Electrification is no longer a fancy word in the U.S., as electrified vehicle sales are rising significantly year by year, especially in the SUV segments. Until automakers are ready with a significant number of BEVs in their product line-ups, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will likely continue being in strong demand. Here are the 10 best hybrid SUV models currently on sale in the U.S.:
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV
The RAV4 Prime tops the RAV4 range with an AWD hybrid powertrain and over 300 hp. Image: Toyota
Toyota RAV4 has been one of the most famous SUVs in the global market for decades. It is loved in its PHEV guise, too. The RAV4 Prime comes with a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine and two electric motors, one on each axle. Its plug-in hybrid system produces an impressive 225 kW (302 hp) of net power. A 0-60 mph sprint takes only 5.7 seconds in the plug-in hybrid SUV.
An 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack powers the motors and provides an EPA-est. emission-free driving range of 42 miles. The EPA-estimated combined mileage is 94 MPGe. A 3.3 kW on-board charger is standard, but there is an option to upgrade to a 6.6 kW charger. The charging time with the 3.3 kW charger is as low as 4.5 hours. With the optional 6.6 kW charger, the charging time reduces to just 2.5 hours.
The RAV4 Prime PHEV comes loaded in the top trim with optional packages with features like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 11-speaker JBL System, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, 7-inch digital multi-information display, wireless smartphone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control system, 10-inch color head-up display, powered and heated front seats, and heated 3-spoke steering wheel.
Blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure assist, road sign assist, 360-degree camera, 8 airbags, and trailer-sway control are some of the main safety features.
The prices of the Toyota RAV4 Prime start at $39,800 before destination charges ($1,215) and Federal Tax Credit ($7,500).
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets a small 6.4 kWh battery to reduce low-speed emissions. Image: Toyota
The RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain combines a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine with an electric motor and provides a combined output of 163 kW (219 hp). The self-charging hybrid SUV has a small, 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, so it’s not possible to drive it in EV mode for a long distance. The combined EPA-estimated mileage is 40 MPG.
The features list of the RAV4 Hybrid is extensive including a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 11-speaker JBL audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, 360-degree camera, wireless smartphone charger heated steering wheel, powered, heated and ventilated front seats, 7-inch multi-information display, dual-zone automatic climate control system, moonroof, and a powered tailgate.
On the safety front, Toyota offers blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic collision notification, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure assist, road sign assist, etc. in the RAV4 Hybrid.
The starting price for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is $29,075, which excludes destination charges ($1,215).
2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V Hybrid has an EPA-certified range of 38 mpg. Image: Honda
The 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid packs a 2.0-liter engine and two electric motors that produce a combined power output of 212 hp. A mechanical all-wheel drive system is standard in the hybrid variant of the CR-V. The combined EPA-estimated mileage of the hybrid SUV is 38 MPG.
The 2022 CR-V Hybrid boasts a rich features list including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 9-speaker premium audio system, sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control system, heated and powered front seats, and more.
Blind Spot Information System, rear cross-traffic monitor, collision mitigation braking system, multi-angle rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning are some of the noteworthy safety features of the 2022 CR-V Hybrid.
The 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s prices start at $31,610 ($1,225 destination charge extra).
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The Santa Fe Hybrid delivers a fuel economy of 32 MPG (combined). Image: Hyundai
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid also makes it to this list of best hybrid SUV models in 2022. Unlike the Japanese hybrid SUVs mentioned above, it uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. A single electric motor, using energy stored inside a 1.49 kWh battery pack, assists the turbocharged engine. This setup results in 226 hp of system power. While the Japanese models have an eCVT, the Korean hybrid SUV features a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai’s HTRAC mechanical AWD system is standard. The EPA-estimated combined mileage is rated at 32 MPG.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid comes with myriad comfort and convenience features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto, premium 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, Blue Link connected car services, dual-zone ac, heated steering, LED interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, etc.
On the safety front, there are features like forward collision-avoidance assist with a pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, smart cruise control with stop & go, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, highway driving assist, and more.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $33,900 (excl. destination charge).
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The Kia Sorento Hybrid is visually identical to the regular petrol-only Sorento. Image: Kia
The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid is another SUV from Hyundai Motor Group on our best hybrid SUV that promises some great bang for your buck. Its hybrid powertrain, also consisting of a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor, develops 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Similarly, a 6-speed automatic transmission is standard. Base specifications include a front-wheel-drive drivetrain layout, while a mechanical all-wheel-drive system with a center-locking differential system is available higher up the range. The EPA-estimated combined mileage of the 6-seater crossover SUV is rated at 37 MPG (FWD)/35 MPG (AWD).
Kia is known for equipping its products with extensive modern features. In the case of Sorento Hybrid, equipment highlights include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Kia Connect functions, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control system, heated and powered front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic function, and 8 USB chargers for all three rows.
Main safety features of the 2022 Sorento Hybrid include 9 airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, lane-keeping assist, lane following assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist-parallel exit, and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection.
The prices of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid start at $34,090 (excl. destination charge).
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid
The pure electric driving range of the Sante Fe Plug-In Hybrid is 30 miles. Image: Hyundai
The Santa Fe PHEV clubs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, and this combination provides a combined output of 261 hp. A 6-speed automatic transmission and the HTRAC AWD system work together to send drive to the wheels. A 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds the e-motor. The EPA-estimated all-electric driving range and combined fuel economy of the Santa Fe PHEV are 30 miles and 76 MPGe, respectively.
On the features front, the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV ticks all the right boxes. It has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with navigation, HD radio, 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather upholstery, 8-way powered, heated, and ventilated front seats with memory function (for driver seat), heated rear seats, Blue Link connected car package, wireless smartphone charger, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a powered tailgate.
On the safety aspect, there are surround-view monitor, blind-spot monitor, lane following assist, highway driving assist, safe exit assist, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control with start & go, forward collision-avoidance assist, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, remote smart parking assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance and many more. It’s this great mix of efficiency, features, and performance which is why it features on this best hybrid SUV list.
The prices of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV start at $39,500 (excl. destination charge). It is eligible for a $6,587 Federal Tax Credit.
2022 Audi Q5 TSFI e PHEV
This is the first luxury SUV in our best hybrid SUV list. Image: Audi
The 2022 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e is the first luxury vehicle in our list of best hybrid SUV models in 2022. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor that gets its juice from a 17.9 kWh battery pack. The plug-in hybrid system generates 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed DCT and the Quattro AWD system (mechanical) work together to send drive to the wheels.
0-60 mph in the Q5 PHEV comes up in 5 seconds flat. The EPA-estimated all-electric driving range and combined fuel economy are 23 miles and 61 MPGe, respectively. With such impressive numbers, it is no surprise that this SUV makes it to our best hybrid SUV list.
Being an Audi, the Q5 PHEV comes loaded with premium features like a digital cockpit, MMI 10-inch touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, Parking System Plus, rearview camera, active lane assist, powered tailgate, heated front seats, three-zone climate control system, LED interior lighting package, cruise control, TPMS, and much more.
The starting price for the 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV is $55,400 (excl. $1,195 destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges). This PHEV is also eligible for a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit.
2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV
The BMW X5 xDrive45e greatly blends performance and efficiency. Image: BMW
The BMW X5 xDrive45e sports a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor that draws energy from a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The engine and motor produce 389 hp of system power and 443 lb.-ft. of system torque. An 8-speed Sport automatic transmission and the xDrive AWD system (mechanical) are standard fitments in the X5 xDrive45e. The plug-in hybrid luxury SUV delivers 31 miles of pure electric range and 50 MPGe of combined fuel economy.
The charging time for the battery pack using a Level 2 AC charger is between 4 and 5.3 hours. A 0-60 mph sprint in the X5 xDrive45e takes 5.3 seconds. This model is well suited for customers who do not want to compromise on fuel efficiency and performance.
The BMW X5 PHEV comes with a plethora of features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, multi-zone climate control, OTA updates, heated front seats, 10-speaker HiFi audio system, BMW ConnectedDrive services, and much more.
The safety equipment consists of frontal collision warning, blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, speed limit info, BMW Assist Call including SOS Call and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification, and much more.
The 2022 BMW xDrive45e PHEV costs $63,700 (excl. destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration), and it is eligible for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $7,500.
2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is good value for money if the German-made hybrids are beyond your budget. Image: Hyundai
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor that draws energy from a 13.8 kWh Li-Ion battery pack. This combination delivers 261 hp of combined power and 258 lb-ft of combined torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission and the HTRAC AWD system are standard in the 2022 Tucson PHEV.
According to the 2022 Tucson PHEV’s EPA certification, it can travel 33 miles on a full charge and return a combined fuel economy of 80 MPGe. The plug-in hybrid compact SUV has a 7.2 kW AC onboard charger that allows replenishing the battery pack in under 2 hours.
Hyundai equips the Tucson PHEV with a ton of features like a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch digital touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto, Bose premium audio system, 8-way powered, heated and ventilated front seats, lumbar support for the driver, Blue Link connected services, HD radio, dynamic voice recognition, wireless smartphone charger, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming IRVMs, and cruise control with a start & go function.
Safety is also a priority for Hyundai, which is why it offers the Tucson with features like blind-spot view monitor, lane following assist, lane-keeping assist, highway driving assist, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, driver attention warning, TPMS, collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist/junction turning detection, blind spot collision avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV’s prices start at $34,900 (excl. destination charge). The plug-in hybrid SUV is eligible for a $6,587 Federal Tax Credit.
2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid’s EPA-estimated combined mileage is 38 MPG. Image: Hyundai
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid comes powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor that generate 226 hp of total power and 258 lb-ft of total torque. It has a 1.49 kWh battery pack, which means it can’t travel a long distance in EV mode. A 6-speed automatic transmission and the HTRAC AWD system work together to send drive to the wheels. The EPA-estimated combined mileage is 37 MPG.
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch digital infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Blue Link connected car services, Bose premium audio system, heated steering wheel with controls, 8-way powered, heated, and ventilated front seats with lumbar support and memory function (for driver seat), heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control system, cruise control with start & go function, etc. are some of the main comfort, convenience, and tech features of the 2022 Tucson Hybrid.
On the safety front, collision-avoidance assist, surround-view monitor, driver attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane following assist, highway driving assist, navigation-based cruise control with curve control, safe exit warning, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, and remote smart park assist are the noteworthy features of the 2022 Tucson Hybrid.
The prices of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid start at $29,350 (excl. destination charge). The Tucson HEV is among the more affordable option in our best hybrid SUV list.
Featured Image Source: Hyundai
Keyword: 10 Best Hybrid SUV models in 2022