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

Best New Hybrid SUV Selections

According to a recent Consumer Reports analysis of Hybrid vehicles, now more than ever it makes more sense to focus on buying a Hybrid over a gas-only vehicle.

“They get better fuel economy and are often quicker and quieter, too. In nearly every case, the hybrid version is the better option,” stated one CR analyst in an earlier newsletter comparing Hybrids to their gas-only counterparts.

Not Yesteryear’s Hybrid

If shoppers are on the fence when considering going Hybrid over a gas-only car, they need to understand that a lot has changed toward the improvements of Hybrids that has focused not just on fuel economy, but the overall ride and ownership experience as well. While yesteryear models of Hybrids are popular and remain recommended, buying a newer model of Hybrid in 2023 has much more to offer with the caveat that “Not all Hybrids are equal.”

Related article: Why Hybrid Cars "Suck?" Not This One Mechanic Points Out

That was message in the latest Hybrid-related news from Consumer Reports analysts who hand-picked Hybrid SUV models they consider to be the best within an affordable price range of $35,000 to $45,000 with respect to the average new car price of more than $48,375 according to Kelley Blue Book valuations.

“…we present the best hybrid SUVs that cost $35,000 to $45,000 that we’ve tested, ranked by their Overall Score, which factors in road-test performance, owner satisfaction, predicted reliability, and safety. Overall Scores change over time as new information, such as reliability data, becomes available. The model pages always reflect our latest ratings,” stated CR analysts in their latest news release.

Best Hybrid SUVs
That said, here is a summary of the Hybrid SUV models that Consumer Reports rates, along with their price range, miles per gallon fuel efficiency, and current rating within their vehicle category type. Please note that prices listed may vary depending on location.

1. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $36,210 - $41,870
CR MPG: Overall 30 / City 23 / Hwy 37 mpg
#1 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

2. Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $36,620 - $53,025
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg
#2 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

3. Toyota Sienna 2023
Price Range: $36,885 - $53,105
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 28 / Hwy 43 mpg
#2 of 7 Midsized minivans

4. Toyota Venza 2023
Price Range: $34,620 - $42,765
CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 31 / Hwy 42 mpg
#3 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

5. Kia Sorento Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $30,090 - $49,990
CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 22 / Hwy 34 mpg
#8 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

And finally…

For additional CR Hybrid-related articles, here are a few select ones to consider:

• Consumer Reports’ Top-Rated Hybrid Vehicles

• Best Hybrid Cars from Consumer Reports' Tests

• Best Hybrid Cars for Under $35,000 Per Consumer Reports Advice

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 Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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