Hybrid SUVs and Crossovers: Reviews

Updated June 2011

In the ongoing quest to provide better fuel efficiency in vehicles that have traditionally been fairly inefficient, hybrid versions of popul;ar SUVs and crossovers are now commonplace. With lower emissions and better fuel economy than conventionally powered sport utilities, hybrid SUVs let drivers go greener without sacrificing the convenience and comfort they've become accustomed to. After analyzing reviews from a variety of credible sources, we name the best hybrid SUVs available today.

FONT
PRINT

June 16th:
2012 Toyota Prius V: First Drive
From: ConsumerSearch

Compare All

Most fuel-efficient hybrid SUV

2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

Base MSRP: $30,570 to $34,830 Learn More

Despite its older design, the five-seat 2012 Ford Escape is a reviewer favorite for its best-in-class fuel economy and low price compared to all other hybrid SUVs. No other SUV can match the Escape's 32 mpg combined EPA… expandrating. That, combined with ample passenger and cargo space and attractive tech options, leads experts to deem the Escape Hybrid a practical vehicle choice. It's more expensive than the cheapest conventional Escape by more than $9,000, and that gas-powered version posts a 25 mpg combined EPA rating. Even so, the Escape Hybrid's fuel-economy advantage and slower rate of depreciation mean owners can still potentially save money with this hybrid. Some reviewers are disappointed with long braking distances from highway speeds, and some feel that the extra weight of the hybrid powertrain makes the car less nimble. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org has driven the Ford Escape Hybrid and ranks it against most other available hybrid and nonhybrid SUVs.

Edmunds.com: The editors of Edmunds.com like the Ford Escape Hybrid primarily for its unbeatable fuel economy in the SUV realm.

IIHS.org: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2009-2011 Ford Escape the highest rating of Good for front-, side-, and rear-impact protection, but the lower rating of Marginal for roof-strength tests.

SaferCar.gov: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid an overall rating of 3 stars out of 5, with front-crash, side-crash, rear-crash and rollover-resistance tests all receiving that same score.

FuelEconomy.gov: No SUV does better than the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid in terms of fuel economy.

ConsumerSearch.com: The 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid is essentially identical to those from the previous few model years.

Free Price Quote for 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

Best family-sized hybrid SUV

2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Base MSRP: $38,140 to $43,795 Learn More

The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel efficient seven-passenger vehicle on the road. With an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in combined driving, only the 2011 Lexus RX 450h (Base MSRP: $44,735 to $46,325) and the 2011… expandFord Escape Hybrid (Base MSRP: $30,570 to $34,830) top the Highlander Hybrid's fuel efficiency, but neither seats more than five. Reviewers like the Highlander Hybrid for its powerful hybrid powertrain and quiet ride. All-wheel drive is standard, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the Highlander Hybrid a 2011 Top Safety Pick. While the Highlander seats up to seven, reviewers caution that the third row is tight and best suited for children or smaller passengers. The Highlander Hybrid's primary downfall is its price premium of about $10,000 over the gasoline version. The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (Base MSRP: $51,145 to $53,950) can also seat up to seven passengers, but it's less fuel-efficient and a lot more expensive. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org includes the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in its SUV rankings, which include both hybrid and nonhybrid vehicles.

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com provides a comprehensive opinion on the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

IIHS.org: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a Top Safety Pick, giving the SUV Good ratings for front-, side-, rear- and rollover-crash protection.

SaferCar.gov: The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earns an overall safety rating of 4 stars out of 5.

FuelEconomy.gov: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieves an impressive-for-its-size 28 mpg in city, highway and combined driving, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

ConsumerSearch.com: The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid carries over without any significant changes from the previous few model years.

Free Price Quote for 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Best luxury hybrid SUV

2011 Lexus RX 450h

Base MSRP: $44,735 to $46,325 Learn More

Reviewers praise the 2011 Lexus RX 450h for its ability to combine power, efficiency and luxury in one package. When compared to other hybrid SUVs from luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, the RX 450h… expandtrumps them all with its 30 mpg combined fuel-economy rating, according to EPA estimates. Furthermore, the Lexus RX 450h costs much less than any other luxury SUV hybrid. A smooth ride, high-quality interior and a variety of available amenities help the RX hybrid's cause. There's no third-row seat, so the max capacity is five passengers. The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Base MSRP: $38,140 to $43,795) eschews many of the Lexus's luxury trappings, but it seats more, can be had for thousands less and employs essentially the same hybrid powertrain. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org has purchased, driven and ranked the 2011 RX 450h against most other available SUVs, hybrids and otherwise.

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com likes the Lexus RX hybrid's polished and luxurious ride, posh interior, and its combination of power and efficiency.

IIHS.org: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the 2011 Lexus RX 450h a Top Safety Pick, which means the SUV earns the highest rating of Good for front-, side-, rear- and rollover-crash protection.

SaferCar.gov: The 2011 Lexus RX450h earns an overall safety rating of 4 stars out 5.

FuelEconomy.gov: The 2011 Lexus RX 450h has the second-best fuel economy of any SUV, coming in only behind the Ford Escape Hybrid.

ConsumerSearch.com: The 2011 Lexus RX 450h is unchanged from the previous model year.

Free Price Quote for 2011 Lexus RX 450h

Best hybrid SUV for towing

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

Base MSRP: $60,565 Learn More

Reviewers have only good things to say about the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg, and this includes the all-new hybrid version, the Touareg Hybrid. With a max tow rating of 7,700 pounds, no other hybrid SUVs match its pulling… expandpower--not even the larger (but cheaper) V8-powered 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (Base MSRP: $51,145 to $53,950). This hauling ability comes from a muscular hybrid powertrain that delivers 380 horsepower and 428 pound feet of torque while delivering EPA-estimated 20 mpg fuel-efficiency overall. With edgier new styling and a premium-grade interior, the Touareg Hybrid is as comfortable and luxurious as it is capable. It's also not cheap, with a lofty starting price of $60,565. Shoppers should strongly consider the diesel-powered 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI (Base MSRP: $47,950), as it is rated to tow just as much weight as the hybrid and gets better fuel economy whether in city or highway driving. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org has not yet tested the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, but they have tested the gasoline version.

Edmunds.com: As of this writing, Edmunds.com doesn't have its full model overview page up for the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, but it does provide a comprehensive road test of the vehicle.

FuelEconomy.gov: The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid gets good fuel economy considering the power it delivers and the weight it can tow.

IIHS.org: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid its Top Safety Pick designation.

Car and Driver: Car and Driver editor-in-chief Eddie Alterman clearly appreciates the technology that went into the Touareg Hybrid, but he comes away feeling that its high base price is asking a lot considering the diesel version is cheaper and more fuel efficient.

Motor Trend: This first-drive review of the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid claims that "Volkswagen's first hybrid is a home run." Scott Evans gushes about the hybrid technology and luxurious interior, but he doesn't ruminate much on the price as it wasn't available yet during this review.

AutoWeek: The Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid is described as "sporty and nimble for a rather healthy-size SUV." This reviewer's first drive leaves a good impression, and he discusses some of the technology that makes the Touareg Hybrid unique.

Road & Track: This general review of the Touareg lineup covers the gasoline and diesel versions as well as the hybrid, and gives a good overview of the highlights of the redesign and new features.

Car and Driver: This Car and Driver first-drive review provides an overview of the Touareg's redesign for this year, including gasoline and diesel models.

Fortune: Alex Taylor says the Touareg is in a bit of a quandary.

Automobile Magazine: Phil Floraday ponders whether the Touareg Hybrid is really necessary, given that the diesel version is as fuel efficient and cheaper.

CNET: CNET is a technology-focused website that also reviews cars, focusing on the technological components and features.

Free Price Quote for 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Base MSRP: $51,145 to $53,950

2 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid Base MSRP: $51,610 to $61,770

2 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Base MSRP: $67,700

1 pick including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…