Best AWD Hybrid SUVs for 2026 | CarBuzzWhile SUVs are extremely popular for their versatility and improved practicality, they are generally not particularly fuel-efficient. Their weight and propensity for all-wheel drive (AWD) lead to subpar mileage figures when compared to sedans and hatchbacks. AWD hybrid SUVs are a good way to mitigate this shortcoming, especially plug-in models with a decent amount of all-electric range. This is a list of the best AWD hybrid SUV models available in the USA for 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. Hyundai Palisade The three-row Hyundai Palisade is an AWD hybrid SUV that gets its power from a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a 1.65 kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors. This hybrid system delivers a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-feet of torque, sent to the HTRAC AWD system through a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain launches the SUV from 0-60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds, while fuel efficiency for the AWD hybrid model is EPA-estimated at 29 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 29 MPG combined.The SUV measures 199.2 inches in length, 78 inches in width, and 69.5 inches in height, with a 116.9-inch wheelbase. The base SEL AWD model weighs 4,795 lbs, and the cargo space behind the third row measures 19 cubic feet, expanding to 86.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded flat."Take a more relaxed approach to motoring, and you'll have very few qualms about your new Palisade Hybrid; in the gas-brake-honk of daily commuting, you'll find that there's just enough grunt coming from the electric motors to make the gas engine mostly redundant at low speeds. Long road trips would be a cinch in the 2026 Palisade Hybrid, both for its comfort and theoretical 528-mile total range between fill-ups."- Brett T. Evans, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Volvo XC60 The Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine combined with a rear-mounted electric motor, supported by a 14.7-kWh (18.8-kWh nominal) lithium-ion battery pack. The total system output is 455 hp and 523 lb-ft, and all of the power is routed through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The power- and drivetrain combination accelerates the SUV from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while the plug-in hybrid architecture provides an EPA-estimated 35 miles of electric-only driving range. The total hybrid efficiency is rated at 63 MPGe combined, but this figure drops substantially when the ICE (internal combustion engine) operates on its own.The XC60 T8 AWD PHEV has a 112.8-inch wheelbase, flanked by a length of 185.4 inches, 74.9-inch width, and 65.0-inch height. The interior volume measures 103.0 cubic feet, while the cargo capacity is 17 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63 cubic feet at its maximum. Mazda CX-90 The Mazda CX-90 PHEV AWD’s power is delivered via the e-Skyactiv powertrain, which integrates a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with a 68 kW electric motor and a 17.8-kWh battery pack. The combined system output is 323 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. The SUV goes from 0-60 mph in less than 7 seconds, while the battery permits an estimated 26 miles of all-electric range. Total fuel efficiency is rated at 56 MPGe.This three-row SUV’s dimensions include a 122.8-inch wheelbase, a 201.6-inch length, an 84.9-inch width, and a 68.3-inch height. Inside, six or seven passengers can be accommodated, but it depends on the second-row configuration. The cargo volume measures 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to 74.2 cubic feet total. Lexus RX The Lexus RX 450h+ AWD is the sole plug-in model in the RX lineup, flanked by the gas and standard hybrid models. Performance comes courtesy of a 2.5L inline-4 gasoline engine combined with an electric motor system for a net total system output of 246 hp. Power is managed by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and sent to the AWD system. The RX 450h+ AWD goes from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while offering an EPA-estimated 38 miles of all-electric driving and 85 MPGe combined.This 5-passenger luxury crossover measures 192.5 inches in length, 75.6 inches in width, and 67.3 inches in height, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase. The cargo capacity offers 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 46.2 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded."When we first sampled this powertrain in the RAV4 Prime, we noted its smoothness and effortless power, but complained about an unrefined engine sound during acceleration. For the RX 450h+, Lexus took this PHEV setup and perfected it. Extra sound deadening assures quiet and peaceful acceleration, even with a heavy throttle. In EV mode, the 450h+ is eerily quiet. The RX 450h+ makes a great case for PHEVs, with a smooth powertrain, competitive electric range, and stellar comfort; we just wish it was a little less expensive."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Porsche Cayenne The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid AWD is driven by a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that generates 304 hp, paired with a 174-hp electric motor integrated into an 8-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission. The combined system output reaches 463 hp and 479 lb-ft, delivered to the road via an AWD system. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 158 mph. The plug-in hybrid architecture utilizes a 25.9-kWh gross capacity lithium-ion battery, which provides an estimated electric-only range of up to 28 miles. The fuel economy sits at 46 MPGe combined, dropping to 22 MPG combined when the battery is depleted.The interior comfortably seats 5 passengers, with 22.