2023 Best Hybrid SUVs

Not so long ago, SUVs with hybrid powertrains were pretty much isolated cases. It was normal to see Toyota models with hybrid powertrains, along with a few more models from other manufacturers. However, things have changed in the past few years and these days, there are so many SUVs that come with an electrified powertrain on the offer.

Moreover, some SUVs can’t be found with a pure gasoline powertrain anymore, such as the Toyota Venza. Also, even some body-on-frame SUVs that are designed to be super rugged and capable can now be configured with a hybrid powertrain. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a perfect example.

The list of electrified SUVs is pretty long, so we decide to help you make the right selection. We picked some of the best hybrid SUVs for the next year. Keep in mind that the list includes models from different segments. The main criterion for our list was the quality of the hybrid powertrain (performance, efficiency, refinement, reliability), but we also evaluated other aspects of vehicles, such as ride quality, interior quality, standard equipment etc.

In any case, be sure that all models on the list are a great value for money, whether they come with a classic hybrid setup or as PHEV models. The list focuses on mainstream brands, though there are a few premium players in conversation as well, such as the good-old Volvo XC90, which still has a lot to offer, despite its age.

So, let’s start with our list of 2023 Best Hybrid SUVs:

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Hyundai’s compact crossover was redesigned last year and if we consider all the novelties that were introduced, we are pretty sure that the next year’s model will carry on in the same way. Two hybrid versions were also among the novelties introduced.

Therefore, we count on a familiar layout from the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. It will continue with two powertrain options on the offer. The first one features a classic hybrid setup, based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine, which gets help from a single electric motor. The total output goes around 226 horsepower, which is plenty enough for decent driving dynamics. Furthermore, you may count on a pretty impressive fuel economy that goes around 38 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

The plug-in hybrid is also based on the turbo-four engine. Still, it comes with a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery. As a result, the max output goes up to 261 horsepower, while you may also count more than 30 miles of the all-electric range. However, the average fuel economy is a little bit lower and goes around 35 mpg combined, though you may count on 80mpg-e in the all-electric mode.

The hybrid version starts at around $31.000, while the PHEV is available at around 36.000 dollars.

2023 Toyota Venza Hybrid

Last year, the Japanese manufacturer brought back the Venza nameplate. However, the new model came in a completely different form, as a crossover. Considering that it is still pretty fresh on the market, we are pretty sure the next year’s model will come without more important changes.

This particularly refers to the powertrain, which is available only in a hybrid variant. Of course, we are talking about the company’s legendary system, the same one that powers the RAV4 Hybrid and many other models. It is based on a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine and delivers a total output of 219 horsepower. It comes coupled with a CVT and offers decent driving dynamics. We particularly like the fact that the average fuel economy goes around 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, which is impressive for the class.

The Venza is much more than an efficient crossover. We like the ride quality, as well as the cabin design, which looks nice. The cabin is also pretty generous with passenger room, though we can’t say the same for the cargo area, which is small for the class. The list of standard equipment is very long, particularly in terms of driver-assistance features.

The current model starts at around 33.000 dollars and we don’t expect bigger price changes in the next year.

2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid

While the segment of compact SUVs is full of hybrid powertrains, the electrification is a little bit slower among mid-size SUVs. Still, there are a couple of models with electrified powertrain and the Explorer is one of them. It is currently available with a classic hybrid system, which is based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine and features a total output of 318 horsepower. It offers decent driving dynamics but the fuel economy isn’t all that good. You may count on no more than 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is significantly lower compared to the Highlander hybrid, for example.

However, the Blue Oval company prepares a big novelty for the 2023 Ford Explorer, if we can trust rumors. According to them, we will see a plug-in hybrid version on the offer, which is currently available in Europe. That model is based on a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine and delivers a total output of around 444 horsepower and an impressive 620 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, the officials are still quiet about its arrival in the North American market.

Currently, the classic Explorer Hybrid starts at around 55.000 dollars.

Read more about: 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid

2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Last year, Jeep introduced a plug-in hybrid version of its legendary off-roader. This is currently the only genuine off-road SUV with an electrified powertrain and it comes with a pretty capable setup. You may count on a combination of a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine and a couple of electric motors, which provide a combined output of 375 horsepower.

