When you’re in the market for an SUV, consider hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Ford Escape, Honda CRV, and Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
These vehicles offer several benefits, like increased range, enhanced performance, and fuel efficiency. Moreover, they provide tax credits and rebates that further offset the cost of the vehicle.
Discover the best hybrid SUVs in Canada today, their pros and cons, and how to find the ideal unit for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The top fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs in Canada include the Toyota Highlander, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Kia Sorento, Kia Niro Hybrid, and Hyundai Santa Fe.
- The best luxury hybrid SUVs in Canada include the BMW XM, BMW X5 xDrive50e, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus RX, and Land Rover Range Rover.
- In choosing the best hybrid SUV, the factors to consider include cost, size, purpose, and fuel efficiency.
Best Hybrid SUVs in Canada
If you’re searching for a fuel-efficient SUV, here are the 10 best hybrid SUVs available in Canada.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a compact 5-seater SUV available in gas-powered, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. It is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged gas engine and electric motor and has a maximum power of 227 hp @ 5500 rpm.
This 6-speed automatic transmission AWD SUV has a fuel capacity of 52 L (1.50 kWh). It has a city rating of 6.1 L/100km and a highway rating of 6.3 L/100km.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD comes in four models, features flexible seating for up to 8, and elevated convenience and safety. It comes with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and delivers an output of 243 hp.
With a fuel capacity of 64 L (1.90 kWh), this SUV has a posted average fuel economy of 6.7 L/100 km. It has city and highway ratings of 6.7 L/100km and 6.8 L/100km, respectively.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Known for its dependability and remarkable fuel economy, the Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and efficient storage batteries. This variable-speed automatic transmission AWD features a maximum power of 219 hp.
With a fuel capacity of 55 L (1.60 kWh), it has a city rating of 5.8 L/100km and 6.3 L/100km on the highway.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape ST-Line FWD Hybrid model is a 5-seater SUV powered by a 2.5L I-4 and a power drivetrain that produces a maximum power of 200 hp @ 6250 rpm and a maximum torque of 155 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm.
The SUV has a fuel economy of 54 L (1.10 kWh) and a fuel range of 723 km. Its city and highway ratings are 5.6 L/100km and 6.5 L/100km, respectively.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid comes with a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder that combines an electric motor to produce 226 hp and a peak torque of 258 lb-ft.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the SUV’s official ratings are 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 L/100 km on the highway.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V hybrid is a 5-seat SUV that comes in 2 trim levels. It comes with a 2.0L I-4 combined with a 135-kW motor, producing a maximum power of 204 hp and a maximum torque of 247 lb-ft.
This variable-speed automatic AWD has a fuel capacity of 53 L (1.40 kWh) and a fuel range of 828 km. Its city rating is 6.0 L/100km and 6.9 L/100km on the highway.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla hybrid is a 5-seat AWD sedan with a 1.8L four-cylinder engine, a variable transmission and a high-torque electric motor-generator system that produces 138 system horsepower.
The fuel economy for this SUV is 4.7 L/100 km for combined driving environments, with city and highway ratings at 4.4 and 5.1 L/100km, respectively.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a 6-seater all-wheel drive SUV powered by a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission, generating 227 hp with a 258 ft-lb torque.
Available in two trim levels, its fuel consumption is estimated at 6.4/7.0 L/100km (city/highway ratings).
Kia Niro Hybrid
Kia Niro’s hybrid version is available with four trims, which all come with a hybrid gasoline-electric 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to produce a combined 139 hp and a torque of 195 lb-ft.
As for fuel efficiency, the front-wheel drive SUV is rated at 4.5L/100km in city driving, 4.4L/100km on the highway, and 4.4 combined.
Hyundai Santa Fe
This 5-seater midsize all-wheel drive hybrid SUV from Hyundai is designed with a 1.6-litre turbo-four engine and a six-speed automatic powertrain. Standard hybrids come with 226 hp and pack 258 lb-ft of torque.
The standard Hyundai Santa Fe model has a fuel economy of 7.5 L/100 km combined, with 7.1 L/100km and 7.9 L/100km city and highway ratings.
Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs in Canada
If you’re searching for a fuel-efficient SUV in Canada, here are the ten best hybrid SUVs.
BMW XM
The BMW XM is a 5-seater plug-in hybrid high-performance vehicle fitted with a system consisting of an M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine and a 194-hp electric motor that produces an output of 644 hp and 590 lb-ft. of torque.