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats. With the mentioned row folded, the area expands to 55.2 cubic feet. The SUV has a 114.0-inch wheelbase, along with a 194.0-inch length, 66.8-inch height, and 78.1-inch width. Lexus TX The Lexus TX 500h F SPORT AWD gets its power from a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine, coupled with front and rear electric motors and a 1.44-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The hybrid system delivers a net combined output of 366 hp and 406 lb-ft, and power goes to the DIRECT4 AWD system through a 6-speed automatic transmission, which uses rear steering for enhanced cornering stability. This SUV goes from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, supported by an EPA-estimated fuel rating of 27 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined.This three-row SUV measures 203.5 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.1 inches tall on a 116.1-inch wheelbase, offering 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.0 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down. The cabin’s party trick is accommodating 6 passengers through a 2+2+2 seating configuration. Toyota Grand Highlander The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Limited and Platinum AWD models summit the Grand Highlander lineup. This full-size crossover SUV gets its power from Toyota’s Hybrid MAX powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with a front electric motor and a rear eAxle motor. The total system output for this SUV is 362 hp and 400 lb-ft, and a 6-speed automatic transmission manages power to the full-time electronic AWD system. The rear-mounted electric motor allows torque distribution to vary between 100:0 and 20:80 front-to-rear. The SUV accelerates from 0-60 mph in just over 6.0 seconds, while the fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 26 MPG city, 27 MPG highway, and 27 MPG combined.The SUV boasts a 116.1-inch wheelbase, 201.4-inch length, 78.3-inch width, and 70.1-inch height, aiding the SUV in seating up to 7 passengers. The cargo capacity measures 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, but expands to a whopping 97.5 cubic feet when all rear seats are stowed. BMW X5 The BMW X5 xDrive50e’s power is derived from a 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. The system produces a total output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, and is handled by BMW’s xDrive AWD system. While the 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds is impressive, the high-capacity battery yields an estimated 39 miles of all-electric driving range and an EPA efficiency rating of 60 MPGe combined.With a 117.1-inch wheelbase, the X5 xDrive50e has an overall length of 194.3 inches, a 78.9-inch width, and a 69.1-inch height. The cabin offers seating for five passengers, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 71.2 cubic feet total. Mazda CX-70 The Mazda CX-70 PHEV AWD relies on a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine integrated with a 68-kW electric motor and a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. The total system is 323 hp and 369 lb-ft, and an 8-speed automatic transmission directs power to the rear-biased i-Activ AWD system. The CX-70 PHEV goes from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds, all while running an EPA-estimated 26 miles on pure electric power. The overall efficiency sits at 56 MPGe combined.The SUV measures 200.8 inches in length, 84.9 inches in width (with mirrors), and 68.7 inches in height, while riding on a 122.8-inch wheelbase. The cargo space is 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 75.3 cubic feet with seats folded."We like plug-in hybrids as a sort of happy medium between gas and electric vehicles. They offer a limited electric-only driving range and let you get used to the idea of plugging-in while still having the gas engine as backup. The CX-70 PHEV has an all-electric range of 26 miles, which is decent for a vehicle this size. Mazda is known for building cars for people who like to drive - they aren’t just appliances to get you from point A to point B. They let you enjoy the trip and maybe even make you want to take the long way. The CX-70 does just that with a smooth, quiet ride that again gives a touch of luxury car."- Nicole Wakelin, Road Tester, CarBuzz Characteristics Of The Best AWD Hybrid SUVs Hybrids can be built for improved performance or better fuel economy, and each area of focus follows its own set of rules, but there are some shared qualities. They have extra torque on tap They achieve impressive mpg figures They need regular maintenance They cost more than gas or diesel models. What To Consider When Buying An AWD Hybrid SUV You can choose from a wide range of vehicle types and configurations when buying a new car in the US, but the combination of practicality and fuel economy is hard to pass up. Still, you will want to weigh the pros and cons before you reach a decision. Pros Good levels of performance Superior fuel economy AWD traction is a boon in adverse weather conditions Highly practical passenger and cargo space Long hybrid component warranties Cons Higher asking price Performance-focused models sacrifice efficiency More moving parts increase maintenance requirements Not nearly as efficient as newly developed EV models What is the best all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV? While hybrids may not be as popular as they once were, there are still a number of strong options, including the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid. Premium automakers also have some to offer, like the Lexus RX Hybrid. Are AWD hybrid SUVs reliable? The best models come from the likes of Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota, all brands that are renowned for their reliability. Even in terms of more premium products, Volvo also has a reputation for reliability.Sources: Volvo, Lexus, BMW, Dodge, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda
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