New Or Used? The Best Hybrid SUVs and What They Cost New and Used
There are so many good options; here's what you need to know to decide: New or used?
It’s a question we get all the time, and until a few years ago, there wasn’t an easy answer: Which are the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs on the market? There weren’t many and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid left the others in the dust.
And while Toyota is transitioning the Highlander into an EV, there are a lot of choices for hybrid SUVs, and many have been on the market long enough that you can actually find them gently used with plenty more miles to go.
Thanks to lighter-weight materials and more efficient powertrains, modern tech, and plug-in hybrids that offer all-electric driving, you can now widen your search to a long list of great cars.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
What Makes These the Best Hybrid SUVs?
When shopping for a hybrid SUV, new or used, you want a few things: A car that is known for going the distance—and remember, even the good ones can have issues or recalls—that has a solid tech interface that will be current for at least a few years and that has enough space and comforts for your daily routines and occasional road trips. You may also need space for kids, car seats, pets, luggage, and tall passengers.
Keep in mind, too, that not all hybrids are fuel-efficient systems. Many carmakers use hybrid technology to boost performance and add more horsepower since hybrids, which pair battery-electric performance with a gas-powered engine, can make a car faster. Confusing, I know, but ask the question: What is the estimated fuel economy? If it’s not a 25% or more gain over the gas model, it’s not going to save you money in the long run, and will likely cost more up front.
But for those who want fuel savings—fewer trips to the gas station and less money spent on gas—these are the mid-size two-row and 3-row SUVs that do all those things. We look at the base price for a hybrid model and the average used price, according to Cars.com, for a 3-4 year old model with less than 50,000 miles. We did not include the smaller compact SUVs that often eliminate key features like rear seat air vents, leather seating options and a panoramic sunroof; those are already a good value and most offer good fuel economy. If that’s what you’re hoping for, you can find that list here.
Here are the best SUVs for tech, reliability, and fuel economy, how they’re priced new and what they go for gently used.
The First-Ever Hyundai Palisade 3 Row SUV Hybrid
This is a new model to the market for 2026, and so is the hybrid model. It has an all-new hybrid engine and transmission; the company developed an all-new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a new, more efficient six-speed automatic transmission. It’s designed to work better with all wheel drive, to be more responsive and fun to drive. “More torque, more miles per gallon, and 329 horsepower? Sign me up,” said Kristen Brown of her test drive. That added power does impact the Palisade’s fuel economy a bit, estimated to get around 30 combined. So, not the gas-sipper that the Toyota Prius is, but for a 3 row SUV that with more space and features than the first generation, it’s still a bonus.
The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid starts at about $44,000, reflecting about a $5,000 upgrade over the base model non-hybrid Palisade. However, Hyundai has added more than just the more powerful and efficient engine; it offers leatherette seating, heated front seats and premium screens. If you can find a used version with a clean CarFax history, no accidents and low mileage, you might score a deal. Otherwise, look at new models with the full warranty and no “pre-loved” wear and tear.
Kia Telluride Goes Hybrid, Too
This is one of the most-anticipated new model introductions of the year. The excitement among buyers for the 2027 Kia Telluride has been palpable; not just for the Range Rover aesthetic but also, for 30 or so MPG in a full-size 3 row SUV. The interior has been completely redesigned with new features, better function and a more premium feel.
But with the new hybrid engine, Kia is really getting it right: The Kia Telluride not only gets great fuel economy but it delivers more power than the gas-only engine option (the Telluride shares this powertrain with the Hyundai Palisade hybrid). It generates 329 HP and 339 pound-feet of torque, is estimated to get 35 MPG and can tow up to 4,500 lbs. AWD is standard in all but the entry hybrid model (which offers AWD for $2,000) and is priced from $46,490.
Like the Palisade, though, go with used unless you can find a true needle in a haystack; this model is too new to the market to represent a real value used.
The OG of Great MPG: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Back in the day, this was the only SUV that offered tiny-car-like MPG with space for families, gear, and more—for my family, it was also a roof-top box, a bike rack, and space for the dog’s bed. And still, only stopping for gas a few times a month.
Fast forward, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is now available in two versions: The smaller Highlander and the larger Grand Highlander. While the two vary greatly in looks and interior features, they carry the same powertrain and get about 35 MPG.
The Highlander Hybrid is outfitted with many upgrades as standard features and is priced from $46,820, and the Grand Highlander Hybrid, which offers a less-optioned base trim, starts at $44,710. Used, the Highlander Hybrid can be found for about $35,000; because the Grand Highlander Hybrid is still a new model, there are not many on the used market, and most carry a hefty price of $47,000+.
The Volvo XC90’s Hybrids Might Be Better Pre-Owned
All non-EV Volvos are hybrids these days, but not necessarily the gas-sipper type: Volvo offers either mild-hybrid powertrains or plug-in hybrid electric options. Both the Volvo XC90 PHEV and the mild hybrid offer all wheel drive, a panoramic sunroof and leatherette seating for 6 or 7 passengers. The mild-hybrid starts at about $62,000 and gets an estimated 24 MPG. The PHEV starts at $76,000, a bit of a jump from the entry model but it delivers a lot more power and 32 miles of all-electric driving as well as a few more standard luxuries like the crystal gear shifter and enhanced ambient lighting. The base model mild-hybridproduces 247HP while the PHEV is far more powerful, delivering 455 HP.
Both are great options used, however; the mild hybrid can be found for around $40,000 and the PHEV can be found for $35,000-$45,000, though Volvo has made huge improvements in the technology in the years since; those early PHEVs—sometimes called Volvo Recharge—had an electric range of only 18 miles but deliver 400 HP.