Regarded by some as the best luxury hybrid SUV in Canada, the BMW XM is designed with a 69 L (29.48 kWh) fuel capacity. It has a 7.4kW onboard charger and a charging time of 4.25 hours @ 240 volts.
BMW X5 xDrive50e
The BMW X5 xDrive50e is a plug-in hybrid AWD vehicle with an intercooled turbo gas/electric I-6 engine. It has an increased system output with up to 483 hp and a range that’s now up to 64 km.
The luxury SUV has a fuel tank capacity of 69 L, with an estimated fuel consumption of 10.9 (L/100km) in the city and 10.2 on the highway.
Lexus NX 350h
The Lexus NX 350h hybrid 5-seater SUV features a 2.5L four-cylinder and Lexus Hybrid Drive unit that produces 239 hp. Available in 1 trim level, this luxury AWD SUV comes with a variable-speed automatic transmission.
With a 55 L (1.70 kWh) fuel capacity and 914 km fuel range, the NX 350h fuel economy is rated at 5.7 L/100km and 6.4 L/100km in the city and highway accordingly, and 6.0 L/100km combined.
Lexus RX
Part of the Lexus RX series, the 5-seater 350h model is fitted with a self-charging system consisting of a 2.5L four‑cylinder DOHC 16-valve and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, producing 246 maximum horsepower.
With a fuel capacity of 65 litres, the fuel efficiency rating of this Ultra Luxury hybrid SUV is 6.5L/100km city/highway combined.
Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover is considered by some among the best luxury hybrid SUVs in Canada. It comes with a system that consists of a 3.0L I-6 engine, 10-kW motor and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The system produces a maximum power of 395 hp and maximum torque of 406 lb-ft.
Designed with a 90-L fuel capacity and a fuel range of 756 km, this luxury SUV has a city/highway rating of 13.3/10.2 L/100km and 11.9 L/100km combined.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid SUVs
Hybrid vehicles have pros and cons that can be vital factors when deciding on the merits of getting a unit. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- More fuel efficient than typical gasoline-powered vehicles
- Better gas mileage
- Excellent fuel economy
- Lower emissions than regular vehicles
- An ideal choice for the environmentally conscious
- Often require less maintenance
- Better for the environment
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs
- More expensive than conventional vehicles
- May not always be eligible for rebates
- Insurance may be more expensive
- Still produce fossil fuel emissions
How to Choose the Best Hybrid SUV for You
Choosing the ideal hybrid SUV depends on several factors, including fuel efficiency, size, safety, cost and how you intend to use it.
- Cost. Hybrid cars can be expensive. Take your budget into account. Evaluate your situation and whether or not you aim to compensate for the price of the vehicle through savings on fuel. This will help you decide if you should get a hybrid SUV used or in mint condition.
- Determine fuel efficiency. The most fuel-efficient hybrid SUV is one that uses the gas engine as a backup. A unit that relies on the battery as a supplement is unlikely to help you save enough on gas to cover the SUV cost.
- Inspect the size. The size of the hybrid you want to use and its available space can affect the efficiency of the car. If you want to maximize fuel efficiency, consider getting a smaller hybrid SUV.
- Purpose. How you use your hybrid SUV is another factor that will affect your purchase and help you estimate your fuel costs. Determine how often you’ll drive the vehicle and how long you expect to keep it.
FAQs
What is the lowest price luxury hybrid SUV?
The Mini Countryman ALL4 is among the most affordable hybrid SUVs in Canada. The price of this plug-in hybrid vehicle currently starts from $41,490.
What is better: a hybrid or plug-in hybrid in Canada?
Compared to traditional hybrid cars, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are better in terms of affordability. Their all-electric driving system allows you to charge up your car overnight and drive it without any gas at all. When in gasoline mode, PHEVs offer equivalent or better fuel consumption.
Which hybrid SUV has the best handling?
The Lexus NX Hybrid was named as the best hybrid SUV for city driving. Its 41 MPG fuel economy, a combined 240 HP, and AWD drivetrain make urban transportation a cinch for this SUV. Meanwhile, MotorTrend ranks the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as the best hybrid sport utility vehicle, with its standard all-wheel drive, excellent gas mileage, comprehensive driver assistance technology, and more efficiency.
Which hybrid SUV is most reliable?
The Honda CR-V is the most reliable hybrid SUV based on its outstanding build quality, easy-to-use technology, lower fuel bills, and more power than its gas counterpart. The Honda CRV is also recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, according to Kelley Blue Book.
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