The Most Economical Hybrid SUVs: Top 10
Here's a look at the most efficient and fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs - the #1 choice for those who want to save money without sacrificing interior space. Our top contenders for “most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs” are in our review. Conventional crossovers with internal combustion engines lag hybrids in fuel efficiency, while so-called plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), outperform both hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles. So, let's find the best hybrid SUV together.
Top 10: the most economical hybrid SUVs
Our ranking-comparison includes:
10. Kia Niro: 50 miles per gallon (53 city/48 highway)
9. Kia Sportage Hybrid: 43 miles per gallon (42 city/ 44 highway)
8. Lexus UX 250h: 42 miles per gallon (43 city/ 41 highway)
7. Ford Escape Hybrid: 41 miles per gallon (44 city/ 37 highway)
6. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 40 miles per gallon (41 city/38 highway)
5. Toyota Venza: 39 miles per gallon (40 city/ 37 highway)
4. Honda CR-V Hybrid: 38 miles per gallon (40 city/35 highway)
3. Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 36 miles per gallon (36 city/35 highway)
2. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: 34 miles per gallon (36 city/31 highway)
1. Ford Explorer Hybrid: 27 miles per gallon (27 city/ 28 highway)
Let's sort out which hybrids have the best gasoline consumption. We'll look at each of them and give you brief specifications of hybrid cars, so that you have an idea of all the advantages of these cars.
Kia Niro
The hybrid SUV with the best fuel economy per gallon. It is one of the safest cars in the crossover family. On the electric motor alone, the car is able to drive up to 40 km/h. The car has good dynamics, but with a slightly stiff suspension. Management is fully controllable, has a clear feedback. It is convenient to overtake, change lanes and maneuver in such car. It is comfortable to drive in the hybrid, it goes along the highway confidently and calmly.
The exterior of the car is very attractive, the signature style of the brand is defined at once. Looking at it you can find many similarities with other models of the automaker, but at the same time it has a bright personality. Kia Niro has a small ground clearance, which can cause trouble on bumpy roads.
Characteristics of the Kia Niro:
- electric motor power, hp: 43.5
- engine power, hp:105
- gearbox: automatic
- Fuel consumption, miles per gallon: city - 53, highway - 48 (city - 4.4 l/100 km, highway - 4.9 l/100 km)
- speed, km/h: 162
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 11,5
Kia Sportage Hybrid
The hybrid is equipped with a 180 hp turbocharged gasoline engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The electric propulsion system is powered by a 60 hp electric motor. Peak power of the hybrid system is 230 hp. Hybrid versions are available with front-wheel drive.
This crossover cannot be driven solely on electric power, which is due to the small battery capacity. The average fuel consumption is 6 liters per 100 km. This vehicle has a unique system that softens suspension shocks when driving over rough terrain. An electric motor is activated to compensate for the shock when driving over such areas, accelerating or slowing down the car.
Characteristics of the Kia Sportage Hybrid:
- electric motor power, hp: 60
- engine power, hp:180
- gearbox: six-speed automatic
- fuel consumption, miles per gallon: city - 44, highway - 42 (city - 5.34 l/100 km, highway - 5.6 l/100 km)
- speed, km/h: 191
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 8,2
Lexus UX 250h
It is not the most economical hybrid car, but it is the most charismatic in our opinion. A premium car with fantastic sparkling edges in its design, and the rear lights are mounted in a single solid line of 120 LEDs. Several employees of the brand were involved in the design, but the main contribution was made by the company's engineer C. Caco.
This is a car for those who want to own an expensive and exclusive car. The Lexus UX 250h will always stand out in the stream of cars, no matter how saturated it is. However, the appearance also depends on the configuration. This model has an excellent drag coefficient, and for the air flow to be diverted properly, specially shaped overlays are used.
