Crossover SUVs are dominating global car markets which is also the case in the U.S. as a burgeoning number of crossovers are being introduced and gaining popularity on a frequent basis. The ride comfort, practicality, and roominess offered by these versatile vehicles are premier factors that make them the growing popular choice. However, as mentioned, there is a myriad of options available among crossovers in various segments, energized by different powertrains including conventional ICE engines, hybrid powertrains, as well as electric motors.
When it comes to choosing the ideal powertrain for your crossover, a multitude of factors are to be considered. Hybrid cars offer the best of both worlds or a bit of everything squeezed into a package. It can be termed as the jack of all trades as this crossbred powertrain offers a splendid meld of performance and fuel efficiency while not requiring a charge-up sporadically. Hence, here we have cataloged the best hybrid crossovers available in the American market now, considering factors including ride comfort, performance, efficiency, features, and reliability.
1 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid – $26,590
Fully redesigned for 2023, the Kia Niro Hybrid has gained a much more alluring exterior design and a significantly roomier cabin while retaining its impressive feature set and value-for-money pricing. A 1.6-liter inline-4 engine coalesced with an electric motor serves as the driving force of the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid, putting out a combined 139 horsepower and delivering a maximum fuel economy of 53 MPG.
The cabin is tech-loaded and feature-packed with adequate space for five occupants. Overall, the Niro Hybrid delivers an exceptional package for its base price along with an excellent warranty coverage of 10 years/100,000 miles.
2 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid – $27,490
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is another remarkably affordable hybrid crossover from the South Korean automaker. Even though the exterior design could seem a bit overwrought to some, the Sportage Hybrid isn’t aesthetically off-putting by any means. The hybrid powertrain in the Sportage is new for 2023, and it consists of a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 226 ponies and delivering a combined 43 MPG.
On the inside, the high-tech cabin is ample spacious and the ride quality is impressive, resulting in an overall enticing package.
3 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid – $27,970
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is the latest addition to the brand’s lineup bearing the legendary Corolla moniker. This hybrid version of the Toyota Corolla Cross proffers a significant advantage in performance and fuel economy. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid comes equipped with standard AWD.
It is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine augmented by three electric motors, a setup similar to the 2023 Toyota Prius, generating a total of 197 horsepower. As for efficiency, this Toyota hybrid SUV delivers a combined fuel economy of 42 MPG.
4 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – $31,350
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a bit more premium version of the Kia Sportage Hybrid and a larger alternative to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Whilst the 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain and 226-hp max output remain identical to its Sportage Hybrid counterpart, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offers a much more luxurious cabin in its higher trims. On top of that, compared to the peculiar exterior design of the Kia, the Tucson flaunts a flashy, futuristic yet subtle exterior design which is a bit more appealing.
5 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid – $32,400
With a beguiling exterior design that blends in futuristic looks and a pleasing conventional demeanor, the fully redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a crossover that suits a vast crowd. Now that we’ve stated that it looks seductive, what about other aspects? As for performance, the combination of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors churns out 204 horses along with a combined fuel efficiency number of 40 MPG.
Overall, this stylish, spacious, and comfy Japanese crossover is one of the best hybrids in the $30-35K price range.
6 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid – $35,660
Solid build quality, a roomy as well as premium cabin, and compliant ride quality are all, eminent features of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Performance is also more than satisfactory as it comes powered by a 226-hp 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder and dual-electric-motor combination with a standard all-wheel-drivetrain.
Even though the quirky appearance of this hybrid SUV might not please everyone, its exceptional feature set and a steadfast reliability score of 4/5 from RepairPal ensures that it is one of the best hybrid SUVs on the road today.
7 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid – $36,690
The first seven-seater hybrid vehicle on this list is the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid which is a splendiferous crossover that puts forward a value proposition that doesn’t cut any corners. The Kia Sorento Hybrid features a palatial cabin that amalgamates cozy and supportive front and second-row seats with a kids-only third-row. Its powertrain comprises the familiar 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder and electric motor combo, but here it is offered in both RWD and AWD variants and hence offers a remarkable 37 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
8 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – $40,220
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid might be the midsize hybrid SUV that would last the longest as this hybrid car from the brand renowned for durability boasts superior reliability ratings. This Toyota hybrid has been awarded a brag-worthy J.D. Power score of 81 for “Quality & Reliability” and a 4/5 reliability rating from RepairPal with an average annual repair cost of just $489.
These figures are ineffable and those combined with its high-quality cabin and extensive standard feature set make the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid one of the best and most reliable hybrids in the market now.
9 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid – $43,805
Entering deluxe territory, the 2024 Lexus NX Hybrid is a protean luxury crossover that puts forth a comprehensive medley of splendor and serenity. The base Lexus NX 350h hybrid version employs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to generate 239 horses whilst the more expensive Lexus NX 450h+ borrows the plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Furthermore, both variants come with AWD as standard along with praiseworthy ride comfort and swank an ornate cabin with a plethora of creature comforts.
10 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid – $50,150
With a major overhaul, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid steps into the luxury crossover’s fifth generation, retaining its velvety ride quality, resplendent interior, and phenomenal reliability. The latest and greatest Lexus RX Hybrid is bundled with a different powertrain depending on the trim chosen.
The base Lexus RX RX350h comes equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a duo of electric motors to produce 246 horsepower. On the other hand, the RX500h F Sport Performance gets a mightier 367-horsepower hybrid powertrain.