With the 2026 Jeep Cherokee HybridHybrids are hot for a reason, and hot cars can command a premium. But here are eight of our favorites and why we love them. Not being in the spotlight, and therefore pricey, is just the start.Wouldn't it be nice if your car could pay you to own it? That's the idea for future cars—EVs that will charge from your solar panels and self-driving cars that'll run errands for others when you don't need it. Until then, our cars, even super efficient hybrid SUVs, are an often pricey necessity. But what if they could cost us less, and pay us back in time saved, delight us with a fun drive experience and multitask so that we can get things done while we're in the car? That's a reality in a lot of cars these days. And, finding those features in a hybrid SUV that's in lower demand and is more affordable will feel like the car is actually repaying you the favor of buying it. AdvertisementAdvertisementSo we took a look at the best hybrid SUVs that are not the usual suspects— Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson—and still do all the important things: deliver a great drive experience, have a multimedia setup that allows you to multitask and that is a hidden gem in the car market. This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.The Hybrid Jeep Cherokee Is Designed to Take You FurtherThe Jeep Cherokee, now hybrid-only, is quite the charmer – Credit: Natalie MerolaFor all the things that Jeep does that are not "Jeep"—Climbing rocks at Moab, taking the podium at Rebelle Rally, crawling through sand dunes on the Outer Banks—this fan favorite car brand seems to be forgotten. But don't let it fool you: Jeep is capable of more than solid off-roading; it's actually good at being a lot more: A comfortable car for commuting, it has great cargo space for hauling stuff and in the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, it gets incredible MPG. That's thanks to the 4-cylinder hybrid system, a well-tested engine that has gone the distance in Europe and just made its way to North America this year. Paired with Jeeps excellent multimedia system and affordable price, which ranges from $35K to $43K, this is a true hidden gem.The Mazda CX-50 Adds Elegance to a Proven Hybrid SUV SystemLiv Leigh with the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid – Credit: Liv LeighMazda did something very clever last year: The company partnered with Toyota to add its proven hybrid system, found in the RAV4, to the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. These stylish and fun SUVs are not at all the same; they are sized differently they are finished differently inside and they cater to a distinctly different customer; the RAV4 is more adventure focused while the CX-50 is all about the premium finishes. AdvertisementAdvertisementBut they do both deliver stellar fuel economy; the Mazda gets about 38 MPG. Priced from about $35K to about $40K, the CX-50 also represents a pretty nice deal for a new car. Sweet Design Defines the Volvo XC60The 2022 Volvo XC60 is just my size, and in the R-Design, filled with lovely luxe details – Credit: Scotty ReissIf you've been ogling the Volvo XC90 and just can't bring yourself to pony up the price, you're in luck as long as you don't need a 3rd row. The Volvo XC60 delivers much of what the XC90 does, with great passenger space, ample cargo room and all the lovely design, from sustainable leatherette seating to Google Built-in multimedia with voice-activated assistance that gets better as the system gets to know you. Add all wheel drive for winter weather and creature comforts like a premium sound system and panoramic sunroof and you'll feel completely pampered. Volvo offers a mild hybrid, priced from $51K to about $8K, which gets about 26 MPG; or upgrade to the plug-in hybrid for up to 35 miles of all electric driving and nearly double the power. Starting at about $62K, you can avoid the gas station except for long drives and road trips. Get the Toyota Highlander Hybrid While You CanThis would be a great car for grandparents, too, since you can tow the grandkids without committing to a minivan – Credit: Kristen BrownThis is the OG hybrid and it's the one that changed the world: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid. But, it's being phased out in favor of the Grand Highlander; the Highlander name will return as an EV in 2027. What that means is if you want that stellar 35 MPG, AWD and 3 rows of seating, the Highlander Hybrid, which ranges from $48K to about $56K, is the way to go. Opt for a panoramic sunroof, premium JBL sound and leather seats and you'll be set for the future. And of course, Toyota's great multimedia system with "hey Toyota" voice assistance is standard, so multitasking is, too. One of our Favorite Hidden Gems: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVScotty Reiss with the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander – Credit: Scotty ReissThe Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is not your standard hybrid; it's a plug-in with 45 miles of all-electric driving, making it a great way to make a tank of gas go a lot further. We also love it for sporty driving (297 HP in this compact SUV!) and its more-for-the-money approach to features and amenities. It has a standard 3rd row that we might call a "convenience row;" it's great for smaller passengers or filling all the seats for short trips.