The hybrid crossover is one of the vehicle types that aims to do it all. Not only are these vehicles more practical than an equivalent sedan, but the electrified powertrains prevent the gas bills from becoming unreasonable. It’s no surprise, then, to find out that there is a plethora of hybrid crossovers available for the 2024 model year, including models from Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Ford. These vehicles cover everything from the subcompact class to larger models bordering on the full-size segment. These are the best hybrid crossover models available for 2024.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work
here
.
1 Volvo XC90 Recharge
It’s by no means one of the newest hybrid crossovers, but the mid-size Volvo XC90 Recharge is certainly one of the best. The combination of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and electric motor results in 455 horsepower, so acceleration is very swift. At 27 mpg/58 MPGe combined, it achieves a level of efficiency comparable with a much smaller vehicle. Other Volvo strengths are well-known, from the accommodating and tastefully finished three-row interior to the high level of refinement. It also ships with many safety features for your peace of mind.
Expert Opinion
“Everything inside the XC90 Recharge has a place and purpose. For the most part, the XC90’s interior ticks the boxes for ergonomics and elegance.”
2 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Another three-row mid-size crossover, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV pairs a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to make 323 hp combined. That output places it between the lower-powered six-cylinder CX-90 and the model with the more powerful six-cylinder mill. While not as smooth as the six-cylinder models, the PHEV can be driven for over 20 miles on electric power alone, while returning superior overall efficiency. Mazda’s attention to detail has reached new heights inside the CX-90 PHEV’s classy, expensive-feeling interior. Third-row space isn’t remarkable, but smaller kids will be fine back there.
3 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
One of the best three-row SUVs on the market, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers spacious seating for adults in all three rows and cargo capacity of up to 97.5 cubic feet when the back seats are folded. The standard hybrid makes 245 hp combined, while the turbocharged Hybrid Max models top out at a potent 362 hp. It’s the former that has better gas mileage estimates, though, with 36 mpg combined achievable in front-wheel-drive guise. Packed with features, handsomely styled, and good to drive, the Grand Highlander Hybrid doesn’t do much wrong.
4 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The first compact crossover on this list, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid comes in both conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms. In both cases, electric power is teamed with a 1.6-liter turbo-four, a powertrain that produces up to 261 hp in the PHEV. A compact vehicle and hybrid power are a recipe for stellar economy, and the Tucson Hybrid does not disappoint; the PHEV achieves 35 mpg/80 MPGe combined and the normal hybrid manages 38/38/38 mpg if you go for the Blue trim. Like most modern Hyundais, the Tucson is interesting to look at, with cool styling features like headlights that blend into the grille. The stylish interior accommodates five occupants and the top trims and generously kitted out.
5 Lexus NX Hybrid
As with the Tucson, the Lexus NX Hybrid SUV is available as a normal hybrid or a PHEV. The 450h PHEV can be driven for 37 miles on electric power alone and returns 36 mpg/84 MPGe combined, while the 350h with all-wheel drive gets 41/37/39 mpg city/highway/combined. As one of the smaller Lexus SUVs, interior space is acceptable rather than abundant, so couples or young families with smaller children would apply here. It’s clearly a luxury model, though, as the finishes are of a high standard and the driving experience is refined and comfortable.
Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.
6 BMW X5 Hybrid
BMW made some big changes to the mid-size X5 Hybrid for the 2024 model year. Not only did it receive a stylish makeover, but the hybrid powertrain now boasts 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, almost 100 hp more than before. That grunt comes from the marriage of an electric motor and the brand’s widely used 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine. Not only does it scamper to 60 mph in well under five seconds, but the X5 Hybrid can manage approximately 40 miles on electric power alone, thanks to a larger battery. As expected from a mid-size BMW, the splendid interior is awash in quality materials and spiffy ambient lighting, and this latest 2024 model also receives a standard BMW Curved Display.
7 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
If you do a lot of city driving, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is one of the most economical cars you can buy. It will manage 45 mpg in city driving, and that’s with AWD. Out on the highway, expect in the region of 38 mpg, while the combined rating is 42 mpg. Producing 196 hp combined, it’s also more powerful than the non-hybrid Corolla Cross, and the starting price is still attractive at $28,220. This Toyota wasn’t designed to excite in any way, but it represents the epitome of sensible motoring in 2024.
8 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
If you need more space and power than the Corolla Cross Hybrid but want to stay in the Toyota family, the RAV4 Hybrid is a proven choice. It produces 219 hp combined from its four-cylinder engine and electric motor, while returning up to 39 mpg combined with AWD. The RAV4 has rugged, bold looks, spacious seating, and decent dirt-road capabilities. There are multiple trims to choose from, all the way from the base LE at $31,725 to the Limited at just over $40,000. A dedicated five-seater vehicle, the Toyota has up to 36.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.
9 Lexus RX Hybrid
Another mid-size SUV offering with a loyal following is the Lexus RX. All versions prioritize a smooth, effortless driving experience over sporty dynamics, so if that’s what you’re into, this is a strong contender. There are two hybrid powertrains: the RX 350h with a 2.5-liter four-pot, or the RX 500h with a 2.4-liter turbo-four. The 350h is more economical but less powerful, managing 37/34/36 mpg. For the 500h, those figures drop to 27/28/27 mpg, but it produces over 100 hp more at 366 hp combined. Even base RX Hybrids are well-equipped, and you can opt for the F Sport if you want one with sportier trimmings, although the driving experience is still quite relaxed.
10 Lexus TX
This is the fancier alternative to the Toyota Grand Highlander. A hugely spacious and versatile vehicle, the TX is a dedicated three-row crossover and comes with all the Lexus bells and whistles. In regular hybrid form, the 500h manages 27 mph combined and 366 hp combined. There is also a 550h+ plug-in hybrid with a naturally-aspirated V6 and a trio of electric motors; it makes 404 hp combined but can also be driven on electric power alone for up to 33 miles. Both these hybrids post similar acceleration numbers (0-60 in around six seconds), and we found the PHEV to be remarkably smooth. You’ll have to cough up over $76,000 for the privilege of driving off in the TX 550+ Luxury, though.
Best Of The Rest
What To Consider Before Buying A Hybrid Crossover
With so many options on the market, you can choose a hybrid SUV that prioritizes efficiency or one that has a significant performance advantage over its non-hybrid siblings. In this category, it’s worth comparing economy ratings, one of the biggest advantages for a hybrid in any class. That will need to be weighed up against the generally higher prices of getting a crossover with a hybrid powertrain. Let’s look at some pros and cons of hybrid crossovers:
Pros:
- Superior economy and performance
- Large variety of models
- Broad pricing range caters to different budgets
- Plug-ins offer electric-only driving
- Better efficiency can reduce running costs
Cons:
- More expensive than non-hybrids
- Potentially higher maintenance costs due to extra components
- Not all PHEVs transition well between gas and electric power
- Generally heavier than non-hybrid alternatives
What’s the difference between a crossover and a hybrid?
The term “crossover” refers to an SUV-type vehicle built on a car-based platform, whereas “hybrid” refers to a powertrain with both a gas engine and an electric motor.
What hybrid SUV lasts longest?
In general, a car that’s reliable as a non-hybrid will also be reliable as a hybrid. Brands like Lexus, Toyota, and Honda consistently rate highly in reliability surveys, and this includes their hybrid SUVs.
Which hybrid system is best?
A plug-in hybrid offers electric-only driving for short distances without the range anxiety on longer trips, so can be considered the best of both worlds. However, these hybrid vehicles are often much more expensive than traditional hybrids with smaller batteries.