, and the 196-hp powertrain is more potent than the one in the non-hybrid Corolla Cross. In typical Toyota style, the design is completely inoffensive, while the ergonomics require no steep learning curve; it’s a vehicle you can get in and drive easily. Although the Corolla Cross Hybrid doesn’t rank highly for driver appeal, its affordable price tag and spacious interior earn high praise.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid isn’t quite as efficient as the Corolla Cross Hybrid, but this is a larger, quicker, and more powerful vehicle. An electric motor joins forces with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 219 hp combined, and it’s capable of over 40 mpg in city driving. All RAV4 Hybrids come with AWD as standard, and the Woodland Edition is tuned specifically for off-road use. The RAV4’s interior is spacious and comfortable, and there is a decent amount of trunk space behind the second row. Combined with a strong reputation for reliability, this is a top contender in its class.

2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The first luxury hybrid SUV on our list, the Lexus RX Hybrid takes all of the brand’s hallmarks of refinement and quality and combines it with an efficient powertrain. This is a particularly enticing model due to its complete redesign that was introduced for the 2023 model year, featuring signature styling elements like a floating roof, and an eye-catching front grille. The RX Hybrid has a 2.4L engine, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and AWD, and there’s a more powerful version with 366 hp. Alongside its comfortable driving, the 2023 RX Hybrid also offers the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with lane departure alert, a pre-collision system, and other active safety features.

2023 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid is a smaller SUV option from the Japanese marque. Drivers can choose between a normal hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, the latter allowing for an all-electric range of up to 37 miles. In the NX 350h, the conventional hybrid powertrain returns 39 mpg combined with AWD. The NX’s safety specification is comprehensive, and it has a good amount of interior space for a small SUV. It also excels in terms of ride quality, which is a trademark of the Lexus brand.

2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge

Similar to the other Volvo on this list, the Volvo XC60 Recharge is a posh plug-in hybrid SUV that combines the best of Swedish innovation with modern technology. Its turbocharged powertrain delivers 455 hp, ensuring brisk acceleration. The restrained but classy interior can be equipped with Nappa leather seats and there’s a nine-inch touchscreen interface for managing infotainment and other vehicle settings. The Volvo is assured when changing direction and the ride is generally agreeable, with only poor road surfaces exposing some harshness.

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The other Kia on our list, the 2023 Sportage Hybrid works to offer everyday drivers the chance to experience hybrid driving without breaking the bank. Kia offers a slew of enticing standard features in this hybrid SUV, like a 12.2-inch LCD supervision cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance. Cargo space behind the second row is close to 40 cubic feet, which is very generous. The Sportage Hybrid produces 277 hp combined, and there’s a plug-in hybrid version with 261 hp and a 34-mile all-electric range.

2023 Toyota Venza

The last Toyota on our list of best hybrid SUVs of 2023, the Venza is a noteworthy hybrid SUV that may be overlooked in the bigger picture. Still, with a 2.5L hybrid engine and standard AWD, the 2023 Venza is a sophisticated SUV front to back, and we’re impressed with its quality and affordable price tag. One of the more intriguing features is the optional star gaze fixed panoramic roof. With plenty of features and a focus on comfort, the Venza is a slightly classier alternative to the RAV4 Hybrid.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

As we near the end of this list, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid shouldn’t be overlooked. Available in three trim levels—Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited—the Santa Fe Hybrid offers something for every driver. Under the hood, it boasts a 1.6L turbocharged engine to deliver its 226 horses. This powertrain ensures a smooth and responsive drive while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency. A plug-in hybrid with 261 hp is also available.

Like with others on this list, the Santa Fe Hybrid places importance on all-around safety. The Hyundai SmartSense safety suite offers advanced driver assistance features like forward collision-avoidance assist and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. For families and adventurers alike, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a versatile and reliable choice worth considering.

2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Hybrid

The final two spots on our list of the best hybrid SUVs for 2023 belong to two of the finest luxury brands, starting with Land Rover. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport Hybrid exudes luxury and performance, making it a top choice for the more discerning driver. In plug-in hybrid guise, it’s propelled by a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a combined 434 horsepower.

It has some impressive features, like a 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen system and advanced climate control. The Range Rover Sport is one of the largest hybrid SUV models on our list for 2023, and with a variety of lush, eye-catching color options, it has plenty of presence.

2023 BMW XM

Rounding out our list is the 2023 BMW XM, an exciting addition to BMW’s storied lineup. This hybrid SUV aims to set a new standard for SUVs in its class, by combining geometric design with high-performance capabilities. With its 4.4L V8 twin-turbocharged engine and electric motor, you can expect dramatic acceleration from its 644-hp powertrain. It needs that power, though, since the XM is a heavyweight with all the extra components of its plug-in hybrid system. On electric power alone, the XM can be driven for up to 31 miles before requiring recharging or the use of the V8. Inside, the XM uses high-end materials, but if you want to seat more than five people, you’ll need an X7.