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut where Mitsubishi really shines is in delivering lots of features for the price. Priced from about $43K to about $49K, even the entry model comes heated front seats, and a delightful 297 HP powertrain, it's DC fast-charge compatible and when not using the battery-powered motor it gets about 27 MPG. The Subaru Crosstrek Is All That, and Just a Bit More The price point makes a compact, AWD hybrid more approachable – Credit: Kristen BrownSubaru has been hot on the trail of hybrid and EV powertrains in the past couple of years, probably hearing from buyers that they want cars that are kinder to the environment and don't scare off the wildlife—or wake the baby. And, people love Subaru for its resilient interiors, great technology and standard all wheel drive, meaning that it's capable in most conditions and now, can go further in those conditions. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is offered in two trims: the Sport at $34K and the Limited at $35K; both get about 36 MPG, making it easy to pick the one that best fits your lifestyle. The Hyundai Palisade Adds Hybrid MPG For FamiliesThe Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is truly a sight to behold—especially in this deep, emerald color – Credit: Kristen BrownIs there any bigger luxury than time, especially for families who never seem to have enough of it? That's the magic behind the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, a full-size 3-row SUV priced from $44K to about $57K and delivering 35 MPG. With four models to choose from you can pick your level of luxury, from 'the kids can't hurt it' to 'date night ready.' AdvertisementAdvertisementWe love the hybrid version of the Palisade for its roomy 3rd row, cargo space and the modern lounge-feel of its interior. It's perhaps a bit overshadowed by the XRT off-road version and the less pricey gas-only models, but for the long haul we love a hybrid SUV. You just can't get that time back. Watch: Our walk around and first drive in the Hyundai PalisadeThe All-New Kia Telluride Offers Stellar Style With Hybrid Power The 2027 Kia Telluride – Credit: Scotty ReissYou'd never know it by looking at it, but the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride shares its hybrid powertrain with the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid,. This is a true bonus for this Range Rover-inspired 3-row SUV that is once again setting sales records. And while we're smitten with the Telluride's good looks and cleverly modern interior, it's the hybrid models, with a fuel economy rating of 35 MPG, that is the best thing to get excited about. Priced from about $46K to about $57K, the Kia Telluride Hybrid delivers more on luxury features than adventure; buyers have five models to choose from, but for a more rugged and off-road capable Telluride, you'll have to go gas-only with the rugged X-Pro trim; its not available in a hybrid. We don't see that as a fault, though; we're just thankful that the Telluride is finally—finally!—available in a hybrid.Watch: We toured and test drove the 2027 Kia TellurideHybrid SUVs Worth Waiting For: Kia Seltos HybridWith the 2027 Kia Seltos – Credit: Scotty ReissKia gave the 2027 Kia Seltos a stunning makeover for 2027 and part of that overhaul will be a hybrid model that will hit our shores by the end of 2026. Until then we'll have to wait to learn more about the MPG (we're guessing 35) and pricing (we're guessing low $30K range), as well as HP, but we do know this: if you're shopping the redesigned Kia Seltos and can wait a few months, it'll be good. You can see our video here.Another We Await: A Hybrid First in the Nissan Rogue e-Power The redesigned 2027 Nisan Rogue Hybrid e-Power | Credit: NissanAnother hybrid we're excited for is the Nissan Rogue e-Power. It's unique powertrain actually uses a gas engine to charge a battery-powered motor system, delivering an EV-like drive experience and about 40 MPG. Nissan has sold over 2 million ePower hybrid cars in other countries over the last few years, and for 2027 will pair it with a fully redesigned, modern version of the Rogue. We are really excited for this one.Finally, There Will Be a Hybrid Mazda CX-5 … SoonNatalie Merola with the 2026 Mazda CX-5 – Credit: Scotty ReissAdvertisementAdvertisementThis year Mazda released the redesigned CX-5, the brand's all-time best selling SUV and in the coming months will debut the hybrid version. Unlike the CX-50, Mazda is building its hybrid system in house and is targeting a highly efficient system that's expected to get about 40 MPG. We'll have to wait to also find out how it's priced but expect it to start in the low $30K range. See our tour of the Mazda CX-5 here.We are really excited to have three new hybrids hit our shores, as well as an updated Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a Subaru Outback and more hybrids from Jeep and other car makers. It seems the car industry has discovered what we learned long ago: time is money, and saving time is saving money.