Overview
For many drivers, SUVs represent the ultimate compromise between luxury and convenience; they deliver the capacity and space of a truck with the luxury of a high-end sedan. However, some SUVs falter in the performance department.
In a quest to optimize gas mileage, many manufacturers minimize the size and capabilities of the engine to the minimum possible threshold needed to propel the large vehicle. Several SUVs on the market offer luxury and performance in one convenient package. Here are the best luxury hybrid SUVs for drivers who prioritize driving dynamics.
Table of Contents
2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
For automobile enthusiasts, seeing a Porsche at the top of a performance luxury vehicle list should be no surprise. The German manufacturer has established a reputation for high-quality luxury sports vehicles, and the 2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is another example of this quality workmanship.
Compared to other SUVs, the Cayenne offers a superior drivetrain. With a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne can deliver a combined 455 horsepower. This is more similar to the performance level of a sports car than a luxury SUV.
Beyond the Cayenne’s performance characteristics, it offers plenty of creature comforts to keep you satisfied during your ride. From its elegant and well-crafted interior design to its easy-to-use 12.3-inch infotainment center, drivers and passengers will be delighted to ride in the Cayenne.
It also has a solid array of standard driver assistance and safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors. Starting at $83,300, the Cayenne is the best choice for drivers who want luxury and performance from their hybrid SUV.
2022 Lexus NX Hybrid
Another manufacturer commonly associated with a luxurious ride is Lexus, and their 2022 NX Hybrid is no exception. Plus, with a starting price of $41,550, the NX Hybrid is one of the more affordable luxury hybrid SUVs on the market.
The NX Hybrid offers no shortage of features at its fair price point. On the interior, the cabin is constructed with premium materials and offers one of the smoothest rides in the class.
One drawback is that the cabin offers limited cargo space – just under 70 cubic feet – compared to many other SUVs. This is primarily due to a lack of a third row.
The integrated infotainment center is first-class, and a ten-speaker stereo comes standard.
Under the hood, the NX Hybrid boasts three electric motors to pair with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, contributing approximately 240 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard to improve the ride quality.
With three electric motors, the NX Hybrid also offers one of the top fuel economy ratings in its class, getting 41 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. This makes the NX Hybrid a fantastic choice for drivers who want a smooth ride and fuel efficiency from their luxury hybrid SUV.
2022 BMW X5 Hybrid
Another top-of-the-line manufacturer, BMW, makes this list with their 2022 BMW X5 Hybrid, starting at $61,595. BMW is known for its ultimate driving experience advertisements, and the 2022 X5 Hybrid lives up to these claims.
Under the hood, the X5 is available in three powertrain configurations. The base engine is a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder capable of producing 335 horsepower. The second option – a plug-in hybrid version – combines the same inline-six gasoline engine as the base version with an electric motor. This powertrain steps up the performance, increasing horsepower output to 389 and dropping the X5’s 0-60 time to just 4.7 seconds.
The upper-level version offers a 523-horsepower twin-turbo V8, enabling the X5 to hit 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in less than four seconds. At the second and third trim levels, the X5 is one of the best-performing SUVs in any subclass.
Beyond its under-the-hood prowess, the X5 Hybrid can tow up to 7,200 pounds. This compares with full-size SUVs and light trucks. It is also versatile, and the electric motor is capable of up to 30 miles of all-electric range: more than enough for most commutes.
The cabin is full of luxury features, from high-quality materials, a panoramic sunroof, and compartmentalized climate controls to the available massaging front seats.
Combined, the X5 Hybrid is one of the most versatile hybrid SUVs, offering top-notch ride quality, a luxury cabin, and more performance than most other vehicles.
2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
The 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid – the first domestic entrant on this list – starts at a comparably-reasonable $52,060. The Explorer Hybrid is another hybrid that offers strong performance and versatility.
The Explorer’s hybrid powertrain is one of the best performers in the class. Offering a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine and an electric motor, the powertrain can produce 318 horsepower. Combined with its standard 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel-drive, and an advanced four-wheel independent suspension, the Explorer offers a nearly unmatched ride quality.
On the interior, the Explorer Hybrid offers a list of luxury features. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard, as do the integrated navigation system, four USB ports, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, HD Radio, and wireless device charging. These features make the comfortable ride of the Explorer Hybrid even more enjoyable.
2022 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
The 2022 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, starting at $48,000, is the final luxury hybrid to make this list. Its calling card is one of its three powertrain options, each of which delivers the performance necessary for SUV enthusiasts.
The first powertrain, a standard front-wheel drive, offers a 3.5-liter V6 capable of producing 290 horsepower and 267 pounds per square foot of torque.
The second option – the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive version – offers the same engine with all-wheel drive, upping the vehicle’s off-road capabilities and towing capacity to 5,000 pounds.
The final option called the Type S, boasts a 3.0-liter turbo V6. This engine can deliver 355 horsepower and 354 pounds per square foot of torque.
On the interior, the MDX Sport offers a premium, technologically-driven cabin. The premium leather-trimmed cabin combines with Acura’s signature ambient cabin lighting to provide an unmatched drive ambiance.
The MDX Sport features a standard panoramic sunroof, a smart integrated touchscreen infotainment center, and 16-way power front seats with massaging capabilities deliver an incredibly comfortable and convenient drive. Overall, the MDX sport is a fantastic option for drivers who desire an SUV that offers performance and luxury without breaking the bank.
Find Your Dream SUV with SUViews
With so many high-quality SUV models on the market, it can take time to narrow down your options and ultimately select the best possible vehicle for you and your family.
To ease your stress, check out SUViews’ in-depth industry reviews. Our reviews cover the ins and outs of each popular SUV model, allowing you to make an informed automobile purchase. Our blog posts cover everything SUV-related, from the best luxury hybrid SUVs to midsize SUVs with good gas mileage. Check out our reviews and blogs before you shop, so you can be confident you are purchasing the best vehicle possible.
