Consumer Reports Best Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000

Why Go Hybrid?

The arguments for going hybrid over gas or electric comes down to two current fundamental truths: (1) Hybrids significantly cut down on carbon emissions in comparison to gas-only vehicles. (2) The charging infrastructure for a totally electric vehicle world is not there yet and could be as far as a decade down the road…but probably longer.

While EV purists argue that their EVs are more efficient, there’s a lot to be said about just how environmentally efficient and friendly these vehicle types actually are in truth.

For example, two important issues involve recyclability of EVs and their batteries. And the toll mining of rare Earth minerals to support growing EV battery production, takes on human rights in developing countries such as the Congo.

Despite these issues, hybrids straddling both the EV and ICE worlds, are a more commonsense approach today for new car shoppers.

Related article: Used Hybrids and Hatchbacks with the Best Fuel Economy Say Consumer Reports Analysts

The Benefits of Hybrid

According to CR automotive experts, the benefits of owning a hybrid include:

• Higher mpg: Most hybrid SUVs get more than 35 mpg and most hybrid sedans get more than 45 mpg. That’s about a 40 percent improvement over non-hybrids, on average.
• Easy to use: Unlike a pure electric vehicle, you don’t have to plug in a hybrid. Simply refuel at any gas station.
• Better to drive: CR’s tests show that the hybrid versions of many cars have more power and smoother acceleration than the gas-only models.

Not Yesteryear’s Hybrid

If shoppers do consider going hybrid, they need to understand that a lot has changed toward the improvements of hybrids. While yesteryear models of hybrids are popular and remain recommended, buying a newer model of hybrid has much more to offer with the caveat that “Not all hybrids are equal” as evidenced by a statement from a recent CR newsletter that, “…today’s hybrids have little in common with the slow and noisy ones from a decade ago.”

“As Consumer Reports’ auto experts have seen in testing, hybrid versions of vehicles generally have a better response when starting up from a stop, and are quicker and quieter in regular driving and when accelerating. Many of them also have ride and handling characteristics that are as good as—or better than—their conventionally powered siblings,” states the latest newsletter on Hybrid vehicle shopping.

Best Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000

That said, here is a summary of their latest listing on hybrid SUVs you should consider when shopping for a new car:

Small SUVs

Honda CR-V Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $33,700 - $39,850

CR MPG:  Overall 35 / City 31 / Hwy 38 mpg

#5 of 27 Compact SUVs

Ford Escape Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $28,000 - $40,500

CR MPG:  Overall 34 / City 30 / Hwy 38 mpg

#15 of 27 Compact SUVs

Midsized SUVs and Minivans

Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $36,620 - $53,025

CR MPG:  Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg

#1 of 20 Midsized SUVs 3-row

Toyota Venza 2024

Price Range:  $34,920 - $43,065

CR MPG:  Overall 37 / City 31 / Hwy 42 mpg

#3 of 16 Midsized SUVs

Kia Sorento Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $36,690 - $49,990

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 22 / Hwy 34 mpg

#8 of 20 Midsized SUVs 3-row

Toyota Sienna 2024

Price Range:  $37,185 - $53,405

CR MPG:  Overall 36 / City 28 / Hwy 43 mpg

#2 of 6 Minivans 3-row

For additional articles related to recent new and used Hybrid vehicle recommendations, here are three for your consideration:

• 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Video
• Important Test Before Deciding Between the New Hybrid and Non-Hybrid Toyota Tundra
• Toyota Hybrid Questions Answered by This Toyota Dealer

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports Best Car Tires of 2023 Update

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