4) 2019 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
34 mpg combined | $27,700 | USN Score: 7.4/10
The 2019 Nissan Rogue Hybrid finishes at the bottom of our hybrid and electric SUV rankings. Its fuel economy lags behind competing models and its powertrain feels weak. In comparison to its rivals, it’s less agile, its brakes are grabby, and its transition from electric to gas power is not as smooth.
The Rogue Hybrid earns fantastic crash test scores and an above-average predicted reliability rating. It features a coddling ride and luxury-grade interior, as well as two adult-friendly rows of seats and decent cargo capacity. This compact SUV comes with a touch-screen interface, smartphone app integration, and multiple advanced safety features. It’s important to note that the Rogue Hybrid’s infotainment system isn’t very user-friendly.
3) 2020 Kia Niro
49 mpg combined | N/A | USN Score: 7.7/10
Updates for the 2020 Kia Niro include updated interior and exterior styling and new standard features. It returns outstanding gas mileage and delivers sufficient power. In addition, it provides composed handling, responsive steering, and an agreeable ride over rough surfaces.
The Niro is spacious for a subcompact crossover, with a good amount of cargo volume and two rows of roomy and comfortable seats. It features a nice interior that’s well-made and full of quality materials, though you will find some hard plastics. An updated 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay come standard. A 10.25-inch touch screen and driver drowsiness monitoring are now available.
2) 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
28 mpg combined | $37,520 | USN Score: 8.3/10
While the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid isn’t as sporty or as fuel-efficient as some rivals, it still excels in our hybrid and electric SUV rankings. It offers a premium cabin, near-perfect predicted reliability rating, and a potent and fuel-efficient powertrain. The Highlander Hybrid also comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The Highlander Hybrid seats up to eight passengers in three rows, though its third row is best left for children. It offers more cargo capacity than many hybrid SUVs, but not as much as many competing midsize crossovers. This Toyota features a touch-screen system that can be tricky to operate, and it lacks both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance technologies comes standard.
1) 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
40 mpg combined | $28,350 | USN Score: 8.4/10
The 2020 RAV4 Hybrid boasts a high predicted reliability rating, strong acceleration, and commendable cargo space. The RAV4 Hybrid features a high-end interior, spacious rear seats, and intuitive cabin tech. Due to its best overall combination of quality and value in its class, we named it our 2020 Best Hybrid or Electric SUV for the Money award winner.
The RAV4 Hybrid returns better fuel economy than most hybrid SUVs. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and delivers good road grip, poised handling, and a relatively cushioned ride. This compact SUV includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Several other niceties come standard as well, such as an easy-to-use touch-screen interface, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the latest iteration of the Toyota Safety Sense suite of active safety aids.
Luxury Hybrid SUVs
If you’re looking for an SUV that’s not only fuel-efficient but also a good performer, a luxury hybrid SUV may be worth considering. The hybrid powertrain works to save fuel while also delivering maximum and instantaneous torque, especially off the line and at lower speeds. The same concept applies to mainstream hybrid vehicles, though luxury hybrids tend to further emphasize the performance aspect over the fuel-saving benefit.
4) 2020 Lexus NX Hybrid
31 mpg combined | $39,270 | USN Score: 7.4/10
The 2020 Lexus NX Hybrid earns a superb predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power and has a history of earning good crash test results. It comes standard with a long list of standard features and all-wheel drive. The NX Hybrid delivers class-leading fuel economy ratings with 33 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The base NX Hybrid features synthetic leather upholstery, an 8-inch display, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite. The suite includes a full complement of active safety technologies, as well as two that are new for the 2020 model year: Road sign assist and automatic lane centering.
3) 2020 Lexus UX Hybrid
39 mpg combined | $34,350 | USN Score: 7.5/10
The Lexus UX Hybrid is one of the more affordable vehicles in the luxury hybrid and electric SUV class. It’s a good choice for those looking for a highly fuel-efficient commuter. The UX Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. However, it’s underpowered and short on both cargo volume and rear-seat space. Still, this luxury subcompact SUV features a nice cabin, coddling ride, and an exceptional predicted reliability rating.
Standard features in the UX Hybrid include synthetic leather upholstery, a 7-inch display screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and plenty of advanced driver assistance aids. Its infotainment system is frustrating to operate and takes a significant amount of time to get acquainted with.
2) 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid
27 mpg combined | $52,900 | USN Score: 7.7/10
The 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid features admirable gas mileage, eager acceleration, and agile handling. When comparing its fuel economy estimates to other luxury hybrid SUVs, its ratings aren’t impressive. However, its estimates are good for an SUV of its size with standard all-wheel drive. The MDX Hybrid has a comfortable and well-made cabin. It offers decent cargo space and seats up to seven people in two rows. Its first two rows provide adult-sized accommodations, but its third row is only suitable for children. This midsize SUV earns a below-average rating for predicted reliability.
The MDX Hybrid comes equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an infotainment interface with dual touch screens and the latest smartphone app integration. You also get a respectable set of active safety systems as standard.
1) 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid
30 mpg combined | $46,750 | USN Score: 8.1/10
The 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid finishes in the top half of our luxury hybrid and electric SUV rankings. Updated for 2020, this SUV gets a new infotainment system with touch-screen functionality. In addition, it now comes standard with a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RX Hybrid is fuel-efficient and offers a smooth ride.
The RX Hybrid is not very athletic, but it provides more than enough power for most driving situations. The RX Hybrid comes in two- and three-row configurations, with seating for up to six passengers. However, the third row is very tight and there’s not much room for cargo. While this SUV has a history of praiseworthy safety and predicted reliability ratings, the 2020 model year hasn’t been fully tested for safety and reliability yet.
Honorable Mention: 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid
28 mpg combined | $48,130 | USN Score: TBD
The Ford Explorer Hybrid is a brand-new SUV for the 2020 model year. It provides a relaxed ride, lots of cargo room, an attractive list of standard niceties, and a comprehensive suite of active safety aids. We have not given the new Explorer Hybrid a U.S. News overall score, so it doesn't qualify for a ranking here. That said, it certainly warrants a mention.
The Explorer Hybrid comes in rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It delivers ample power, light off-roading capability, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped.
The Explorer Hybrid’s cabin isn’t as nice as many classmates’, its second- and third-row seats could be more supportive, and its interior technology is not very intuitive. Moreover, this Ford suffers from inconsistent throttle response, noticeable transitions from electric to gas power, and subpar fuel economy. The Explorer Hybrid has not been fully crash tested.
Honorable Mention: 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
41 mpg combined | $28,265 | USN Score: TBD
The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid returns completely redesigned after an eight-year hiatus. Like the new Ford Explorer Hybrid, we have not given a U.S. News overall score to this vehicle – hence, it appears on this list as an honorable mention.
It features smooth performance, spacious accommodations, and an extensive standard feature set that includes a first-rate infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance technologies. It doesn’t have the fanciest cabin, however, and its cargo area is limited when the rear seats are slid back for taller passengers.
Much like its gas-powered stablemate, the Escape Hybrid handles well and provides a comfortable ride. Its regenerative braking system feels like normal brakes, and it delivers a seamless transition between gas and electric power. This Ford is available with front- or all-wheel drive.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Did you find a hybrid SUV that appeals to you? Visit our hybrid and electric SUV rankings, as well as our luxury hybrid and electric SUV rankings to research further.
Once you’ve made your decision, use the U.S. News Best Price Program to find a dealership in your area with the best pre-negotiated prices. Shoppers who use the program save an average of over $3,000 off their vehicle.
Best Hybrid and Electric SUVs for 2020
- 4) 2019 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
- 3) 2020 Kia Niro
- 2) 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 1) 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Best Luxury Hybrid and Electric SUVs for 2020
- 4) 2020 Lexus NX Hybrid
- 3) 2020 Lexus UX Hybrid
- 2) 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid
- 1) 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid
Honorable Mentions
- 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid
- 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
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We Rank Every Hybrid SUV to Help You Decide
While the hybrid cars and SUVs of yesterday were often seen as slow, uninspiring, and polarizing, that’s certainly not the case today. In fact, most hybrids are exceedingly similar to their gas-powered counterparts – aside from their low-to-no fuel costs and better performance due to their electric motor’s instant torque delivery. Moreover, many hybrid SUVs come better-equipped than non-hybrid vehicles, and tend to offer more state-of-the-art features.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we’ve ranked all hybrid SUVs on the market today. On the subsequent slides, you’ll find each vehicle’s combined mpg, starting price, and U.S. News overall score. In addition, we’ve provided information about each hybrid SUV’s strengths, weaknesses, safety score, predicted reliability rating, and features.
Keep in mind that our scores and rankings change on a regular basis as new data and expert research become available. So, you may find that the scores in this article don’t match up with the scores in our individual vehicle reviews.
Our list begins with the six best mainstream hybrid SUVs, and then covers the four best luxury hybrid SUVs. Continue reading to learn about the best hybrid SUVs of 2020.