For years Toyota dominated the hybrid market with its Prius liftback, a funky, rounded midsize sedan with top-notch range and fuel efficiency. Toyota continues to lead this corner of the market and has found even more success adding its hybrid powertrain as an alternative choice to some of its top sellers, including its popular SUVs. It also has stirred up competition from Ford and Kia, which has helped cast a brighter spotlight on the economical bunch. Hybrid SUVs offer buyers more range and some achieve up to 40 mpgs on the highway, an impressive feat considering their bulky size. While opting for the hybrid powertrain can add thousands to the bottom line, most come with higher-end accoutrements, more robust tech packages and, in some cases, standard all-wheel drive. These are the best hybrid SUVs available for 2021, ordered from highest to lowest combined mpg rating. The list includes a mix of 2020 and 2021 model year vehicles.
Kia Niro
Starts at $24,590, EPA-Rated 49 MPG Combined
Why We Picked It
Not everybody who buys a hybrid wants it to look like one. Kia built Niro hybrid for those who want a discreet vehicle that’s also environmentally friendly and capable of 50 mpg. True to its under the radar personality, Kia refers to it as just the Niro. The Niro is Kia’s least expensive green model, and it’s one of the best hybrid packages on the market. It’s small and drives like a car, is shaped like a wagon and is classified as a compact SUV. The small hybrid spawned a miniature family that also includes the Niro PHEV (plug-in hybrid) and Niro EV. Read full specs.
Pros
- Reserved design doesn’t overtly scream hybrid
- Up to 50 mpg combined
- IIHS Top Safety Pick when properly equipped
Cons
- Gas engine can feel underpowered
- Road noise is hard to ignore at highway speeds
- Aggressive, rugged styling is polarizing
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Ford Escape hybrid
Starts at $28,265, EPA-Rated 41 MPG Combined
Forbes Wheels Rating: 85/100
Why We Picked It
The Escape is all-new for 2020 and sports a muscular new design, lighter weight, more tech and a whole new platform. It’s part of Ford’s move to an all-SUV lineup and aims to appeal to the sedan and crossover crowd, which is why it’s adopted a slimmed down, more rounded silhouette. It offers a host of efficient powertrain options, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Both gas variants are rated to achieve a class-topping 30 mpg combined. The Escape’s interior is spacious (over 40 inches of legroom in the front and rear seats) and the cargo space sits mid-pack among rivals (34 cubic-feet). The segment is well-populated, but the Escape offers enough features and style to remain a top contender. Read full review.
Pros
- Generous cargo space
- Sporty handling
- Plenty of standard and available tech features
Cons
- Can get pricey with options
- More road noise than expected
- The rotary dial shifter takes some getting used to
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Toyota RAV4 hybrid
Starts at $28,500, EPA-Rated 40 MPG Combined
Forbes Wheels Rating: 88/100
Why We Picked It
Toyota’s latest updates to the RAV4 make it an even more compelling proposition than before. There is a trim for everyone and optional all-wheel drive across the line makes it appealing for buyers in seasonal regions as well as the weekend warrior types why enjoy light trailblazing. Its fuel efficiency is already competitive in the segment but is boosted by its optional hybrid powertrain and new plug-in hybrid variant, the RAV4 Prime. While exterior styling may not be for everyone, the RAV4 is more self-assured than ever before and offers a menu of choices much longer than key rivals. It also has a starting price point under $25,000 and lots of standard tech including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. Read full review.
Pros
- A long list of trims and three powertrain options
- Standard safety tech, including adaptive cruise control
- AWD system with drive modes is proficient on uneven and slippery terrain
Cons
- Gas engine can feel underpowered
- Road noise is hard to ignore at highway speeds
- Aggressive, rugged styling is polarizing
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Toyota Venza
Starts at $33,645, EPA-Rated 39 MPG Combined
Forbes Wheels Rating: 88/100
Why We Picked It
Toyota resurrected its Venza midsize crossover for the 2021 model year as a premium, hybrid-only, tuned-for-on-road-performance crossover. It’s built for small families and empty nesters seeking the versatility of a utility vehicle without the hulking size of a three-row SUV. (The original version debuted in 2009 and targeted only empty nesters without a need to haul kids.) The new Venza sits on an all-new platform and features a more upscale interior and restyled exterior. The five-seater also boasts updated technology, safety features, infotainment, all-wheel-drive and a hybrid powertrain. Comprised of a 2.5-liter engine, three electric motors and a new lithium-ion battery, the powertrain delivers a combined output of 219 horsepower. Toyota estimates it will achieve 40 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway. Read full review.
