Best Gas Mileage Hybrid Crossover SUVs for 2023
Our analysis of the hybrid crossover SUVs with the best gas mileage ranks them based on the highest mpg and most fuel-efficient drivetrain for each vehicle.
The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient hybrid crossover SUV with an EPA rating of 105 MPGe. The second-ranked Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid also earns 105 MPGe, while the third-ranked Toyota RAV4 Prime earns 94 MPGe. When two or more vehicles have the same MPGe rating they are then ranked by their overall quality score, as shown below. iSeeCars has ranked 21 hybrid crossover SUVs based on fuel efficiency. This ranking is based on each model’s highest-rated combined MPGe figure to determine the best gas mileage hybrid crossover SUVs.
The average fuel efficiency for a hybrid crossover SUV is 57 MPGe, and 8 models earn that figure or better for their highest-rated combined MPGe model. A hybrid crossover SUV with less than 57 combined MPGe is below the segment average and may not be a good model for consumers seeking to reduce or manage their fuel consumption.
Which hybrid crossover SUV achieves the best gas mileage?
- Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
- Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Prime
- Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid
- Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
- Hyundai SANTA FE Plug-In Hybrid
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (Plug-in Hybrid)
- Kia Niro
- Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Toyota Venza
- Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid
- Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid
- Subaru Crosstrek (Plug-in Hybrid)
- Ford Explorer Hybrid
2023 Hybrid SUVs – TOP 10
Hybrid SUVs and crossovers are taking over the market. Simply, such a combination of practicality and performance, especially regarding fuel economy, is something that can’t be found in other segments of the automotive industry. They are still way more affordable and far more appealing than battery-electric SUVs and we have no doubt that their sales numbers will continue to grow in the following years.
That’s why we’ve decided to present you our list of the top 10 hybrid SUVs. Some of them are already among the most popular SUVs on the market, while others are upcoming models that have all the qualities to become class leaders.
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
The current generation of Ford’s compact crossover has been for a couple of years and soon enough, it will be time for a mid-cycle update. We will see new styling, more features and similar updates. However, we don’t expect that this update could bring any changes regarding the powertrain, which means we may count on two familiar hybrid versions on the offer.
The first one features a classic hybrid setup, based on a 2.5-liter gasoline engine. The combined output goes around 200 horsepower, which isn’t a spectacular number these days at all. However, the compensation comes in the form of excellent fuel economy, which goes around 44 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
There is also a plug-in hybrid version, which features a bigger battery and more powerful electric motors, for a total output of 221 horsepower. You may count on 37 miles of the all-electric range, as well as on 41 mpg in a combined ride.
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The CR-V has always been the gold standard among compact SUVs. So, it’s no wonder that we are eagerly waiting to see the new generation, which should debut as the 2023 Honda CR-V. From what we know so far, the upcoming overhaul will bring all kinds of novelties, and some of them should come under the hood as well.
The current generation comes either with a gasoline or hybrid setup on the offer. The latter features a max output of 212 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, which provide more than decent performance. At the same time, fuel economy is okay. So, things can only become better after the redesign.
Along with other typical CR-V qualities, such as practicality, functionality and overall quality, there is no doubt that the new generation will also find its place among class leaders. Moreover, some sources suggest further electrification, speculating not just about a plug-in hybrid option, but about an all-electric version as well.
2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
The legendary off-roader is also forced to follow the latest trends of the automotive industry. So, it also comes with a hybrid powertrain, a pretty capable one. It is based on a 2.0-liter turbo-four gasoline engine, which comes in pair with two electric motors. The total output goes around 375 horsepower.
Besides plenty of power, this SUV also offers a decent all-electric range of around 21 miles. On the other hand, MPG-e ratings aren’t that impressive, as they go around 49 MPG-equivalent in combined city/highway driving.
For the 2023 model year, we don’t expect bigger changes. Of course, there is always room for new features, but the overall design (including hybrid setup) will remain the same. We can also hear rumors about the all-electric version of the Wrangler, but that’s yet to be officially confirmed.
2023 Honda Pilot Hybrid
This super-practical three-row SUV has been around for years but it’s never got an electrified version. The current generation still comes in a gasoline version only, with a good old 3.5-liter V6. However, the new generation is coming for the 2023 model and we have big expectations from this overhaul. The test model has already been caught on testing, though with complete camouflage.
Besides a completely new design, the new generation should also bring an electrified version. The 2023 Honda Pilot Hybrid specs are yet to come and we see two possible scenarios for this SUV. One of them is to see an upgraded version of the system that powered the previous-generation Acura MDX, which used three electric motors in a combination with a V6 engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
On the other hand, we could also see a completely new setup, based on a four-cylinder engine. If that happens, we presume the new Pilot would rather come as a plug-in hybrid. Some sources even speculate about the all-electric version but we wouldn’t take that for granted.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The most popular SUV in the world comes from a leader company in hybrid technology. So, it’s no wonder that expectations from the RAV4 Hybrid may be a little bit higher compared to other models in the class. Still, this model does everything right and it is certainly one of the best choices on the market, especially if fuel economy is your priority.
