Overview
The engine in a hybrid SUV works off both traditional gasoline power and an electric charge. The electric motor draws its energy from a high-voltage battery pack, which is charged in two ways: through the energy created by the gasoline engine and through regenerative braking, using the heat generated by the braking system to power the electric motor.
Plug-in hybrids work differently and charge the battery directly through a plug-in power source. One of the biggest benefits of driving a hybrid vehicle is a reduced reliance on gasoline. While your hybrid will still require gasoline, it will use it more efficiently in tandem with the electric motor.
When the electric motor is charged, the hybrid uses its energy instead of traditional gasoline power. As a result, many hybrid vehicles can run for many miles on pure electric power.
The range of a hybrid is a measurement of the number of miles the vehicle can travel on pure electric power; if a vehicle has a longer range, it can travel farther on purely electric energy, which reduces fuel costs. Below are a few hybrid SUVs with notable ranges.
Table of Contents
2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The 2022 Honda CR-V hybrid earns a place on this list with an impressive hybrid powertrain. One of the standout features of the 2022 CR-V is its selection of different drive modes. The standard model offers ECON, Sport, and EV Drive modes. The EV Drive mode allows drivers to use only the electric motor, while the ECON mode allows drivers to use a combination of electric and gas power to optimize fuel economy.
As a result of these fuel-saving modes, the 2022 CR-V hybrid boasts a 38 miles per gallon fuel economy rating for combined driving. Compared to the non-hybrid version of the CR-V – which gets 29 miles per gallon – the hybrid version offers a 31% boost in fuel efficiency.
With the EV Drive mode, short commutes may not require gasoline, saving drivers hundreds in fuel costs over a year. For a vehicle starting at $26,800, the CR-V hybrid is an excellent choice for cost-conscious shoppers.
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid – Kia’s largest hybrid vehicle – may not look like the epitome of efficiency, but it earns a place on this list due to its solid hybrid specs. It is rare to find a hybrid vehicle that offers a third row of seating, but the Sorento is one of the few on the market that does, primarily due to its efficient engineering and build quality.
The Sorento’s turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine tethered to a hybrid system provides 227 horsepower and a combined fuel economy rating of 37 miles per gallon. The hybrid engine can travel 619.5 miles with a full battery charge and a tank of gas, making it one of the hybrid vehicles with the longest range on the market.
Beyond its efficiency, the Sorento has a huge number of active safety and luxury features, making its $36,090 starting price quite attractive.
2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid
Starting at $36,760, the 2023 Ford Explorer hybrid is another solid hybrid SUV option. The 2023 Explorer hybrid is an excellent example of how a hybrid engine can increase the performance of an SUV. The high-efficiency engine can produce 318 horsepower and 322 pounds per foot of torque.
One way the Explorer manages to be efficient is through an industry-leading regenerative braking system that captures up to 95% of the energy produced when applying the brakes.
Considering the combination of power and efficiency, the 2023 Explorer hybrid is a solid choice at the price point and better than other hybrid compact SUVs like the Ford Escape.
2022 Kia Niro Hybrid
The 2022 Kira Niro hybrid is another one of the most efficient hybrid midsize SUVs on the market and starting at $26,490, it is also one of the most affordable.
The Niro hybrid lands on this list with an EPA-estimated 49-53 miles per gallon fuel economy rating. As a result of this solid fuel economy rating, Kia projects that the Niro can travel 588 miles on a single tank and charge. From an all-electric standpoint, the Niro can travel 33 miles without utilizing any gasoline.
If your commute or daily drive is less than 33 miles, you can make the drive without using any gasoline. This can be a huge money-saver and – combined with the low $26,490 starting price – makes the 2022 Niro hybrid one of the most budget-friendly hybrid SUVs on the market.
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid is a well-rounded vehicle, and the hybrid model earns its spot on this list with an impressive hybrid powertrain that delivers 36 miles per gallon.
The convertible front or all-wheel drive powertrain can be run only on electric power if the driver chooses to do so. The Highlander offers several drive modes to meet the driver’s needs. Normal is ideal for everyday driving and provides a balance between efficiency and performance. Eco redirects the vehicle’s energy for maximum efficiency. Sport provides optimal performance. Trail mode switches the powertrain over to all-wheel drive for extra traction. Finally, EV mode is electric-only driving, perfect for short distances and low speeds.
While the EV mode is unsuitable for highway driving, it can be used for short drives, especially in city settings. This makes it useful for drivers with short commutes or running short errands. Over time, this can offer significant savings. Starting at $39,555, the Highlander is a bit more expensive than some other electric vehicles but still falls into a reasonable price range.
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Of any SUV on the market, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime offers the farthest all-electric range. Starting at $40,300, the RAV4 Prime delivers 38 miles per gallon and 94 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent.
At the price point, the RAV 4 Prime is one of the most attractive vehicles on the market. With a standard all-wheel drive, plenty of cargo space, an assortment of active safety and driver assistance tech features, and an engine capable of delivering 302 horsepower, the range of the electric motor is just the icing on the cake.
The number of features included in the RAV4 Prime does not make its range any less impressive, however. Without using gasoline, the RAV4 Prime is capable of traveling 42 miles. Even while only using the two electric motors, the RAV4 Prime produces 232 horsepower, more than many comparable SUVs can produce using gasoline and electric fuel.
SUViews Can Help You Find Your Perfect Vehicle
The SUV market is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the automobile market, and it is expected to grow rapidly throughout the decade. As a result, many manufacturers are introducing new models and prioritizing their line of SUVs.
SUViews can help you sift through advertising material and understand the essence of the vehicle you are considering purchasing. By doing your due diligence with SUViews’ in-depth insider reviews, you can be sure that you are purchasing a vehicle that meets your needs as a driver.
