2024-08-03 12:40:37
The automotive industry continues its journey toward a more sustainable future, and compact hybrid SUVs are at the heart of this transformation. These vehicles combine the efficiency of an electric motor with the versatility and space of an SUV, giving drivers the best of both worlds: environmental performance and practical functionality.
Today, we present to you seven of the best compact hybrid SUVs over the years, each selected for its exceptional performance and features that make them stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
1. 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V has long been a benchmark choice among compact SUVs thanks to its combination of practicality, efficiency and refinement, but the latest CR-V Hybrid takes this model to a new level.
It offers more power and better fuel efficiency than the non-hybrid CR-V, with the only compromise being a slight reduction in cargo space due to the placement of the hybrid battery.
The hybrid model comes standard with front-wheel drive and gets an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined, an impressive number for a vehicle with so much cargo and passenger space inside. All-wheel drive configuration is also nifty, with a 37 mpg combined rating.
All versions of the CR-V with the word “Sport” in the name are equipped with a hybrid powertrain, and the CR-V Hybrid lineup includes Sport, Sport-L and Sport Touring models.
2. 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid wears a futuristic mask, but underneath it’s a regular compact crossover. Beyond its looks, it’s a practical package, offering the same interior space and quiet ride as the non-hybrid Sportage.
Under the hood, it replaces the regular Sportage’s 187-horsepower four-cylinder with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that combines with two electric motors to produce 227 horsepower.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model with 261 horsepower and a range of 34 miles without the gasoline engine firing up. Both offer quicker acceleration than the non-hybrid Sportage, though in our real-world testing, neither achieved the impressive fuel economy figures we’ve come to expect from hybrids.
The Sportage Hybrid’s road performance is acceptable but far from satisfying. Competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid are more entertaining to drive. The Sportage Hybrid does a good job of absorbing bumps, so if you’re primarily interested in comfort, it’s worth a look.
3. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid from 2025
While fuel efficiency is the main feature of the 2025 Tucson Hybrid and Tucson PHEV plug-in hybrids, economy is far from their defining characteristic. First, both compact SUVs share the updated 2025 non-hybrid Tucson’s angular and expressive exterior styling, a competitive list of standard safety and technology features, and a calm, composed ride.
But the Tucson Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are more agile than the standard Tucson, thanks to electric assist and standard all-wheel drive. The Hybrid makes 231 horsepower and the PHEV makes 261, up 44 and 74, respectively, over the standard Tucson.
They’re easy to listen to, too, as the conventional six-speed automatic transmission eliminates the noise associated with the continuously variable automatic transmissions used by many hybrid rivals.
While Tucson’s five-passenger SUV models are competitive in standard guise, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models offer an excellent combination of power and efficiency at a fraction of the price, while remaining one of the most affordable power-assisted compact SUVs on the market.
4. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The regular RAV4’s capabilities, practicality, fuel efficiency and ease of use make Toyota’s compact crossover sell like popcorn at the movies. If you want butter, the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime can get you there faster and more efficiently.
The Prime plug-in hybrid model gets 38 mpg combined, outruns the sporty four-cylinder Toyota Supra to 60 mph, and has an electric-only range of 42 miles. Add all that to the standard RAV4’s striking styling and comfortable cabin, and the hybrid becomes an easy item on a car buyer’s comparison list.
However, Toyota seemed to miss an opportunity to inject some power when it installed the electric motor. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime handle the same as their non-hybrid counterparts, a weakness not shared by more fun-to-drive crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, all of which also offer hybrid models.
5. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid
In the compact SUV segment, unique design and abundant features are important, and the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid not only offers both of these features, but also comes with a plug-in powertrain.
Under the hood is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that deliver a total of 248 horsepower through a continuously variable automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Acceleration is brisk, and its onboard batteries can provide up to 38 miles of electric driving on a single charge if driven conservatively.
The Outlander Hybrid’s interior offers three rows of seating and plenty of tech and comfort features. The Mitsubishi checks a lot of boxes for many buyers. The problem is, so do many of the Outlander Hybrid’s competitors, including the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Add to that the fact that the Nissan Rogue’s Outlander doesn’t offer the same refined, sporty road manners as rivals like the Mazda CX-50 and Volkswagen Tiguan, and you’re looking at an averagely reviewed SUV.
6. 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid
Hybrid powertrains are quickly gaining popularity in the popular compact crossover category, and growing competition means established models like the 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid must evolve.
Ford currently offers two different powertrains: a 192-horsepower all-wheel-drive hybrid and a 210-horsepower front-wheel-drive-only plug-in hybrid.
The Escape Hybrid’s exterior styling is attractive and durable, but its cabin uses some low-quality materials, especially the large expanses of hard plastic covering the door panels and dashboard.
If you can overlook that, you’ll find that the Escape Hybrid offers competitive tech features and a comfortable ride, and if that’s all you’re looking for in your next crossover, the Ford is a reasonable choice.
Beyond that, we see more value in the Honda CR-V Hybrid, which offers a better interior, more driving fun, and excellent fuel efficiency.
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