The autos industry is a huge one and it seems like each period births new car models packed with amazing features that make driving even more fun. SUV, one of the most popular and oldest car types has benefitted hugely from technology since it was first introduced; the whole package itself is a product of technology. SUVs have become very popular over the years and the increasing demands have perhaps played a huge part in the hike in their prices. Not just the demands but the world is moving into a fully-fledged technology mode and every industry is benefitting from that, including the autos industry.
It’s not surprising what SUVs have turned out to be; quick, strong, rugged, and are now packed with off-road features that make them very versatile vehicles. Originally, Sport Utility Vehicles are high in demand because of how powerful and versatile they are. If you’re looking for a good family vehicle that can take as many people as possible, these are the types of vehicles you should be looking to get.
Electric vehicles are said to be the future of vehicles with that generation giving birth to a leading set of vehicles that are going to change the concept of the automobile industry and how it operates. We are beginning to see the importance of electric vehicles in our world today; the concept is crystal clear. People are pushing for a less toxic environment where fewer vehicle wastes are produced and gas consumption is lesser. Electric vehicles are being produced but not in large quantities as the transition will not be as easy as initially predicted. However, there are better alternatives and they are hybrids. SUVs too come in hybrid forms and they combine the performance that they’re largely known for with low-emissions electrified powertrains.
If you’re wondering what the best hybrid SUVs on the market are, we’ve rounded up a list of the top 10 best hybrid SUVs you can buy in 2021.
1. 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45E
One of the most exciting features in this BMW hybrid SUV is its 3.0L 6-cylinder petrol engine that is perfectly complemented by a 23 kW battery which is just as big as what you’ll find in a mini electric vehicle. If you need the combined benefits of combustion and electric engine, the flexible BMW X5 xDrive 45e will give you just that. It is by a country mile the best in its class and has a starting MSRP of $65,400 USD.
2. 2021 Volvo XC90 Hybrid
For many years, Volvo XC90 has been regarded as perhaps the best luxury family SUV in the autos market, although that is opinionated. It is the first Volvo production to have the T8 plug-in hybrid system with an electric range of up to 31 miles – a great feat for this SUV. The seven-seater luxury SUV still even has a towing capacity of 4,000lbs, proof that despite being a luxury car, it’s still as powerful as what is considered to be the best off-road SUVs. It has a starting MSRP of $49,000 USD.
3. 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota produces some of the best productions of every year without doubts and the manufacturer has done well with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The vehicle features an All-Wheel Drive Integrated Management with Information Display monitor. Under the hood of the base trim is an Electronic-AWD 2.5L hybrid engine with front and rear power output of 118/54hp (88/40 kW) and 149/89lb-ft of torque. The engine is further powered by a direct shift 8-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with intelligence and sequential shift mode. Starting MSRP for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is $28,800 USD.
4. 2021 Lexus UX Hybrid
The Lexus brand has luxury and performance as part of the company’s core values and we keep seeing that in all Lexus productions with the 2021 Lexus UX Hybrid not being exempted from the list. This vehicle shares the same powertrain tech with the popular Toyota Prius hatchback, with its 2.0L petrol engine combining with the electric motor that delivers up to 68.9mph. Its most exciting feature? That would be the fact that is self-charging, thereby, you won’t needing to plug it in. It comes with a starting price of $35,200 USD.
5. 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid
As a global manufacturer, Ford has mastered the key to producing vehicles successfully and the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid is one of them. The vehicle runs on the popular 2.5L Atkinson-cycle powertrain that produces an 88 kW motor and is electronically controlled. With this vehicle, power and handling are top-notch with an Electric Power-Assisted Steering which is supported by an Electric Parking Brake and Post-collision braking. If you go further down, you’ll find the 17-inch Shadow Silver-Painted Aluminum Wheels on the standard trim while you also have optional 19-inch Machined-face Ebony-painted Aluminum and a mini spare wheel. Despite being packed with a host of wonderful features, the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid only comes with a starting MSRP of $27,605 USD.
6. 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
With the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid, you have the option to go into a full-electric mode, thanks to the high-density, lithium-ion polymer battery. The base trim, LXS, runs on a 1.6L engine with a plug-in hybrid electric motor mated to a dual-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission with Auto Emergency Braking Technology which helps improve performance. There are lots of safety features this vehicle is packed with but the two most important would be the Forward Collision-avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection and the Blind-spot Collision warning. A starting MSRP of $29,590 USD puts it in the range of the most affordable hybrid SUVs.
7. 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V has been one of the best-selling crossover vehicles for the past couple of years and this year’s edition is available with an advanced hybrid powertrain that gives you the chance to experience the power of an all-wheel-drive in an electric mode. The hybrid powertrain of the 2021 Honda CR-V presents you with 212 total system horsepower @ 6200 rpm, accompanied by loads of cargo space, giving you the true definition of a good crossover SUV. Some of its other exciting features include heated front seats, Apple CarPlay Integration, Android Auto Integration, Honda Sensing Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies and many more. The vehicle comes with a starting MSRP of $27,860 USD.
8. 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota keeps proving to everyone why they’re regarded as one of the most respected autos manufacturers in the world. The 2021 Toyota Highland is a rugged SUV with an electronic All-Wheel-Drive hybrid drivetrain that is responsible for sending automatic power to the rear wheels of the vehicle for improved traction. Under the hood is a 2.5L 4-cylinder ECVT Hybrid engine mated to an 8-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission to produce a combined net 243 horsepower and 175lb-ft of torque. Pricing for this vehicle starts at $38,510 USD.
9. 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Hybrid
This was the first-ever plug-in hybrid SUV ever to be sold after it was introduced to the public in 2013 and 8 years on, it’s showing no sign of being out of any list as far as hybrid SUVs are concerned. The rugged SUV runs on a 2.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor with a strong battery to keep performances up and produce a combined power output of 221bhp. The PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) has a starting price of $36,295 USD.
10. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
This is another plug-in hybrid SUV and Subaru’s most equipped and most fuel-efficient Crosstrek model ever. The vehicle uses what Subaru tags ‘Subaru StarDrive Technology’ to the capability of a conventional gasoline engine and the efficiency of a plug-in electric vehicle to deliver mouthwatering performance. The hybrid takes up to 45 hours to charge to 100% from 0 when plugged in to a 120V household outlet. Starting price for the 2021 Crosstrek is $35,345 USD.
