Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs for 2023
The best used and new luxury hybrid SUVs based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best luxury hybrid SUV is the Lexus RX 450h based on our analysis of 12 million vehicles to assess their reliability, resale value and safety. Its overall rating of 9 out of 10 reflects the RX 450h’s reliability, value retention and safety scores. A new Lexus RX 450h costs between $48,720 and $54,520 while a used version costs between $36,967 and $57,999. This luxury hybrid SUV can seat up to 5 people and is EPA rated to deliver up to 30 miles per gallon in mixed city/highway driving.
The Luxury Hybrid SUV category consists of 25 models priced between $35,540 and $185,000 for new vehicles and between $26,444 and $168,749 for used vehicles. iSeeCars has sufficient vehicle data to rate and rank 13 of these 25 models based on their reliability, value retention and safety scores.
Why Should I Buy a Luxury Hybrid SUV?
For drivers who want a premium SUV that is more fuel-efficient than a typical SUV or crossover, hybrid SUVs are an appealing choice. Luxury hybrid SUVs are both functional and practical: they provide added cargo space while offering the fuel economy of a hybrid vehicle.
It's worth noting that while hybrid versions of popular SUVs, like the Lexus RX Hybrid, tend to have a higher starting price versus their gasoline counterparts, they often come better equipped, too. This means more standard luxury features and advanced safety features are included in their new car price. However, both hybrid and non-hybrid SUVs are available with the latest technology, like touchscreen infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspots, and adaptive cruise control.
What are the Best Hybrid SUVs?
While hybrid vehicles originated as small hatchbacks and sedans, they have expanded to larger vehicles like SUVs and minivans. Many popular luxury crossovers have hybrid powertrains, including the Volvo XC90, the Porsche Cayenne, and even the BMW X5. Luxury Hybrid SUVs range in size from compact SUVs like the Lexus NX to midsize crossovers like the roomy three-row Volvo XC90, which means there is a hybrid SUV to suit your driving needs.
Just like they range in size from compact to midsize SUVs with a third row, luxury hybrid SUVs also range in fuel economy. The midsize Lexus RX450h gets an EPA-rated 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the compact Lexus NX 350h earns an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Many luxury hybrid SUVs are only available as plug-in hybrid models (also called PHEVs), which return even better fuel economy. These PHEVs feature a hybrid system with larger battery packs and a limited all-electric range before switching on their gasoline engine.
Examples include the Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid, which returns an estimated 55 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid returns an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving when operating as a hybrid, and it can drive up to 16 miles on battery power alone. Both come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Some vehicles, like the Lexus NX, are available as either a standard hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
Lastly, whether you want a performance-oriented vehicle or simply a fuel-efficient alternative to a luxury SUV, there’s a luxury hybrid SUV to match your preference. The Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q5 offer turbocharged engines that put out 455 and 362 horsepower respectively, while the Land Rover Range Rover plug-in hybrid offers the brand’s characteristic off-road capability but with better fuel economy. And if your emphasis is on both value and fuel economy, the smaller Lexus NX has a highly efficient four-cylinder working with its hybrid motor.
What Other Vehicles Should I Consider?
This list only includes the best hybrid SUVs by luxury automakers. If you want a hybrid SUV from a mainstream automaker like Toyota or Hyundai, you will have more options to choose from with our list of the Best Hybrid SUVs. Or, if you want something smaller like the Lexus ES 300h sedan or another hybrid luxury car, check out our list of the Best Luxury Hybrid Cars.
Buyers looking for a vehicle with an all-electric-motor with zero emissions, whether that means the longstanding Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S or newer electric vehicles like the Porsche Taycan and Volkswagen ID.4, should check out our Best Electric Cars or Best Electric SUVs lists.
Why Should I Buy a Luxury Hybrid SUV?
For drivers who want a premium SUV that is more fuel-efficient than a typical SUV or crossover, hybrid SUVs are an appealing choice. Luxury hybrid SUVs are both functional and practical: they provide added cargo space while offering the fuel economy of a hybrid vehicle.
It's worth noting that while hybrid versions of popular SUVs, like the Lexus RX Hybrid, tend to have a higher starting price versus their gasoline counterparts, they often come better equipped, too. This means more standard luxury features and advanced safety features are included in their new car price. However, both hybrid and non-hybrid SUVs are available with the latest technology, like touchscreen infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspots, and adaptive cruise control.
What are the Best Hybrid SUVs?
While hybrid vehicles originated as small hatchbacks and sedans, they have expanded to larger vehicles like SUVs and minivans. Many popular luxury crossovers have hybrid powertrains, including the Volvo XC90, the Porsche Cayenne, and even the BMW X5. Luxury Hybrid SUVs range in size from compact SUVs like the Lexus NX to midsize crossovers like the roomy three-row Volvo XC90, which means there is a hybrid SUV to suit your driving needs.
Just like they range in size from compact to midsize SUVs with a third row, luxury hybrid SUVs also range in fuel economy. The midsize Lexus RX450h gets an EPA-rated 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the compact Lexus NX 350h earns an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Many luxury hybrid SUVs are only available as plug-in hybrid models (also called PHEVs), which return even better fuel economy. These PHEVs feature a hybrid system with larger battery packs and a limited all-electric range before switching on their gasoline engine.
Examples include the Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid, which returns an estimated 55 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid returns an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving when operating as a hybrid, and it can drive up to 16 miles on battery power alone. Both come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Some vehicles, like the Lexus NX, are available as either a standard hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
Lastly, whether you want a performance-oriented vehicle or simply a fuel-efficient alternative to a luxury SUV, there’s a luxury hybrid SUV to match your preference. The Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q5 offer turbocharged engines that put out 455 and 362 horsepower respectively, while the Land Rover Range Rover plug-in hybrid offers the brand’s characteristic off-road capability but with better fuel economy. And if your emphasis is on both value and fuel economy, the smaller Lexus NX has a highly efficient four-cylinder working with its hybrid motor.
What Other Vehicles Should I Consider?
This list only includes the best hybrid SUVs by luxury automakers. If you want a hybrid SUV from a mainstream automaker like Toyota or Hyundai, you will have more options to choose from with our list of the Best Hybrid SUVs. Or, if you want something smaller like the Lexus ES 300h sedan or another hybrid luxury car, check out our list of the Best Luxury Hybrid Cars.
Buyers looking for a vehicle with an all-electric-motor with zero emissions, whether that means the longstanding Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S or newer electric vehicles like the Porsche Taycan and Volkswagen ID.4, should check out our Best Electric Cars or Best Electric SUVs lists.
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
9.3
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.9
/ 10
-
Safety
8.7
/ 10
2. Acura MDX (hybrid)
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
9.5
/ 10
-
Value Retention
6.7
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
3. Lexus NX 300h
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
6.3
/ 10
-
Value Retention
9.2
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
4. Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid)
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.6
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.7
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.2
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.8
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.5
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.1
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.7
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.3
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
8. BMW X3 (Plug-in Hybrid)
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.3
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.4
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.3
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.0
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.4
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.8
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.2
/ 10
-
Value Retention
6.9
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.4
/ 10
-
Value Retention
6.7
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
13. Volvo XC60 (Plug-in Hybrid)
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.1
/ 10
-
Value Retention
6.5
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
9.2
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
Mercedes-Benz GLC (Plug-in Hybrid)
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.4
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.4
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.3
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
Coming soon
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
Coming soon
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
Coming soon
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
Coming soon
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
Coming soon
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
Coming soon
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
Coming soon
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
Coming soon
-
Safety
Not Available
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How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).