Besides a lot of power, this setup also offers 21 miles of the all-electric range, thanks to the 17.2-kWh battery pack. The average fuel economy goes around 20 mpg.

Despite the electrified powertrain, this is still a super capable off-roader. It comes in a four-door body only, with lots of standard off-road features. Of course, four-wheel-drive is standard, along with solid axles with coil springs, etc.

We presume that the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe will continue in the same way. Of course, there is always room for minor updates, such as new standard features. Some sources even speculate about the possibility to see this powertrain in the Rubicon trim, which comes with a full load of off-road features, such as skid plates, locking differentials, low-range gearing, all-terrain tires etc.

The current model starts at around 54.000 dollars and we don’t expect bigger changes for the next year.

Read more about: 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid will come all-new for the North American market. The new generation already debuted in Europe and it brings a full load of novelties. Of course, there is a completely new styling, while we are particularly impressed with the new interior design. The new cabin looks very luxurious, especially with those massive screens that are offered as options.

Big novelties will come under the hood as well. Just like Tucson, the new Sportage will be offered with two hybrid powertrain options. The first one is a classic hybrid, based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four gasoline engine, with 226 horsepower.

When it comes to the plug-in hybrid, the system is based on the same turbo-four engine, but comes with a more powerful electric motor, so the total output goes up to 261 horsepower. This system also comes with a significantly bigger battery pack, which should ensure more than 30 miles of the all-electric range.

When it comes to fuel economy, we expect similar ratings to the new Tucson, which would mean around 37 mpg combined for the hybrid, and 35 mpg combined for the PHEV.

The all-new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid will debut in the second half of the year. Prices are yet to be announced.

Read more about: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Despite the competition is getting tougher, the RAV4 remains the best hybrid SUV on the market, thanks to the great combination of efficiency and reliability. So, even though some sources suggest a facelift for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, we do not doubt that the powertrain will remain the same.

The rumored facelift may bring some styling updates and similar things, but the powertrain will remain the same. Therefore, you may count on a well-known and proven system that’s based on a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and delivers a combined output of 221 horsepower. That’s enough for decent dynamics but what’s more important is the great fuel economy. It goes around 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, which is impressive for a compact hybrid SUV.

Also, there is the RAV4 Prime, which comes with a plug-in hybrid setup. This model features a combined output of 302 horsepower, which is enough for this SUV to hit 60 in 5.7 seconds. Also, you may count on a pretty impressive 42 miles of the all-electric range.

With updates or without, the next year’s model will probably keep the same price, which currently starts at around 30.000 dollars for the hybrid and around $40.000 for the PHEV version.

Read more about: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2023 Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid

The current generation of Volvo’s flagship crossover has been around since 2015 but the latest reports suggest that the full redesign won’t happen in the next year or two for sure. This clearly indicates no changes under the hood for the next year. So, the PHEV version, known as the T8, will continue with the same specs.

Therefore, you may count on a system that combines a lot of things. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine features both turbocharged and supercharged, and also comes with an electric motor. The total output goes around 400 horsepower. That is enough to move this SUV from zero to sixty in about five seconds.

The system also comes with an 11.6-kWh battery pack, which ensures 18 miles of the all-electric range. All in all, the system is pretty capable, though it’s not as refined as the systems that power key rivals.

Besides the hybrid powertrain, this SUV has many more great things to offer. We like its spacious cabin and pretty impressive interior quality. The cargo area is also pretty impressive for the class, while the list of standard equipment is pretty long. The current model starts at around 65.000 dollars.

2023 Honda ZR-V

The 2023 Honda ZR-V is a brand-new model that is coming later this year. It will be primarily offered in markets like Europe and China. From what we know so far, the European version will be offered with a hybrid version only.

The new ZR-V will be slotted between the HR-V and CR-V. As the CR-V will become notably bigger and get the third row of seats, the ZR-V will pretty much take its place. It will also be based on the 11th generation Civic, with independent rear suspension and many other parts shared. Moreover, the two models should share dashboard designs as well.