Pros
- Estimated 40 mpg in city driving
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Precise maneuvering
Cons
- Less cargo space than a RAV4 (28.8 cubic feet vs. 37.6)
- Mild driving personality
- Pricier than gas rivals
Kia Sorento hybrid
Starts at $33,590, EPA-Rated 37 MPG Combined
Forbes Wheels Rating: 81/100
Why We Picked It
For 2021, Kia redesigned its Sorento crossover with fresh styling and two new powertrains (one’s a hybrid), taking aim at buyers that a smaller SUV that straddles the compact and midsize segments in size. The Sorento could have become the odd man out in the Kia lineup, considering the Kia Telluride‘s smash-hit success, but it manages to carve a niche in the family-centric segment by offering a three-row, seven-passenger layout with a slightly smaller footprint and lower price than its big brother Telluride. A Sorento plug-in hybrid is due out next year. Read full review.
Pros
- Thrifty new Hybrid version
- Smooth ride, capable handling
- Standard third-row seats
Cons
- Larger Kia Telluride starts at less than $3,000 more
- Limited third-row space
- Wireless Apple/Android controls only work with the smaller 8-inch infotainment screen
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Toyota Highlander hybrid
Starts at $38,410, EPA-Rated 36 MPG Combined
Forbes Wheels Rating: 82/100
Why We Picked It
The Toyota Highlander offers a fairly spacious interior (the middle row is more in line with rivals than the third), an enhanced list of standard safety technology and superior safety scores. It also has a surprisingly capable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. But the midsize SUV category is brimming with talent, so what really makes it standout is the hybrid powertrain that is available on all trims, including a the new sporty XSE model. When equipped with front-wheel drive, it’s rated at 36 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive only drops the city figure by 1 (it also drops the combined rating from 36 mpg to 35). The availability of a hybrid makes the Highlander is a compelling choice among mainstream competition for buyers that don’t want to sacrifice fuel efficiency for space. One major downfall work highlighting is the limited cargo space behind the third row. If families must haul kids and things at the same time, then that 16 cubic-feet of stowage will undoubtedly be a source of frustration. Read full review.
Pros
- Available hybrid
- Solid list of standard features
- Quiet, comfortable ride
Cons
- Confusing mix of buttons and on-screen controls
- Tiny third row
- Disconnected driving feel
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Lexus NX 300h
Starts at $40,060, EPA-Rated 31 MPG Combined
Forbes Wheels Rating: 82/100
Why We Picked It
Lexus’ success with is midsize RX SUV carriers over into the NX, condensing the highlights of its larger sibling—including the F-Sport designation—into a one-size-smaller package. It also offers a 194-horsepower hybrid powertrain that is slower than gas models but achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined versus 24 mpg for the non-hybrid NX with all-wheel drive. Despite being near the end of its model cycle, the 2021 Lexus NX is still a compelling choice that earns high marks for comfort, refinement and safety. There’s less cargo space and headroom compared with some newer alternatives and the infotainment system is clunky, but it’s a handsome design with a top-notch interior and a generous standard safety suite. Read full review.
Pros
- Handsome styling
- Tidy driving dynamics
- Comfy interior
Cons
- Aging design, replacement due soon
- Confusing infotainment
- Cramped rear-seat headroom
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Lexus RX 450h
Starts at $46,800, EPA-Rated 30 MPG Combined
Why We Picked It
Lexus has perfected the formula for a reliable, versatile and luxurious midsize SUV, which has kept it a top pick in the segment over the years. It has a lot to offer: a conventional or hybrid powertrain, two body lengths that can accommodate between five and seven passengers and an expensive performance package that livens up the daily driving experience. But it costs considerably less than the European makes that occupy the same category, so it will be a top choice for buyers looking for luxury and reliability at an affordable price point. Read full specs.
