9 Best Hybrid SUVs
SUV1. 2016 Lexus NX 300
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| Photo Credit: Toyota |
If you're looking
for a the best hybrid SUV in the compact luxury segment you're facing a
field of two, with the front-runner being the 2016 Lexus NH 300h. The
Lexus NX 300h adopts the same aggressive styling as the turbocharged
version of the sport-utility vehicle, but it offers a ride that's
smoother and more controlled. It also doesn't give up much grunt to its
gas-only showroom companion, with 194 horses produced by its 2.5-liter,
four-cylinder engine and pair of electric motors. If you order all-wheel
drive with the NX 300h, you benefit from an additional electric motor
to drive the rear axles, and fuel mileage for the Lexus checks in at
35-mpg city and 31-mpg highway.
2. 2016 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid
The 2016 Porsche Cayenne
S E-Hybrid offers the EV bonus of a plug-in hybrid design combined with
the German brand's reputation for outstanding performance. It's
possible to drive the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid as far as 20 miles on
battery power alone, but when it's time to put the hammer down you can
tap into 416 horsepower from the hybrid SUV's 3.0-liter, supercharged
V-6 and single electric motor team. Combined with standard all-wheel
drive and an adaptive suspension system, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid can leap
to 60-mph in 5.4 seconds while returning combined fuel efficiency
figures of 22-mpg.
3. 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
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| Photo Credit: Christian Wardlaw |
The 2016 Subaru XV
Crosstrek Hybrid is the most affordable hybrid SUV on our list, and it
comes from a company that is testing the gasoline/electric waters for
the first time with this model (which was introduced the previous year).
A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine is matched with an electric motor
under the skin of the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, and together they are
good for 161 horsepower (somewhat more robust than the standard version
of the SUV). All-wheel drive comes free of charge with the Subaru, but
surprisingly the Crosstrek Hybrid is only barely better at the fuel pump
than the base model, showing an improvement of four miles per gallon in
city driving to 29-mpg and matching its gas-only equivalent on the
highway with a 33-mpg rating.
4. 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2016 Toyota Highlander
Hybrid is a full-size people mover that is quick, practical, and
relatively affordable when compared against other vehicles in its class.
Thanks to the pairing of a 3.5-liter V-6 with three electric motors the
Toyota Highlander Hybrid is good for 280 horsepower, and it also offers
standard all-wheel drive to help drivers stay surefooted during
slippery weather conditions. Although the placement of the Highlander
Hybrid's battery pack reduces seating from eight (gas model) to seven,
there's still over 80 cubic feet of cargo space to take advantage of
inside its spacious confines.
5. 2016 Volvo XC90 T8
The 2016 Volvo XC90
T8 is a gamble for the Swedish automaker, but it's one that's wrapped
in the most luxurious vehicle Volvo has ever produced. The plug-in
hybrid Volvo XC90 T8 features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is
both supercharged and turbocharged, and then matches it with two
electric motors - one between the engine and the eight-speed automatic
transmission and one at the rear axles - in order to produce a total of
400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. You might have noticed that
those are Porsche-levels of power in the hybrid SUV segment, and while
the all-wheel drive XC90 T8 might not be as quick as the Cayenne S
E-Hybrid it does manage to match its 22-mpg in combined driving (and
offers 25 miles of battery-only driving).
6. 2016 Audi Q5 Hybrid
The 2016 Audi Q5 hybrid
is the Lexus NX 300h's only compact luxury rival in the
battery-assisted segment. The Audi Q5 Hybrid tilts more towards the
performance side of the spectrum as compared to the Lexus, what with its
245 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque on tap from a 2.0-liter,
turbocharged four-cylinder engine working in concert with a single
electric motor. All-wheel drive is included with each and every Q5
Hybrid, and the vehicle is capable of posting 24-mpg in stop and go
driving and 30-mpg on the highway.
7. 2016 Lexus RX 450h
The 2016 Lexus RX
450h has been the luxury brand's flagship since it was first introduced
in 2006, adding an extra layer of prestige and eco-friendliness to the
most popular model in the automaker's line-up. For 2016 the Lexus RX
450h delivers 295 horsepower and an impressive 32-mpg in city driving
from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that works together with either a pair
(front-wheel drive) or trio (all-wheel drive) of electric motors. On the
highway the RX 450h can be counted on to return 29-mpg, and this
mid-size hybrid SUV features the same smooth and quiet ride that has
become a Lexus trademark.
8. 2016 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid
The 2016 Infiniti
QX60 Hybrid is considerably larger than the Lexus RX 450h, and its extra
row of seating (seven passengers versus five) allows it to go after
growing families who need that much more extra room inside their daily
driver. Despite its bulk the Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is motivated by a
2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine (albeit on that is supercharged) as well
as an electric motor that work together to produce 250 horsepower.
All-wheel drive is available with the QX60 Hybrid (although you don't
get a second electric motor if you opt for the extra traction), and fuel
economy checks in at a respectable 25-mpg around town and 28-mpg during
highway cruising.
9. 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid
The 2016 Nissan
Pathfinder Hybrid is the Infiniti Hybrid's platform-mate, which means
you get essentially the same 2.5-liter, supercharged four-cylinder
engine and single electric motor generating 250 horsepower as you do in
the pricier luxury model. Those seeking to stretch their dollar rather
than pay a premium for extra on-road comfort will be happy to note that
the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid also offers seven passenger seating across
three rows, along with the option of all-wheel drive. Fuel mileage
figures for the more affordable Nissan are a match for the Infiniti's
25-mpg city and 28-mpg highway listing.