10 Small Hybrid SUVs

There was a time when your choices in hybrid vehicles were limited to only a few sedans. Now, there are hybrids of every type, from compact cars to full-size SUVs. Although hybrids often come with a higher price than their purely gas-powered counterparts, their improved fuel economy helps you save in the long run. If gas prices rise, you’ll be glad you went with a hybrid.

The popularity of crossovers and SUVs means there are more choices than ever for those who need a vehicle that can handle cargo as well as people. If you’re looking for great fuel economy and don’t want a full-size SUV, here are 10 small hybrid SUVs to consider.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive for handling bad weather and is available in a range of four trims, so there’s a version to suit every buyer. Pricing starts at $27,700 for the base LE, and tops out at $35,700 for the Limited. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for 219 net system horsepower.

There’s plenty of room for cargo with up to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and it can tow up to 1,750 pounds. When it comes to fuel economy, the RAV4 Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined.

The 2019 Nissan Rogue Hybrid is available in two trims. It doesn’t have a wide range of trim choices, but it does offer a choice of either all-wheel or front-wheel drive, which is a bonus. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for 176 net system horsepower. EPA-estimated fuel economy is up to 33 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined, which falls short of some competitors.

When it comes to cargo room, there’s 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 61.4 cubic feet behind the first row. It is not rated for towing. Pricing on the 2019 Nissan Rogue Hybrid ranges from $27,600 to $32,890.

Lexus is the only automaker to earn two spots on our list of 10 small hybrid SUVs, with the first spot going to the Lexus NX 300h hybrid. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor for 194 net system horsepower. EPA fuel economy estimates aren’t yet available, but Lexus estimates it will achieve 33 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined, with standard all-wheel drive.

This luxury vehicle is available in one trim only with a starting price of $38,835. That’s higher than many of the other cars on our list, but it comes with lots of standard features including a power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

The second Lexus on our list is the all-new 2019 Lexus UX 250h hybrid. On this model, there’s a choice of three trims, all with standard all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $34,000 for the 250h and tops out at $36,000 for the 250h F Sport. That keeps the whole lineup below the price of the NX, making it a more affordable luxury choice.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 181 net system horsepower, with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 43 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 42 mpg combined. This beats out many of its competitors, making its higher price tag easier on the budget thanks to long-term fuel savings.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV is the first-ever plug-in hybrid from Subaru. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It also has a 1,000-pound tow rating, and room for up to 43.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the front seats. If you’re looking for a more rugged choice, the Crosstrek Hybrid is a good option.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a combined 148 net system horsepower, which falls below its competitors. It gets an EPA-estimated 90 MPGe with an all-electric range of up to 17 miles, and an all-electric top speed of up to 65 mph. The Crosstrek PHEV is available in a single trim with a starting price of $34,995.

The 2019 Kia Niro is a plug-in hybrid available in a range of three trims, all with affordable pricing. The base LX starts at $28,599, while the top EX Premium trim comes in at $35,200. This compact SUV has a surprisingly large amount of room for cargo, with a maximum of 54.5 cubic feet. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cyinder engine with an electric motor for 130 net system horsepower, which puts its performance numbers lower than its competitors.

The bonus to that small engine is improved fuel economy. The Kia Niro PHEV gets an EPA-estimated 105 MPGe, which makes it a top choice if fuel economy is your priority.

The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander adds yet another plug-in hybrid choice to our list with two available trims, both with standard all-wheel drive. The base SEL S starts at $35,795, while the GT S starts at $41,495. Power comes from a 117-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors and an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe. That’s good fuel economy, but there are stronger choices in the segment.

There’s up to 66.6 cubic feet for cargo behind the front seats and the Outlander PHEV can tow up to 1,500 pounds, making it a good choice for those who need the extra cargo capacity. It also includes a good range of standard features including heated, power-adjustable front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather seat trims.

The 2019 Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid is available in two trims with standard all-wheel drive. The Momentum starts at $52,900, while the R-Design comes in at $59,750, which puts the XC60 firmly in luxury-car territory. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged engine with 400 hp and an electric motor, which puts it high on the list for performance. It has an all-electric range of up to 17 miles and gets an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe.

Although the XC60 costs more than other small hybrid SUVs, it offers a luxurious interior and a level of performance you won’t find in less expensive models. Those who want a luxury experience in their hybrid will find it in the XC60.

The 2019 Mini Cooper SE Countryman is a plug-in hybrid that walks the line between quirky hatchback and compact crossover. It’s available in a range of three trims priced from $36,900 to $44,400, and comes with standard all-wheel drive. Power comes from a 1.5-liter twin-turbocharged three-cylinder engine and an electric motor for 221 net system horsepower.

There’s an electric range of up to 24 miles with a top electric speed of 77 mph, and EPA-estimated fuel economy of 65 MPGe. The Mini Cooper SE Countryman PHEV combines the fuel economy of a hybrid with plenty of horsepower so you can enjoy the ride.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid is offered in a single trim with a starting price of $49,990, and a wide range of available packages that enhance both its styling and performance. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an electric motor, for 315 net system horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.

This is both a luxurious and performance-focused choice, with a 0-60 mph time of only 6.2 seconds. Despite those performance chops, it still achieves great fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 75 MPGe.