Best Hybrid SUVs for Less Than $35,000 From Consumer Reports' Tests

Choosing a Hybrid Makes Sense Over All-Electric

Earlier we had discovered which new models of Hybrids are ones that will save you the most money on gas per a Consumer Reports analysis last July. Today, however, we find out that there’s more to gas economy when choosing a Hybrid---a commonsense approach (or transition--if you will--before going all-electric) and reliability.

The arguments for going Hybrid over gas or electric comes down to two current fundamental truths: Hybrids significantly cut down on carbon emissions in comparison to ICE vehicles; and, the charging infrastructure for a totally electric vehicle world is not there yet and may be as far as a decade down the road.

While EV purists argue that their EVs are more efficient, there’s a lot to be said about just how environmentally friendly these vehicle types actually are. Be that as it may, however, Hybrids straddling both the EV and ICE worlds, might be a more commonsensical approach during what will be an inevitable EV world order.

According to a past CR newsletter, Hybrids make sense because by combining a “…battery pack, an electric motor that drives the car at low speeds, and a gas engine that kicks in for higher speeds, climbing hills, or recharging the battery. Regenerative braking uses the car’s momentum as it slows down or coasts to create extra electricity.”

“Hybrids are so fuel-efficient because they utilize energy that would otherwise be wasted,” reported Jake Fisher (senior director of CR’s Auto Test Center) last year who added that if car shoppers have the option of buying a Hybrid, that they should go Hybrid.

“They get better fuel economy and are often quicker and quieter, too. In nearly every case, the hybrid version is the better option,” stated Fisher.

Hybrid SUVs

Another bit of good news concerning Hybrid vehicles is that they have expanded from small compact cars to larger SUVs without the growing pains observed in the earliest of Hybrid models; and, “…the hybrids that automakers are building today are often better in nearly every way than their conventionally powered siblings,” stated a recent Consumer Reports newsletter about Hybrid SUVs they found exceptional.

Related article: WORST SUVs of 2023 You Should Never Buy

That said, here is a summary of the Hybrid models CR experts consider the best Hybrid SUVs you can buy today for under $35,000.

CR’S TOP-RATED HYBRID SUV VEHICLES

1. 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Price Range: $30,900 - $44,310
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 29 / Hwy 40 mpg
Rated #2 of 29 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Predicted reliability: 3/5

“We expect the 2023 Tucson Hybrid will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022 models.”

Predicted owner satisfaction: 4/5

2. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Price Range: $27,290 - $42,990
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 31 / Hwy 39 mpg
Rated #5 of 29 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Predicted reliability: 3/5

“We expect the 2023 Sportage Hybrid to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on Kia's brand history, data from other hybrids, and the other Sportages.”

Predicted owner satisfaction: 3/5

3. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Price Range: $27,975 - $39,030
CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 41 mpg
Rated #7 of 29 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Predicted reliability: 4/5

“We expect the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2020, 2021 and 2022 models.”

Predicted owner satisfaction: 3/5

4. 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
Price Range: $27,500 - $39,460
CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 30 / Hwy 38 mpg
Rated #11 of 29 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Predicted reliability: 3/5

“We expect the 2023 Escape Hybrid will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2020, 2021 and 2022 models.”

Predicted owner satisfaction: 3/5

And finally…

For a more detailed breakdown of each listed vehicle to get the full picture of its pluses and minuses, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

For additional articles important need-to-know info for potential Hybrid shoppers, here are a few recommended articles:

• Recommended Compact Hybrid Cars Per New Consumer Reports Survey

• Toyota Hybrid Owner Experience with an Aftermarket Hybrid Battery

• Roomiest and Comfiest Compact Hybrid Cars Tested by Consumer Reports

COMING UP NEXT: Common Way Ford Owners Destroy Their Triton Engines

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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