The current generation has been around since 2019, so this may be a good time for updates. However, the officials are still quiet but even if the update happens, we don’t expect changes regarding the powertrain. So, a familiar setup with 221 horsepower will continue to deliver impressive mpg ratings, which can easily go over 45 mpg in the city.
Also, there is the recently introduced RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid version of the SUV. It features a max output of 302 horsepower, as well as on pretty impressive 42 miles of the all-electric range. No matter which one you choose, you won’t go wrong with the RAV4.
2023 Lexus RX 450h
The RX is the most popular luxury SUV for a reason. It is stylish, comfortable, well-built and, of course, it is available also with a hybrid powertrain. The 2023 Lexus RX 450h will be even better than before, as it’s coming completely new. The next generation is on the way and should debut sometime in the next year.
The new generation will switch to the TNGA platform and it will offer much better driving characteristics. Furthermore, we count on a new powertrain, which could easily be the same one that powers models like LS 500h. That system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with two electric motors, for a total output of 354 horsepower.
Other forms of electrification are possible too. We could easily see a plug-in hybrid setup, while the all-electric version doesn’t sound likely in our ears. We all know that Toyota management isn’t too ambitious when it comes to all-electric vehicles and that they are seeking alternatives.
2023 BMW X5
The popular mid-size SUV has been available with a hybrid powertrain for a while and that won’t change with the 2023 BMW X5. It will continue with the same plug-in hybrid setup, which combines a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six engine with an electric motor, for a total output of 389 horsepower. That’s enough power for a 0-60 sprint in just 5.3 seconds. The max all-electric range is 30 miles.
On the other hand, the rest of the SUV will come with notable changes. The 2023 model year is about to receive refresh and we expect to see novelties inside and out. Count on a new front fascia, as well as on other typical mid-cycle updates. The interior should include some updates as well.
We can also hear rumors about the all-electric version, but that doesn’t sound particularly likely in our ears, especially if we consider the new iX series of all-electric models.
2023 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid
The 2023 model year is expected to come completely new. The current generation has been around since 2014 and such a scenario definitely makes sense, even though the current model is still competitive in many aspects.
However, its hybrid version needs updates. Despite plenty of power and excellent performance, it lacks refinement, particularly when switching between different drive modes. That’s why we have big expectations from the 2023 Volvo XC90 T8. Of course, it should feature more power and better fuel economy as well.
Naturally, the new generation should bring improvements in other aspects as well, starting from the ride quality, technology, design etc. We also expect that the new XC90 will feature a pretty advanced semi-autonomous driving system.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The new Tucson has just debuted as the 2022 model and we are pretty sure it won’t feature bigger changes for the second production year. In other words, we count on familiar powertrain options, including two hybrid variants.
The first one features a standard hybrid setup, which combines a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine with an electric motor, for a total output of 226 horsepower. Driving dynamics are pretty good, while we also like fuel economy, which goes around 37 mpg combined
On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid comes with a more powerful 90-hp electric motor, while the 1.6-liter turbo-four remains the same. The total output goes up to 261 horsepower and the overall performance is quite impressive. Besides solid acceleration, you may also count on 32 miles of the all-electric range. The average fuel economy should go around 35 mpg combined.
2023 Mazda CX-7
The CX-7 nameplate is coming back and we have big expectations from it. As you may presume, the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-7 will be slotted between the CX-5 and CX-9 models but if we can trust the latest reports, it won’t have much in common with these two SUVs.
First of all, the new CX-7 will be based on a completely different platform. The current generations of Mazda SUVs will be replaced soon and they will get a new, RWD platform. On the other hand, the 2023 Mazda CX-7 will feature a little bit different approach. Instead of chasing performance, it will rather focus on fuel economy and hybrid technology, something that Mazda has been missing so far.
That means it will probably borrow technology from Toyota. It will ride on the TNGA platform and it will use Toyota’s well-known and proven, class-leading hybrid setup that is based on a 2.5-liter engine and comes in pair with two electric motors. Of course, we are talking about the same setup that powers the RAV, which features a max output of 221 horsepower and puts out some pretty impressive mpg ratings.
Of course, that won’t be the only quality of this upcoming model. We count on typical Mazda quality in other areas as well, starting from the excellent interior design, lots of tech features, direct and responsive steering, attractive exterior etc. All these things, combined with advanced hybrid technology, should put CX-7 on the map instantly and we strongly believe it could easily become the best hybrid SUV in its class.
It is expected that the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-7 will hit the market by the end of 2022. We estimate the starting price of around 30.000 dollars.