The size of the luggage compartment is 220 liters, which is quite enough for city dwellers. The small dimensions can be explained simply: there is a battery under the second row of seats, and in addition, the car uses an additional battery. The hybrid is equipped with a power unit with a total capacity of 184 hp and stepless variator. A fourth-generation electric motor is used, which participates in driving at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Features Lexus UX 250h:
- electric motor power, hp: 109
- engine power, hp:152
- gearbox: stepless variator
- fuel consumption, miles per gallon: city - 43, highway - 41 (city - 5.5 l/100 km, highway - 5.7 l/100 km)
- speed, km/h: 177
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 8,5
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape first appeared on U.S. auto-markets in 2000. Over the years, the car has undergone four modifications and three restyling. It has a massive trunk with a large rear door, expressive moldings and wheel arches. By the last versions, the car got rid of angularity. The trunk volume is 697 to 988 liters. With the folded rear seats, the owner has 2 cubic meters of space.
The practical car is practical in everything. Everything in the interior is simple and efficient. Every detail is endowed with functionality: panelling, dashboard, door handles, multimedia system. Five people are comfortable in the cabin. In the center of the torpedo there is a widescreen monitor.
Ford Escape Hybrid Specifications:
- engine power, hp: 133
- gearbox: variator
- fuel consumption, miles per gallon: city - 44, highway - 37 (city - 5.3 l/100 km, highway - 6.3 l/100 km)
- speed, km/h: 170
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 9,1
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
This crossover will please you with a comfortable ride. The hybrid starts with the electric motor - quietly and softly. After that, it is propelled by the electric motor for some time. The best characteristics of the car are shown on the highway or in the city traffic. The suspension works perfectly, working off all the irregularities of the road surface, and the noise of the power plant is almost inaudible.
The handling of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is excellent. The car is very pleasant and easy to maneuver. The maximum speed at which you can drive the car is 180 km/h. Even at high speed, the car drives confidently and quietly (a little aerodynamic noise appears after 160 km/h).
The interior is finished in genuine and eco-leather, plastic and soft decorative elements. The steering wheel is upholstered in genuine leather, and the armrests and other elements are finished in suede and eco-leather. The interior features an illuminated center console, heated steering wheel and front seats. A keyless entry system is provided.
Characteristics of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:
- electric motor power, hp: 105+50
- engine power, hp:152
- gearbox: automatic planetary E-CVT
- fuel consumption, miles per gallon: 41 city, 38 highway (5.7 l/100 km city, 6.2 l/100 km highway)
- speed, km/h: 180
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 8,3
Toyota Venza
The next contender for the title of "most economical hybrid" is Toyota Venza. This crossover model has a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and three electric motors. The total power of the power plant is 219 hp. One of electric motor is designed to rotate rear wheels, and the other two in combination with gasoline engine - front wheels. The dynamics and smoothness of the car are on an average level.
From the outside, the car seems large, but the space in the cabin is even less than in the compact RAV4. However, for the majority of users it is quite enough. With the rear seats folded, you can carry 18 suitcases in the car. Venza is the first car from Japanese manufacturer, where the panoramic hatch has electrochrome glass. With a single button, you can turn the glass from clear to foggy.
The interior of the car is leather, in light gray shades, beige or black. The leather is soft and has an interesting texture. For the interior decor inserts imitating wood are used.
Features of the Toyota Venza:
- power plant capacity, hp: 222
- transmission: E-CVT automatic
- fuel consumption, miles per gallon: city - 40, highway - 37 (city - 5.9 l/100 km, highway - 6.4 l/100 km)
- speed, km/h: 175
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 7,5
Honda CR-V Hybrid
The sixth-generation Honda CR-V is the best version, equipped with many new features. Driving this model is exciting and comfortable. The twin-engine hybrid unit transmits 204 hp to the front wheels. It includes an electric motor with 184 hp. The hybrid system works in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission.
The new hill descent control function has improved the car's off-road performance. The driving selector has "snow", "sand", "mud" and "rain" settings.
The hybrid system uses a more powerful starter-generator, which provides smooth operation of the internal combustion engine, more efficient generation of energy by the engine and regenerative system.