Hybrid However You Like It: Mazda CX-90
We have tons of admiration for Mazda’s approach to hybrid technology: It’s a great car however you like your hybrid. Not unlike Volvo, the Mazda CX-90 offers mild-hybrids—here in two options, one that delivers 280 HP and one that delivers 340 HP—and a PHEV for that generates 323 HP and has an electric range of about 27 miles.
Then, you can pick your level of luxury, from basic but lovely to premium under-the-radar luxury. There are seating options for 6, 7 or 8 passengers and choices from leatherette to leather, a panoramic sunroof and more. The only downside is that Mazda hasn’t yet upgraded the multimedia system to its new version seen in the 2026 Mazda CX-5. So while it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it doesn’t yet have touch screen (though Apple CarPlay is touch-accessible) or voice-activated assistance.
This model is still fairly new, having just made its debut in 2024. It’s priced from just under $40,000 for the base model and just over $50,000 for the entry PHEV model and used it represents a good deal; the entry model ranges from about $28,000 to about $35,000 while the PHEV the Mazda CX-90 seems a good deal, with lots offered in the same $28K-$35K range.
The Cute, Clever and Capable Kia Sportage
The modern era of the Kia Sportage has been a favorite of ours for its roomy cabin, ample cargo space, and more-for-the-money technology. In fact, Kia was one of the first to add Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, phone-as-key, and wide screens.
The Sportage was redesigned for 2026, and before that in 202, with both updates adding even more nice features, though the hybrid engine, which gets about 42 MPG, remains the same. You can’t go wrong either way. There’s also a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, version for those who want all-electric driving. The 2026 hybrid model is priced from $30,290; fairly priced used from $21,000.
The Ever Popular, Always Fun Honda CR-V Hybrid
Honda’s reliability—not only mechanically, but also reliably well-equipped, easy to drive, and, in the hybrid model, efficiency inspires loyalty among fans. This also means the Honda CR-V Hybrid can be slightly higher-priced than its competitors, but it also carries a higher resale value.
Last redesigned in 2021, the current design still feels fresh, even in a used model. For 2025, Honda added a Trailsport Hybrid model for drivers who want something a bit more rugged and capable. The Honda CR-V Hybrid gets about 38 MPG and has a starting price of $35,630; used from $28,000.
The Toyota RAV4 Is Hybrid-Only, But You Can Plug It In If You Like!
Toyota is the workhorse and innovator of hybrid powertrains, leading the charge in the auto industry, which is following in Toyota’s footsteps. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which only comes in AWD, offers 7 trim options for a wide range of basic-to-luxe features. Toyota is phasing out its gas-only powertrains, so for 2026, the RAV4, which will have an all-new look and feel, will only be offered in hybrid or plug-in hybrid electric (as it has been for the last few years).
Toyota hasn’t announced pricing for the 2026 model yet, but for 2025, the RAV4 Hybrid starts at $32,850; used models can be found with low mileage from about $29,000.
This Newcomer Ads A Refined Feel: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Mazda has a lot of fans for its fun-to-drive cars and SUVs designed with a more elevated look and feel, so when the company brought the CX-50 to market, there was understandable excitement. But even better? The company partnered with Toyota to add a hybrid version; it has the same power and fuel economy but all the Mazda interior touches and drive feel.
The Hybrid was just added to the lineup in 2025, so used models are a bit scarce for now, but they do exist. New, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is priced from $33,970; used, it starts at about $35,000.
An Elegant Outlier: Toyota Crown Signia
Toyota’s march toward all-hybrid lineups continues with the Crown Signia, a refined SUV designed to be as efficient as it is elegant. It replaces the Toyota Venza, which returned to the market for just a few years but also presented an elegant hybrid option. The Crown Signia is estimated to get about 38 MPG and starts at $44,090; the Venza also gets about 38 MPG and can be found used from about $37,000.
A Solid Option for a Mid-Size SUV: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Hyundai is always a good choice: comfortable, confident, and tech-forward, the more-for-the-money Tucson compact SUV offers some nice options across the hybrid lineup, including all-wheel drive, and at higher trim levels, luxuries like leather seats are included.
Last redesigned in 2022, new or used models should have a similar look and feel, and it’s also available in a PHEV for all-electric driving. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid gets about 38 MPG and starts at $33,465; used buyers will find it priced from about $25,000.
Seating for 7 and Style All Day Long: Kia Sorento Hybrid
We’ve loved the Kia Sorento since the company took it down to the studs a decade ago and gave it chic Euro styling and an elegant interior. In the time since, the Sorento has added updated tech and comforts, a flat front screen, a PHEV edition, and for 2025, it got an exterior makeover and added the more rugged X-Line. The Kia Sorento Hybrid, which gets about 36 MPG, starts at $38,890; used, it starts at about $30,000.
Finally: The Hybrid Subaru Forester is Here
It took a while for Subaru to get into the hybrid game; there were a few models here and there, but the most popular for families and road trippers are just getting here, starting with the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. Estimated to get 35 MPG and with standard AWD, this rugged little off-roader will find a lot of fans over the coming years. The Subaru Forester Hybrid starts at $36,595, and while there may be some used models out there, they’ll likely be priced competitively with new models.
And that’s just the start. As consumers have overwhelmingly opted for hybrid MPG in the last few years, and as hybrid technology has become less expensive and car makers have realized other benefits, like added performance and power, and we’ll see more on the market soon. Giving you even more choices for new and gently used fuel efficient, capable SUVs.
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