Hybrid power is now available in almost every car, and they're more appealing than ever. The extra power and fuel efficiency of adding an electric motor to an ICE engine is almost always worth it. All-wheel-drive systems are also started to appear in more cars after the turn of the millennium, and their extra grip gives you more confidence when the going gets tough. Combining this sytem with a hybrid powertrain can offset some of the fuel mileage losses of powering all four wheels, meaning the best hybrid AWD cars work with almost no effort. This is our list of the top AWD hybrid vehicles of 2026.Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.Only hybrids and plug-in hybrids have been considered for this list; mild hybrids have been excluded. Hyundai Palisade The Hyundai Palisade is one of the best value-packed three-row SUVs on the market today, and its hybrid system is more powerful and efficient than the gas-only variant. Hyundai says that with AWD, the hybrid version gets 29 combined mpg, only about five less than the base FWD variant. AWD is an option on the first two trims, but becomes standard when you move onto the $52k Limited version, which also gets you Bose audio, third row heated and power seats, and larger 20-inch alloy wheels."It delivers a compelling all-around package that makes everyday family driving feel less like a chore. If you avoid looking at the kid-created carnage in the backseat, it will transition seamlessly to the rare date night. And it does that at a very reasonable price."- Ty Duffy, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Volvo XC60 The Volvo XC60 PHEV may command a $12k jump from the mild hybrid SUV, but we think it might be worth it for the money it'll save you long-term. With 35 miles of all-electric range, this hybrid all-wheel-drive car may help you commute to the office on electric power alone. To charge from 0–100% on a 16A AC current, it'll take five hours, which is perfect for keeping it plugged in overnight. With its high starting price, this AWD hybrid still has lots of standard equipment like a panoramic roof, wireless phone charging and even 455 horsepower. BMW M5 Touring The BMW M5 Touring is the ultimate one-car solution, and that's thanks (in part) to the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 mated to a PHEV system. It's a complicated powertrain that can thrill you off the line with 717 horsepower but also drive silently for 27 miles before you even remember there are eight cylinders under the hood. It can do all this while carrying 57.6 cubic feet of space behind the first row, making a wagon an underrated shape for family cars."Electric mode is far from eye widening in terms of acceleration, but it's fine for a commute to work. BMW has worked on the transmission from electric to gasoline power, so it's less jolting than it was in the XM. When the engine does kick on, you become well aware not just due to the noise, but also because of the change of pace."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz Mazda CX-90 Mazda is known for their sporty driving dynamics and high-quality interiors, and their AWD hybrids aren't any different. The $50k Mazda CX-90 looks virtually indistinguishable from the CX-70, but has an extra row of seats in the back for more flexibility. It's also one of the safest choices on our list, winning the IIHS top Safety Pick+ for 2025. The battery, which can get you a range of 27 miles, can be charged up to 80% in about 1.5 hours. Lexus NX Lexus and Toyota are known for their brilliant hybrid systems, and the NX may be the best Lexus SUV for most people, having been designed around the Toyota RAV4 platform. There's both a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version, and AWD comes standard when you choose the PHEV. While the hybrid version is slightly less powerful than the gas-only variant, it returns 39 mpg combined, which is worth the small sacrifice. With a bigger battery, the PHEV gets you an electric range of 37 miles. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Because of how smooth and quiet an electric motor is, it's no surprise that it has made it into executive sedans. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always been at the forefront of technology and the 580e version has a great electric driving range of 47 miles. It also adds to the total power, ekeing it over 500 horses under the hood. DC charging can get you from 10-80% in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for hopping around meetings. Lexus TX Even though it's not the most expensive Lexus SUV, the TX is the biggest for every row of passengers. Seating for up to seven is already impressive, but third row passengers get 33.5 inches of legroom, making it actually useful for smaller adults. The PHEV version also does not sacrifice cargo space at all. It has 20.