In 2023, SUVs accounted for nearly 47% of total passenger car sales globally, with the top four best-selling vehicles being SUVs, demonstrating consumers’ preference for SUVs. Despite governments worldwide heavily promoting pure electric vehicles, many consumers still prefer hybrid SUVs. So, what are the best hybrid SUVs on the market in 2024?
According to data and estimates from JATO Dynamics, a British automotive research company, SUV sales reached 36.72 million units last year, setting a new sales record and achieving the highest market share in history. Between 2022 and 2023, SUV sales grew by 16%, accounting for nearly 47% of global passenger car sales last year. Hybrid vehicles stood out for their excellent fuel economy and superior performance.
Hybrid vehicles are generally divided into plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). A PHEV can be charged externally. It operates in pure electric mode within the city, eliminating the need for gasoline consumption. When the electric power is depleted, the gasoline engine will drive the vehicle.
On the other hand, HEVs do not require external charging. They have a smaller battery that stores a small amount of electricity, using electric power to adjust the engine’s operating range to avoid the least efficient stages, such as start-up and low-speed crawling, allowing the engine to work more in the optimal speed range and achieve fuel savings, providing a driving experience closer to conventional gasoline vehicles.
Most importantly, the cost for upgrading to hybrid or PHEV vehicles is not as high as before, with a price difference of around $2,000 for vehicles priced below $40,000.
A recent article by “USA Today” selected the 13 best hybrid SUVs of 2024, with Toyota leading with 5 models. Among the popular Toyota RAV4 series, hybrid vehicles have always been consumer favorites. They are not only more fuel-efficient than regular RAV4s but also offer a smoother drive and better quality. The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid tops the list, while the RAV4 hybrid ranks third.
Here are the top 10 best hybrid SUVs for 2024:
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is considered the best hybrid SUV.
According to official Toyota data, this plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can drive up to 68 kilometers in electric mode, with an expected total range of around 966 kilometers when the gasoline engine is activated. With an acceleration time of 5.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, this car is Toyota’s fastest vehicle after the turbocharged GR Corolla.
The RAV4 Prime offers better fuel economy, with EPA city/highway/combined fuel efficiency of 38 mpg.
The RAV4 Prime has a maximum towing capacity of 2500 pounds, compared to the RAV4 Hybrid’s 1750 pounds. However, the Prime’s range is its main advantage, allowing individuals to complete their daily drives without using any gasoline.
Starting price: $45,000.
As a classic SUV model with years of heritage, the Tiguan has evolved from a mature style SUV to a dynamic and vibrant model over the years.
This car has an all-electric range of 34 miles, offering a faster and more enjoyable driving experience with exquisite exterior and interior design.
Starting price: $40,965; EPA city/highway/combined fuel efficiency: 35 mpg.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been fully upgraded in various aspects, with a redesigned bodyline and details for a more modern, sophisticated, and dynamic look. The interior features a luxurious and comfortable design. The dashboard and center console have undergone a redesign and come equipped with a 9-inch floating center screen.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 highlights upgraded suspension springs and a 2.5-liter hybrid + four-wheel-drive powertrain. This vehicle can be refueled in under a minute and has a range of 580 miles.
The RAV4 Hybrid provides more cargo space, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, while the RAV4 Prime offers 33.5 cubic feet.
Starting price: $33,075; EPA city/highway/combined fuel efficiency: 41/38/39 mpg.
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这是2024年最好的十款混合动力SUV之一，提供了更大的动力和更好的燃油经济性。 The cargo space reaches 66 cubic feet.
The 33-mile all-electric range is commendable but not top-tier in performance.
Starting price: $40,100; EPA city/highway/combined fuel efficiency: 35 mpg.
As one of the benchmark models in the compact crossover SUV segment, the CR-V Hybrid performs well in meeting the needs of hybrid SUV owners, offering reasonable pricing, spacious and well-designed interior, and good fuel economy. However, the car has some drawbacks, such as sluggish acceleration.
Starting price: $35,400; EPA city/highway/combined fuel efficiency: 43/36/40 mpg.
This vehicle offers relatively large space, low fuel consumption, and robust performance. The Corolla Cross Hybrid boasts a fuel consumption of 45 mpg, making it more fuel-efficient than any other model in its price range, providing a better driving experience.
Compared to the Honda CR-V Hybrid, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has a slight advantage in fuel economy but falls behind in interior space, performance, and towing capacity.
Starting price: $29,570; EPA city/highway/combined fuel efficiency: 45/38/42 mpg.
This is the only American vehicle among the top ten best 2024 hybrid SUVs.
Powering the 2024 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a hybrid power assist function, providing a combined power output of 210 horsepower to the front wheels via a CVT. The Escape PHEV stands out with its 37-mile all-electric battery range, making it an ideal electric vehicle for shorter commutes. When combined with the gasoline engine, the total range can reach 520 miles. The Escape PHEV seamlessly transitions from electric to gasoline power due to its offline battery supply.
Starting price: $41,995; EPA city/highway/combined fuel efficiency: 42/36/39 mpg.
Ranging from 11th to 13th place are:
– 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (score 8.0)
– 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid (score 7.9)
– 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (score 7.9)