Pros
- Fuel-sipping hybrid variant (but gas models are still efficient)
- Robust menu of list of standard advanced driver assistance-safety tech
- Smooth ride quality
Cons
- Interior is high-quality and tech laden, but has dated vibes
- Aggressive front-end styling belies sedate personality (F-Sport is the exception)
- Third row legroom on RX L models is worst among rivals (23.5 inches)
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Ford Explorer hybrid
Starts at $51,100, EPA-Rated 27 MPG Combined
Forbes Wheels Rating: 78/100
Why We Picked It
Ford’s updates to the Explorer in recent years have helped it make inroads against its European and Asian rivals, but it stumbles in the comfort and with fit and finish categories, which makes it hard to justify the exorbitant prices some of the configurations demand. It casts a wide net in terms of appeal with its variety of powertrains, however. In addition to the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, buyers can upgrade to a 400-horsepower, performance-oriented V6 or a hybrid that uses a 3.3-liter V6 coupled with an electric motor for a combined output of 318 horsepower and a somewhat anti-climatic 27 mpg combined . But despite all the flavors, Kia and Hyundai specifically make a compelling case with the Telluride and Palisade SUVs, both of which pack much more upscale interiors and better value than the Explorer. Read full review.
Pros
- Thrifty new Hybrid version
- Smooth ride, capable handling
- Standard third-row seats
Cons
- Larger Kia Telluride starts at less than $3,000 more
- Limited third-row space
- Wireless Apple and Android controls only work with the smaller 8-inch infotainment screen
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Methodology
These SUVs were selected for three main criteria: 1) the availability of a hybrid powertrain as an option on one or more of its trims, 2) competitive mpg rating for combined city and highway driving 3) the overall vehicle ranking by Forbes Wheels staff, if available. It’s ordered from highest to lowest EPA-rated mpg combined.
Our evaluation covers five areas:
1. Styling (20 points) An assessment of the car’s overall design, styling and build quality, inside and out. Looks and styling are largely subjective, but a reviewer can still make general observations that hold a degree of objectivity. If the vehicle’s interior trim panels are loose, the switchgear feels cheap and the fitment and gaps of the panels are big and inconsistent, the rating will reflect these observations.
2. Performance (20 points) An assessment of a car’s handling, braking, acceleration, ride quality and other qualitative performance measures like horsepower, torque, zero-to-60 times and top speed. Towing capability for trucks and SUVs also is a consideration. Reviews also thoroughly consider the manufacturer’s data when comparing similar vehicles within the competitive set. While driving, reviewers also look for a melding of attributes relative to the expectations set by the manufacturer about the specific vehicle and by consumer expectations of the segment.
3. Comfort and Convenience (20 points) An assessment of the car’s interior comfort, features and cargo space. Comfort can be subjective, but the reviewer also considers passenger space measurements compared with the segment and competitive vehicles. Cargo space also is based on measurements relative to segment and competitive set as well as functionality and usability. Features are objective and compared against the number and type of standard and available features in segment and competitive set. Price also is a consideration as is execution and efficacy. Extra points may be awarded for exceptional available or standard features or user-friendly infotainment setups. Cars may also lose points for substandard features, or for making certain features only available on pricey option packages of poor relative value.
4. Safety (20 points) The safety score is based on three elements: crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; the number of standard advanced driver-assistance safety technology features, such as blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, emergency automatic braking, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control; and visibility. Cars with official crash data gain points for a five-star overall rating by the NHTSA, or Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ status by the IIHS. Vehicles not yet rated by either agency will not lose points.
5. Fuel Economy (20 points) The fuel economy score is based on the combined mpg estimate for the model’s base trim with an automatic transmission, according to the Environmental Protection Agency or the manufacturer if EPA has not confirmed data. Some models will get extra points for offering a hybrid or other more fuel-efficient powertrain within the model lineup. Scoring for pure electric vehicles will be based on range and charging time.