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row and 97 cubes when every seat is folded. We even managed to get the PHEV version to 60 miles per hour in 5.37 seconds, much quicker than Lexus' quoted 5.9 seconds."In most driving scenarios, the TX 500h+ will impress with how quiet and effortless it feels. The electric motor can handle the bulk of the initial acceleration, then the V6 kicks in when needed. No matter how close attention we paid, we simply could not feel it when the V6 kicked on, a testament to Lexus hybrid smoothness."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large Toyota Grand Highlander Before it moves to fully electric, the Toyota Grand Highlander is a compelling buy for its hybrid power. This car uses a very similar setup to the Lexus NX also on our list, meaning there's either a hybrid or a Hybrid MAX engine that has 362 combined horsepower. While front-wheel-drive is also available, all-wheel-drive unlocks more driving modes and flexibility if you need to drive on electric power or through off-road mud and snow. Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry used to be a boring car, and while it's still sensible, it's a more interesting buy than it used to be. The striking exterior design and premium interior are welcome additions to the latest generation. While the AWD hybrids have a respectable 232 horsepower, they're not set up to be sporty, and that's a good thing. The best hybrid AWD car knows what it needs to do — and the Camry is here to save you money with 50 combined MPG."Sure, the V6 was fun, and it’s gone, but the hybrid four-cylinder that’s now standard is more than up to the task of getting the Camry up to speed. It has no problem responding under hard acceleration with power sitting in reserve for passing the annoying slow guy on the highway. The plush seats make it easy to relax without being so soft that longer rides prove uncomfortable."- Nicole Wakelin, Road Tester, CarBuzz BMW X5 BMW's xDrive AWD system has proved itself capable in a variety of situations, and the X5 50e stands out in hybrid cars with AWD. The Munich Manufacturer is known for its driving dynamics, and with 483 horsepower and a rear-biased drivetrain, it'll be a bit more engaging than your usual SUV. It's certainly a luxury vehicle at $76k, but it has lots of standard features and a great electric range of 38 miles. Characteristics Of PHEV And Hybrid AWD Vehicles What sets hybrid vehicles with AWD apart from the rest? Here are some commonalities: Under the hood: Electric assistance is the common denominator here, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars combining gas engines with electric motors and batteries. While PHEVs can be recharged by plugging into an outlet, regular hybrid cars don’t need to be recharged externally. Weight: Hybrid cars and other electric vehicles are generally heavier than their gas-powered counterparts by default, thanks to all the electronic gadgetry required. Those with AWD components are even more so. Hybrid cars with all-wheel drive are rather portly. Pricing and features: Hybrid cars are usually on the pricier end of the spectrum but are also usually better equipped with features than base models. You can expect hybrid AWD cars to have all the benefits of mid-range models with good levels of comfort and convenience. Fuel economy: The driving force behind hybridized vehicles is to lower fuel consumption and be better for the environment in terms of emissions. Hybrid cars should offer better gas mileage figures overall, although with PHEVs you will have to take charging times into account. The trade-off is the all-electric range available. What To Consider When Buying Hybrid Cars With All-Wheel Drive Before making the decision to purchase an AWD hybrid car, here are some advantages and disadvantages that may help you make the best purchasing decision: Pros Lower gas bills in the long run All-wheel-drive traction is a boon in adverse weather conditions All-electric range on AWD PHEVs is practical for those who don’t travel long distances daily Outputs may be enhanced by added electrical assistance Extensive battery and hybrid component warranty cover Hybrid tech is available on most vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to sedans Certain plug-in hybrid cars qualify for tax credits in the USA Cons Performance can be negatively impacted by sheer weight Higher cost at the outset Plug-in cars have long charging times and the range may be very short in some cases Are AWD hybrids reliable? The use of hybrid technology and AWD doesn’t directly correlate to reliability, despite the common belief that fewer moving parts mean fewer problems, or the converse - more electrical components mean more electrical problems. Like other hybrids, AWD hybrid vehicles come with extensive warranties that cover all the gadgetry, however. Can you take all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrids off-road? If properly equipped, an AWD PHEV is a good choice for off-roading for a few reasons: lots of torque is good for situations where you need low-end power to get over an obstacle; the near-silence on some EV modes means you can be in nature without disrupting it, and fewer emissions are always good for the outdoors.Sources: Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Mazda, Volvo
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