The rapid uptake of hybrid and electric vehicles has caught new car buyers by surprise. Newer options include a wide range of hybrid SUVs on the market, and there’s a lot to consider when evaluating how the best hybrid SUVs compare with their competitors.
The Best Hybrid SUVs
GWM H6 (Commercial Inclusion)
We were immediately awestruck by the feature-rich GWM H6 interior and lush fittings. On the road, performance, design, and safety were paramount. This mid-size SUV makes a bold statement wherever it goes. It feels sophisticated and elegant and is ready to look the part and perform when you need it.
The GWM H6 delivers 179kW of combined power with a fuel consumption of 5.2L/100 kilometres on the hybrid variant. We were particularly impressed with the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and 7-speed DCT that provides plenty of torque on take-off. The H6 is built strong and deserving of a 5-star ANCAP rating (as well as an extended warranty).
Additional features we find very useful include a panoramic sunroof, hands-free electric tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, plus autonomous parking.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 gave us the opportunity to experience exceptional interior comfort and functionality in a sporty design.
This attractive vehicle is powered by a turbo 6-cylinder combustion engine. The fast charging was a bonus, and the BMW X5 has a plug-in hybrid range of up to 110 kilometres.
Additional off-road driving modes make the BMW hybrid SUV the complete package.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a small SUV that’ll effortlessly become a part of your life.
From the moment we got behind the wheel, the intuitive technology and clever design was a major assist. The good looks of the Ford Escape continue to turn heads, and the plug-in hybrid alternative is changing the way we drive.
We are thoroughly impressed with the beautiful and efficient design of both the hybrid and plug-in Hybrid SUV models.
Kia Sorento
A drive of the Kia Sorento Hybrid EX includes turbocharged performance and rugged design elements for an innovative and powerful hybrid driving experience.
The all-wheel drive and 19” alloy wheels provided road-hugging confidence, as did the driver assistance features such as front and rear parking sensors, highway driving assist, roof rails, and smart power tailgate.
The Kia Sorento is a hybrid SUV of the future. Additional features we enjoyed exploring include the 10.25-inch easy-to-read touchscreen with navigation, second-row captain’s chairs, and a panoramic sunroof.
Volvo XC90
From the moment we noticed the iconic front grille and headlamp design of the Volvo XC90, we knew we were in for a luxury SUV treat.
This mild hybrid feels luxurious and practical, with energy produced when braking stored in a 48V battery. When the battery energy electric motor is used in heavy stop-start traffic, fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions are both reduced.
Nothing beats the relaxed take-off of the XC90. This is a mild hybrid car that has been engineered for refined acceleration. We noticed greatly improved fuel consumption, without compromising vehicle performance.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is compact yet extremely comfy and welcoming, with lots of personalised options to choose from.
The CR-V Sport models add a luxury leather interior, heated front seats, wireless charging, driver seat memory system, a panoramic sunroof, and much more.
We got to choose from 2WD or AWD, with up to seven seats for family and friends. The Honda CR-V is a memorable ride that comes with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and Honda Sensing — an advanced suite of safety and driver-assist technologies.
Lexus NX
We were intrigued by the Lexus NX engineering in response to the driver’s desire for a carbon-neutral lifestyle, without compromising on vehicle performance. The result was better than anticipated.
We found the Lexus NX to be a sustainable choice that offers excellent driving range in Australia. It also showcased powerful acceleration and a very comfortable commuting ride.
With hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains to choose from, we could customise Lexus NX SUV options to suit our lifestyle. The Lexus NX style is definitely worth experiencing.
Volvo XC60 Recharge
Volvo is a manufacturer that doesn’t believe in one size fits all. That’s why Volvo creates distinctly different vehicle models for every type of vehicle owner.
The Volvo XC60 Recharge is an electric power hybrid version vehicle that feels totally familiar and comfortable. That’s because it is made the traditional Volvo way, with no compromises on the quality or practicality of the build.
This Volvo enveloped us in a responsive and protective roomy cocoon of electric power. The plug-in hybrid experience seamlessly created an agile, smooth, and powerful drive.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
More fun using less fuel. The Toyota RAV4 GX Hybrid features a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, 1,500-kilo max braked towing, e-four all-wheel drive system, six speakers, 8” touchscreen audio display, dual-zone air conditioning, and 17” light grey alloy wheels. This agile hybrid was ready to hit the road as soon as I sat inside.
Plus, we had the opportunity to redefine our driving range from several different Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models, such as the RAV4 Adventure Hybrid model. We particularly appreciate new compact SUV technology innovations that include parking support with intelligent clearance sonar and rear cross-traffic auto brake, synthetic leather seats, sports-style front seats, and the 4-way manual front passenger seat.
Kia Niro
We found the Kia Niro Hybrid to offer best-in-class fuel efficiency.
Kia just keeps getting better, and the Niro is no exception, including the highly engineered hybrid powertrain that provides optimal power at all times, so you can go further with fewer fill-ups.
We recommend the second-generation 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts gears quickly for seamless acceleration. The regenerative braking technology worked a treat, providing plenty of on-road electric vehicle power during the stop-start of city traffic.
Hyundai Santa Fe
We immediately noticed that Hyundai’s Santa Fe’s fifth generation of production has transformed this mid-size SUV, with the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) a real favourite.
The vehicle has a city-friendly, adventure-ready appeal and plenty of passenger space thanks to a longer wheelbase and larger tailgate opening that now becomes an open terrace that can be used outdoors.
The longer wheelbase also allows the new Santa Fe to offer enhanced third-row seating. Behind the wheel, the 1.6-litre, inline four-cylinder, turbocharged, plug-in hybrid engine did the talking.
With five adults seated for a comfortable ride, the Hyundai Santa Fe punches above its weight without complaint.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The all-new 2023 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid crossover has been garnering awards and accolades for its design and styling, driving dynamics, and innovative technology. We naturally wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and the results were satisfying.
The Mitsubishi Outlander feels rugged, capable, and reliable from behind the wheel. As a tried and tested road warrior, now available with a hybrid SUV drivetrain, we recommend the Mitsubishi Outlander as a vehicle worth experiencing for yourself.
The Best Hybrid SUVs In Australia — Frequently Asked Questions
They certainly are. The hybrid market is huge, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for luxury vehicle brands such as Porsche, Mercedes, and Range Rover entering the hybrid SUV market. Electric cars are evolving as the way of the future.
With electric and hybrid vehicles, you get to choose the type of battery you use. Naturally, a fully electric vehicle has a substantial amount of space dedicated to battery pack storage. The best hybrid SUVs can be a cost-effective alternative with the best of electric motor sustainability and petrol engine power. The Australian road ahead looks clear.