Characteristics of the Honda CR-V Hybrid:
- Electric motor power, hp: 135
- engine power, hp:145
- gearbox: variator
- Fuel consumption, miles per gallon: city - 40, highway - 35 (city - 5.88 l/100 km, highway - 6.7 l/100 km)
- speed, km/h: 180
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 8,3
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The fuel consumption in the city and on the highway is the same, at 6.72 liters (35 miles per gallon). Its nearest competitors significantly exceed this figure. This allows the crossover to travel almost 1,000 km on a single fill-up.
The latest versions of the car have been significantly improved by the new modular platform. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is equipped with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-linkage system at the rear. Stability and handling have been improved by a lower center of gravity and a stiffer body.
Even in the initial configuration the car is equipped with three-zone climate control, an advanced media system with an 8-inch display, LED headlights and a whole set of passive and active safety systems. They are used to control blind spots, driving in one's lane, provide emergency braking, etc. After 2022, all versions of the car are equipped with an electronic stabilization system.
Specifications of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
- power plant capacity, hp: 245
- gearbox: variator
- Fuel consumption, miles per gallon: city - 36, highway - 35 (city - 6.5 l/100 km, highway - 6.7 l/100 km)
- speed, km/h: 180
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 8,5
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
This vehicle could easily take the top spot in the "Most Efficient Hybrid SUV" ranking, but in terms of fuel consumption it loses slightly to our winner. The dynamic tandem of a turbocharged gasoline engine and a powerful electric motor powered by an efficient battery has created a vehicle with a new level of fuel economy. The hybrid car switches from electric mode to gasoline engine mode very easily, and in some cases they work in tandem.
The car is equipped with a 44.2 kW electric motor, which is powered by a 1.49 kWh battery. The manufacturer offers all-wheel drive and two-wheel drive versions. The total power of the power plant is 230 hp.
To maximize acceleration, both engines run in parallel. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid uses a regenerative braking system that charges the battery by using the electric motor to slow the car down. Energy stored in the battery drives the electric motor, helping you to drive with the right acceleration, uphill or at low speeds with minimal fuel consumption.
Characteristics of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid:
- power plant capacity, hp: 230
- gearbox: variator
- fuel consumption, miles per gallon: city - 36, highway - 31 (city - 6.5 l/100 km, highway - 7.58 l/100 km)
- speed, km/h: 187
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 8,8
Ford Explorer Hybrid
A hybrid SUV whose highest consumption per gallon is offset by its power. It is one of the most powerful hybrid crossovers in the world. The powertrain includes a 3-liter gasoline engine and an efficient electric motor. It has a modern and stylish exterior, somewhat brutal. In front, on the black, matte or silver grille there is an oval emblem of the brand. The headlights are originally designed, with threads of LED running lights under the headlights, and components of the headlights underneath.
The car has a high bumper with complex architecture, equipped with rectangular sections of LED fog lights and plastic dodger. When viewed from the side, large alloy wheels with an original design catch the eye. The wide doors are highlighted by charismatic ribs and stitching.
There are seven seats for passengers, the seats are trimmed with leather, equipped with a heating and ventilation system. Expensive and very high-quality materials are used for finishing. In both available configurations, there is a large set of equipment, which includes a multicool, a 12-inch monitor with a virtual dashboard, a multimedia system, three-zone climate control and much more.
Ford Explorer Hybrid Specifications:
- power plant capacity, hp: 457
- Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
- Fuel consumption, miles per gallon: city - 27, highway - 28 (city - 8.7 l/100 km, highway - 8.4 l/100 km)
- speed, km/h: 230
- acceleration to 100 km/h, s: 6
Where to buy used hybrid SUVs
To buy the best hybrid SUV with gasoline consumption, we recommend using the services of auto auction, on the site of which you are now. This is an opportunity to buy a used car in perfect condition, in the configuration that suits you best. Choose a vehicle with the features you want, and the car will be delivered to your city - it's safe and profitable.