When it comes to powertrain, we presume that the Japanese manufacturer won’t experiment too much. Most likely, we will see a proven system, based on a 2.0-liter engine that comes with a couple of electric motors. In the current-generation CR-V, this system puts out around 212 horsepower and comes in pair with a CVT. So, we may expect similar specs from the upcoming crossover.

The 2023 Honda ZR-V should arrive in the second half of the year. Details about the price are yet to be announced.

2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

The 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid is about to receive a facelift, just like the gasoline version. We are about to see a significantly updated styling, with a completely new front end. Novelties are expected on the inside as well, where we count on dashboard revision, bigger screens and similar. However, we don’t expect to see changes in terms of powertrain.

Therefore, the standard version will continue with a classic hybrid setup, based on a 2.5-liter engine, which offers a combined output of 200 horsepower. The system comes coupled with a CVT and provides decent driving dynamics. More importantly, it features excellent fuel economy, which goes around 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, according to the manufacturer.

The PHEV version comes with a more powerful electric motor and features a combined output of 221 horsepower. Also, it comes with a 14.4-kWh battery pack, which ensures around 37 miles of the all-electric range. The average fuel economy goes around 40 mpg.

Despite the upcoming updates, we don’t believe that the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid will be significantly more expensive than the current model. The current version starts at around $30.000, while the plug-in hybrid is available already at 34.000 dollars.

Read more about: 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid

Although Santa Fe has been among the most popular mid-size SUVs for years, the plug-in hybrid version arrived only for the 2022 model year. As the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid will be the second production year, it’s pretty much for sure it won’t feature bigger changes.

So, you may count on the same setup that powers the Tucson. The system is based on a small 1.6-liter turbo-four engine, which comes in a combination with a single electric motor, for a combined output of 261 horsepower. Besides good performance, you may also count on 30 miles of the all-electric range, while the average fuel economy goes 33 miles per gallon.

Of course, the powertrain isn’t the only good thing about this crossover. We also like its high-quality materials and great interior quality. Furthermore, the list of standard and available equipment is pretty long, while the cargo area is pretty large as well.

With no bigger changes to come, we are pretty sure that the next year’s Santa Fe will keep the same or very similar price. The current model starts at around 41.000 dollars.

Read more about: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid

2023 Toyota Crown

It looks like the Japanese carmaker is about to bring this nameplate back to North America, after several decades. In the past, this nameplate was common for large sedans but things have changed and now the revived model will come as a crossover.

Most likely, this will be a full-size, three-row crossover, positioned above the Highlander. What’s interesting about it is that it won’t be offered with pure gasoline powertrains. Instead, it will come only as a hybrid, while some sources also suggest an all-electric version in the future.

Most likely, base models will come with the same powertrain as the Highlander, which would mean a four-cylinder-based powertrain with a combined output of around 240 horsepower. On the other hand, higher trim levels would come with a plug-in hybrid setup, the same one that powers the RAV4 Prime. That system puts out 302 horsepower, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see further power increase for this occasion. Finally, some sources speculate about the V6-based hybrid system found in the new Sequoia, which features a pretty impressive max output of 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.

The all-new 2023 Toyota Crown is about to arrive already by the end of this year and various sources suggest a starting price of around 55.000 dollars.

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The next generation of Honda’s best-seller is on the way and even though the outgoing model is already impressive in many aspects, we count on further improvements from the new model. Among interesting novelties, including a bigger cabin, which will be able to accommodate up to seven passengers.

In many parts of the world, the CR-V Hybrid has been available for years. However, North American drivers didn’t see it until the last year. That’s one of the reasons why many believe that the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid will come with the same or very similar powertrain.

That would mean a system that combines a 2.0-liter engine with a couple of electric motors, for a combined output of 212 horsepower. Driving dynamics are pretty good, but we presume the new model will come with a slight power increase. The system comes coupled with a CVT, which works surprisingly well.

When it comes to fuel economy, we count on similar numbers as for the current model. That would mean around 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. That’s not bad, but keep in mind that many rivals like Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape are more efficient.

We expect that the starting price will go around 32.000 dollars.

Read more about: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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