THE BEST SMALL HYBRID SUVS

With new car prices soaring year after year, it's becoming increasingly important to make an educated purchase when buying a new car. In the case of SUVs, as they continue to dominate the automotive market globally, options abound. In terms of performance, equipment, safety, and, in some cases, a level of electrification, such as hybrid powertrains, the majority of big car companies worldwide have dedicated themselves to expanding their range of SUVs, such as the compact hybrid SUVs we're analyzing today. However, one aspect is crucial in determining which models are the best: Reliability.

When we buy a new car, most of us do not think our brand-new ride will give us problems in the first few years of ownership. But, the reality is that even when a vehicle is just leaving the dealership for the first time, it can fail. Whether it’s a minor quality control defect or a breakdown that may end up in a manufacturer's recall if it's a widespread problem across that particular model. This article compiles our pick of the best compact hybrid SUVs. While comfort, styling, and of course, price are essential, we only focus on reliability and overall performance.

2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid

Overall Score: 7.5/10

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid brings Toyota’s reputation for reliability in a practical and fuel-efficient package. It's powered by a hybrid drivetrain comprising a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, no less than three electric motors, and standard all-wheel drive, promising a smooth and responsive driving experience. The gasoline engine alone generates 150 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque .

Regarding fuel economy, the EPA estimates 45 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined. That's 15 miles per gallon better than the city rating for the non-hybrid all-wheel drive Corolla Cross and 12 mpg better in combined driving. It also delivers six mpg more when driving on the highway.

Performance Specifications

Toyota's reputation for reliability extends to the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Among 21 Kelley Blue Book reviews of the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, 73-percent of owners recommend it, with reliability and comfort praised as top features. Performance is considered its weakest point, but 57-percent rate it five out of five stars. It has one recall at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for Incorrect Weight Capacity Label/FMVSS 110. All these are the reasons why the Corolla Cross Hybrid scored a 7.5 out of 10.

2024 Ford Escape Hybrid

Overall Score: 7.5/10

The 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid is an efficient and versatile SUV that equips the latest technology. It's propelled by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine working with two electric motors and complemented by a CVT. It delivers a combined 192 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque and impressive fuel economy estimates with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Escape Hybrid is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations , providing versatility for various driving conditions.

Performance Specifications

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Ford Escape "Good" for crashworthiness. The Escape Hybrid earned a favorable rating from iSeeCars based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value, and safety. While specific reliability data for the 2024 model may vary, Ford's reputation for producing dependable cars bodes well for the Escape hybrid's long-term performance. The current generation of the Ford Escape hybrid hasn't received complaints or recalls from the NHTSA.

2024 Kia Niro Hybrid

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid offers an exciting proposal with efficiency and practicality in mind, making it an appealing option for eco-conscious drivers who also want a reliable family vehicle. Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, the Niro Hybrid delivers a combined output of 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Niro Hybrid excels in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on the highway, and 49 mpg combined.

Performance Specifications

Regarding safety, the Kia Niro Hybrid comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Reliability is a strong suit for Kia, and the Niro Hybrid reflects this with high scores from sources like J.D. Power, scoring 79 out of 100 based on consumer ratings. The Niro Hybrid doesn't have recalls or investigations at the NHTSA.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid is Toyota’s best-selling hybrid vehicle. It continues to build on its reputation as a versatile and fuel-efficient SUV, offering a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and reliability. Under the hood, the RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 219 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque combined. This powertrain is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comes standard with all-wheel drive that promises confident handling in various driving conditions.

Performance Specifications

The RAV4 Hybrid boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined, making it one of the most economical options. The RAV4 hybrid scored 78 out of 100 on consumer reviews at J.D. Power and 8.3 out of 10 at iSeeCars Best Hybrid SUVs for 2024. This data-driven analysis considers each vehicle's reliability, resale value, and safety. The NHTSA hasn't issued recalls or investigations for the RAV4 hybrid.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Overall Score: 8.5/10

​​​​​​​The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has made a reputation for its blend of practicality and reliability. Powered by a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, it offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. With a horsepower rated at 226 and torque in the range of 258 lb-ft, it provides ample power for everyday driving and occasional highway cruising. The Tucson Hybrid is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power.

Performance Specifications

Regarding fuel efficiency, this SUV from Kia boasts impressive EPA estimates with 37 mpg in the city, 36 mph on the highway, and 37 mpg combined. Although the 2024 model year hasn't been rated by the NHTSA, in 2023, this generation of the Tucson hybrid didn't get any recalls or investigations, and the IIHS awarded Tucson a Top Safety Pick+. Consumer reviews rated the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 4.3 stars out of 5.

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid perfectly balances performance, efficiency, and safety. Under the hood, it houses a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission manages this power. Fuel efficiency is impressive, with EPA ratings of up to 38 miles per gallon in the city and highway combined for the all-wheel-drive variant.

Performance Specifications

The Sportage Hybrid offers confidence in safety and reliability. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+, and the NHTSA awarded it five stars in safety, with zero recalls or investigations. Consumer reviews at Edmunds rated the Kia Sportage Hybrid 4.6 out of 5, with 72-percent rating it five stars. 80-percent of consumers who reviewed the Sportage Hybrid at Kelley Blue Book recommend this SUV.

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Overall Score: 10/10

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid stands out in the compact SUV segment and is a top choice in reliability. Under the hood, it boasts a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a robust 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), ensuring smooth acceleration and optimal fuel economy. This CR-V achieves up to 43 MPG in city driving, 36 MPG on the highway, and 40 MPG combined.

Performance Specifications

Regarding reliability, consumer reviews at Kelley Blue Book rated it at 4.2 stars out of 5, with 75-percent of reviewers recommending the RAV4 Hybrid. The IIHS awarded this Honda SUV Top Safety Pick+, and the NHTSA hasn't issued recalls or investigations, which has helped continue its momentum as not just Honda's best-selling hybrid.

2024-09-15T11:12:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd