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Best Hybrid SUVs of 2023: 7 Top HEVs and the Best PHEV Alternatives

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the best overall choice, but the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Toyota Venza, Hyundai Tucson, Highlander, and Ford Escape each serve different buyers. Here is how the leading HEVs and PHEVs compare on MPG, space, AWD, safety, towing, and used-buying practicality.
Entry217 Date Time17 min MechanicCarCody Team
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Best overall: the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid. It offers the strongest balance of space, comfort, efficiency, safety performance, and everyday usability. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the better pick if standard AWD and outdoor versatility matter most, while the Kia Sportage Hybrid leads on cargo room, power, and equipment value.

For shoppers who can charge at home or work, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is the standout plug-in hybrid alternative. The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid is also worth considering for commuters because its 2023 EPA/AFDC listing shows 37 miles of electric range, but it is front-wheel drive only.

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This is a U.S.-market guide to 2023-model-year vehicles. The main ranking covers conventional hybrids, or HEVs, because they do not require an external charging routine. Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, are covered separately because their fuel economy, electric range, and ownership experience are different.

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Quick comparison

Rank Model Powertrain Best for Key figures
1 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Conventional hybrid; available AWD Best overall 204 hp; up to 40 city/34 highway MPG for AWD Sport Touring
2 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Conventional hybrid; standard AWD AWD, snow, and outdoor use 219 net hp; up to 40 MPG combined
3 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Conventional hybrid; available AWD Value, space, and technology 227 hp; up to 43 MPG combined FWD; up to 73.7 cu. ft. cargo
4 2023 Toyota Venza Conventional hybrid; standard AWD Upscale two-row comfort 40 city/37 highway/39 combined MPG
5 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Conventional hybrid; available AWD Design, power, and equipment Approximately 226 hp; 1.6-liter turbocharged engine
6 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Conventional hybrid; available electronic AWD Three-row family transportation Up to 36 combined MPG FWD; 3,500-pound towing capacity
7 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid Conventional hybrid Smaller, efficiency-focused budget choice Trim and drivetrain ratings vary; verify the exact vehicle

Fuel-economy figures vary by trim, wheels, and drivetrain. The figures above refer to the specific configurations identified in EPA, manufacturer, or Alternative Fuels Data Center material.

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How we chose the best 2023 hybrid SUVs

“Best” is an editorial judgment rather than an official award. These rankings consider the factors that matter when a hybrid SUV is used as a daily vehicle: EPA fuel economy, usable passenger and cargo space, AWD and towing capability, crash-test information, comfort, refinement, power, equipment, and overall value positioning.

Fuel economy is not treated as the only measure of quality. A vehicle that saves fuel but lacks the cargo room, seating, or winter capability a buyer needs may be a poor choice. Conversely, a three-row hybrid will naturally use more fuel than a small two-row model but may be the only practical solution for a larger family.

The rankings do not make long-term reliability promises. A manufacturer’s reputation is not proof that a particular used vehicle has been trouble-free. For a 2023 example, condition, maintenance records, recall completion, warranty status, and an inspection are more useful than assuming every vehicle of the same model will age identically.

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1. 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid: best overall

The redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the most complete choice for most buyers. Its two-motor hybrid system produces 204 horsepower, the five-passenger cabin is spacious, and AWD is available. Honda lists a 40 city/34 highway MPG rating for the AWD Sport Touring Hybrid; other CR-V Hybrid trims and drivetrains have different EPA ratings, so a listing should be checked by exact configuration.

The CR-V’s advantage is balance. It has enough power for normal highway driving, a comfortable cabin, useful rear-seat space, and a more polished feel than many budget-oriented compact crossovers. It is also easy to use as a family vehicle because it does not require the owner to plan charging stops or install home charging equipment.

Honda limited the 2023 U.S. CR-V Hybrid to higher trims. That can make it more expensive than simply choosing the least expensive version of a rival, although the additional equipment helps explain the price positioning.

Safety and limitations

The 2023 CR-V earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. That is a strong complete-vehicle result under the criteria in effect for the model year, but it should not be summarized as though every individual crash test was perfect: the updated moderate-overlap front test result was poor. Buyers should also confirm the exact vehicle’s safety equipment and ratings rather than relying only on the award label.

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The CR-V is not the best choice for every use. AWD versions give up some efficiency compared with the most efficient front-drive competitors, and the hybrid powertrain was not available across the entire trim range.

Choose it if: you want one compact hybrid SUV that handles commuting, family duty, road trips, and everyday cargo without a major weakness.

For family use, a properly fitted 2023 CR-V Hybrid cargo liner can help protect the load floor from groceries, muddy gear, and spills. Confirm the model year, body style, trim, and hybrid fitment before buying because cargo-floor and seat configurations can affect compatibility.

2. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: best for standard AWD and versatility

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the stronger choice for buyers who want AWD as standard equipment and a more utility-focused design. Its 2.5-liter engine and dual electric motors produce 219 net horsepower, and Toyota advertises up to 40 MPG combined, with the precise rating depending on configuration.

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Unlike the CR-V Hybrid, the RAV4 Hybrid gives every version all-wheel drive. That does not turn it into a dedicated off-road vehicle, but it is useful on wet roads, snow, gravel, and unpaved access roads. Available rugged-looking and trail-oriented equipment also makes the RAV4 feel more suited to outdoor recreation.

Space, safety, and ownership practicality

Toyota’s 2023 brochure lists 37.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Those figures make the RAV4 a practical choice for camping equipment, luggage, bikes, and home-improvement errands.

The 2023 RAV4 received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. IIHS lists the RAV4 vehicle line together, and the award applies to the RAV4 Hybrid as part of that line. As always, confirm the equipment and build details of an individual used example.

The RAV4’s cabin and ride are not as upscale or serene as the Venza’s, and its interior design is more functional than luxurious. Its value is in the combination of standard AWD, cargo utility, fuel economy, and available equipment.

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Rank #2
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Choose it if: you live where winter traction matters, regularly carry outdoor gear, or want a practical AWD hybrid without moving to a larger SUV.

If you use the RAV4 for wet, muddy, or recreational cargo, a compatible 2023 RAV4 Hybrid cargo liner is a sensible ownership accessory. A roof carrier can also expand luggage capacity, but verify roof-load limits, crossbar requirements, and exact year/trim fitment before selecting a 2023 RAV4 Hybrid roof cargo carrier.

3. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid: best value and cargo space

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the space-and-features pick. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine works with a 44-kW electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission to produce 227 combined horsepower. Kia lists up to 43 MPG combined for the front-drive version, 39.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, and 73.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Those cargo figures exceed the listed RAV4 figures, and the Sportage also offers strong acceleration, a modern interior, substantial technology, and available AWD. Properly equipped versions can tow up to 2,000 pounds when the trailer has brakes. That towing figure is configuration-dependent and should not be treated as a universal rating for every Sportage Hybrid.

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The important safety qualification

The Sportage did not receive an unconditional, every-configuration safety endorsement. IIHS awarded Top Safety Pick to versions with specific headlights. Many trims with standard reflector headlights were rated poor, while qualifying higher-trim headlights received an acceptable rating.

That equipment distinction matters when shopping for a used 2023 Sportage. Do not assume that two vehicles with the same model name have identical lighting or crash-avoidance performance. Check the trim, headlights, build information, and the current IIHS results for the specific vehicle.

The Sportage’s AWD models are less efficient than the front-drive version, so the best choice depends on whether maximum MPG or traction and capability are more important. Its value argument is strongest when the buyer wants a roomy cabin and a generous equipment list without moving into a larger class.

Choose it if: cargo capacity, power, technology, and equipment value matter more than having the highest possible fuel-economy rating.

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4. 2023 Toyota Venza: best upscale two-row hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Venza is a quieter, more design-focused alternative to the RAV4 Hybrid. It seats five, has two rows, and includes AWD as standard. Its EPA-estimated rating is 40 city/37 highway/39 combined MPG.

The Venza uses Toyota’s familiar hybrid approach but packages it in a more comfort-oriented crossover. The cabin design, ride, and general atmosphere are better suited to buyers who prioritize refinement over maximum cargo flexibility. It is a good match for couples, empty nesters, and small families who want a stylish two-row vehicle.

The trade-off is packaging. The Venza is not as cargo-oriented as the RAV4, and there is no third-row option. Buyers who regularly transport bulky equipment may find the RAV4’s squarer shape and larger listed cargo volume more useful.

The 2023 Venza earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Safety ratings still need to be checked by model year and equipment when comparing used vehicles.

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Choose it if: you want standard AWD and hybrid efficiency in a more comfortable, polished two-row vehicle, and you do not need maximum cargo volume.

5. 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: best comfort-and-warranty alternative

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, a 44.2-kW electric motor, a 1.49-kWh battery, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai describes the system as producing approximately 226 combined horsepower.

Compared with the most efficient RAV4, Sportage front-drive, and CR-V configurations, the Tucson Hybrid generally gives up some EPA fuel economy. Its compensation is strong, readily available-feeling power, a distinctive interior, comfortable road manners, and a generous equipment list.

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The Tucson is also a useful alternative for buyers comparing Hyundai and Kia products. It shares mechanical and structural relationships with the Sportage, but buyers should not automatically transfer one model’s entire safety result to the other. IIHS indicates that some Sportage ratings are based on testing of the structurally similar Tucson, while headlights and crash-avoidance equipment can still vary by model and trim.

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Check the applicable new-vehicle and hybrid-system warranty documentation by VIN, especially when shopping for a used example. Warranty coverage can depend on location, ownership history, emissions rules, and the specific component.

Choose it if: you prefer the Tucson’s styling and cabin, want strong hybrid-system output, and value equipment and warranty considerations more than maximum MPG.

6. 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: best three-row hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the few mainstream three-row hybrids available in the U.S. market. Toyota lists up to 36 city/35 highway/36 combined MPG for front-wheel-drive versions and 35 city/35 highway/35 combined for AWD versions.

It provides 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row. Seating varies by configuration, with seven- and eight-passenger layouts available. Toyota also lists a 3,500-pound hybrid towing capacity.

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The Highlander Hybrid’s primary advantage is not maximum cargo space or acceleration. It is the ability to carry a larger family while using substantially less fuel than many conventional three-row SUVs. Its electronic on-demand AWD is available for buyers who need additional traction.

The third row is the limiting factor. With only 16.0 cubic feet behind it, the vehicle can carry passengers in all three rows but has limited room for large amounts of luggage at the same time. The hybrid also has a lower towing capacity than the gasoline Highlander, so buyers with substantial trailer requirements should compare the exact powertrains carefully.

Choose it if: you genuinely need three rows and want hybrid efficiency without downsizing to a compact SUV.

7. 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid: best efficiency-focused budget alternative

The 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid is a smaller, efficiency-focused alternative to the leading Honda, Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai choices. Ford updated the Escape’s styling and infotainment for 2023 and offered both a conventional hybrid and a separate plug-in-hybrid powertrain.

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The Escape Hybrid remained one of the most fuel-efficient conventional hybrid SUVs in its class. However, the exact EPA figure depends on the drivetrain, trim, and configuration. Do not confuse an Escape Hybrid listing with an Escape Plug-in Hybrid listing: the PHEV has an externally chargeable battery, a different electric-driving capability, and materially different specifications.

The Escape’s main compromise is a less premium-feeling cabin than the leading alternatives. It makes the most sense for buyers who want a smaller crossover and good efficiency, are comfortable comparing exact configurations, and do not need the most spacious or upscale interior in the segment.

Choose it if: low fuel consumption and a smaller footprint are priorities, and you find a well-maintained example at a compelling price.

Which hybrid SUV is best for your needs?

Best for families: Honda CR-V Hybrid

The CR-V is the best general-purpose answer because it combines a roomy five-passenger body with comfort, useful power, available AWD, and strong IIHS results. If you need three rows, move directly to the Highlander Hybrid rather than trying to make a compact SUV serve a larger family.

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Best for snow and outdoor recreation: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Standard AWD, useful cargo volume, and available rugged equipment give the RAV4 the clearest practical advantage for snowy climates and outdoor activities. It is not a substitute for proper tires or a dedicated off-road vehicle, but it is the most straightforward AWD choice in this ranking.

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Best for cargo and equipment value: Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Sportage has the largest listed cargo figures among the compact models covered here and offers 227 horsepower. Shop the exact trim carefully, particularly its headlights and AWD configuration.

Best for a quieter, more upscale two-row experience: Toyota Venza

The Venza trades some cargo flexibility for a more polished and comfortable presentation. It is a better fit for buyers who rarely need to haul large objects.

Best for three rows: Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid is the clear conventional-hybrid choice for buyers who need seven or eight seats. Make sure its third-row cargo limitation works for your family before buying.

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Conventional hybrid versus plug-in hybrid

A conventional hybrid, or HEV, uses regenerative braking and the gasoline engine to replenish its battery. It cannot normally be plugged into an outlet, and the owner does not need to establish a charging routine. That makes an HEV the simpler choice for apartment dwellers, renters, road-trippers, and drivers who cannot reliably charge at home or work.

A plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, has a larger battery that can be charged externally. It can travel a limited distance on electricity before operating more like a hybrid. A PHEV is most appealing when regular charging is convenient and many daily trips fit within its electric range.

Do not compare a PHEV’s MPGe directly with an HEV’s MPG as if they measure the same driving pattern. MPG describes gasoline consumption. MPGe converts electricity and gasoline into an energy-equivalent measure, and the result depends heavily on charging behavior.

Choose a conventional hybrid when… Choose a plug-in hybrid when…
You cannot charge at home or work. You can charge consistently at home or work.
You want simple fueling and maximum flexibility on long trips. Your daily driving often fits within the vehicle’s electric range.
You want no externally managed charging routine. You are willing to trade charging planning and availability considerations for electric driving.
AWD, towing, and cargo practicality are more important than electric-only miles. Reducing gasoline use on short commutes is a primary goal.
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Best 2023 plug-in hybrid SUV alternatives

Toyota RAV4 Prime

The RAV4 Prime is the plug-in counterpart to the RAV4 Hybrid. It is the most compelling PHEV choice here for buyers who want an AWD compact SUV with stronger performance and meaningful electric driving before the gasoline engine becomes the main source of propulsion.

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Toyota’s 2023 material quotes a 5.7-second 0-to-60-mph time for the RAV4 Prime XSE. That is a manufacturer claim, not an independent test result. The Prime makes the most sense for buyers who can charge regularly and are willing to pay attention to the specific vehicle’s price, availability, and charging equipment.

Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

The 2023 Alternative Fuels Data Center listing gives the front-wheel-drive Escape PHEV a 40 MPG gasoline-only rating, 101 MPGe combined, and 37 miles of EPA all-electric range. Those numbers make it particularly attractive for a commuter who can charge frequently.

Its key limitation is FWD-only configuration. If AWD, winter traction, or more rugged utility is essential, the Escape PHEV is less suitable than the Tucson PHEV or other AWD alternatives.

Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV is listed at 35 MPG gasoline-only, 80 MPGe combined, and 33 miles of electric range. It offers AWD and more electric range than some competing PHEVs in this group. Its value depends on charging access, purchase price, availability, and whether the buyer prefers its design and equipment to the alternatives.

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Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid

The Santa Fe PHEV is a larger, more comfort-oriented crossover with AWD. The 2023 AFDC listing gives it 33 MPG gasoline-only, 76 MPGe combined, and 31 miles of electric range. It is a reasonable choice for buyers who want more size and comfort than a compact PHEV provides.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV is listed with AWD, 26 MPG gasoline-only, 60 MPGe combined, and 22 miles of electric range. Its strengths are its larger-SUV format and AWD capability. Its electric range and gasoline efficiency are less impressive than the best compact PHEVs, so it is better viewed as a capability-and-format choice than an efficiency leader.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe

The 2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe is listed at 23 MPG gasoline-only, 56 MPGe combined, and 26 miles of electric range. The four-door Wrangler 4xe is listed at 20 MPG gasoline-only, 49 MPGe combined, and 22 miles of electric range.

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Both Jeeps make sense primarily for lifestyle and capability reasons. They offer plug-in operation while preserving the identity and use cases of their gasoline-powered families, but they should not be ranked near the top of a general efficiency list.

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Used 2023 hybrid SUV buying checklist

Because 2023 SUVs are now commonly considered as used vehicles, the condition of the individual example matters as much as the model ranking.

  1. Identify the exact powertrain. Confirm whether the vehicle is an HEV or PHEV, and verify FWD or AWD. This is especially important with the Ford Escape, which was sold in both hybrid forms.
  2. Check the VIN for recalls and warranty eligibility. Ask for documentation showing that applicable recalls were completed. Verify hybrid-system warranty coverage with the manufacturer or a dealer rather than assuming that all vehicles have identical terms.
  3. Request battery and maintenance documentation. Look for routine service records and any records concerning the hybrid battery, inverter, cooling system, or warning lights. Missing records are not proof of a problem, but they increase the value of an independent inspection.
  4. Arrange a hybrid-qualified pre-purchase inspection. A general walk-around is not enough to establish the condition of a high-voltage battery or hybrid control system. A generic OBD-II device can identify some stored codes, but it cannot independently certify battery health.
  5. Inspect tires carefully. Hybrid SUVs are still heavy vehicles, and tire condition affects braking, wet-road grip, noise, and winter performance. Check tread depth, age, uneven wear, and whether all four tires are properly matched on AWD vehicles.
  6. For a PHEV, test the charging equipment. Confirm that the charge port, cable, and included equipment work correctly. Ask whether the vehicle has been regularly charged and whether any charging warning has appeared.
  7. Compare total ownership costs. Insurance premiums, registration costs, tires, financing, and fuel savings vary by driver and location. A vehicle that looks inexpensive on paper may not be the least expensive choice for your circumstances.
  8. Do not assume the ranking determines the price. Used-market prices change with mileage, condition, local supply, accident history, and trim. Compare several examples rather than relying on an old original MSRP or a current asking price from a different market.

Before committing to a used example, buyers can check a used hybrid SUV history for accident, ownership, maintenance, and title information. A history report is useful but cannot guarantee battery health or replace a pre-purchase inspection for a hybrid SUV.

Important qualifications when comparing safety

Safety awards are valuable screening tools, but they are not interchangeable across model years, trims, headlights, or build dates. The CR-V, RAV4, and Venza earned 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards under the applicable criteria. The Sportage’s Top Safety Pick result depended on specific headlights, and many versions with standard reflector headlights received a poor headlight rating.

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The Tucson and Sportage share structural and mechanical relationships, and IIHS notes that some Sportage ratings are based on testing of the structurally similar Tucson. That does not mean every trim has identical equipment or that one model’s complete award automatically applies to the other. When purchasing used, check the exact vehicle’s safety equipment and consult both IIHS and NHTSA records.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Calling a PHEV a conventional hybrid without explaining its external charging requirement.
  • Comparing 101 MPGe from the Escape PHEV directly with 40 MPG from an HEV.
  • Assuming every 2023 Sportage has the same IIHS headlight rating.
  • Assuming the Tucson and Sportage have identical safety results in every configuration.
  • Promising Toyota- or Honda-level reliability without a cited reliability dataset.
  • Claiming that a hybrid SUV never needs charging without limiting the statement to conventional hybrids.
  • Using a current model-year specification to fill a gap in a 2023 comparison.
  • Buying floor mats, cargo liners, or roof accessories without confirming year, trim, body style, and hybrid fitment.

Bottom line

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the best all-around hybrid SUV for most buyers. Choose the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for standard AWD and outdoor versatility, the Kia Sportage Hybrid for cargo room and equipment value, the Toyota Venza for a more upscale two-row experience, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid when a genuine third row is necessary.

If you can charge regularly, broaden the search to PHEVs. The RAV4 Prime is the strongest performance-and-AWD alternative, while the Escape PHEV’s 37-mile electric range and 101 MPGe combined listing make it particularly interesting for FWD commuters. In every case, compare the exact trim and drivetrain, and judge a used 2023 vehicle by its records and inspection—not by the badge alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hybrid SUVs worth buying if I cannot charge at home?

Yes. Conventional hybrids such as the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, Toyota Venza, and Toyota Highlander Hybrid do not require external charging. They recharge through regenerative braking and the engine. A plug-in hybrid is different: without regular charging, you may not realize its full electric-driving benefit.

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Which 2023 hybrid SUV gets the best fuel economy?

The answer depends on trim and drivetrain. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is listed at up to 43 MPG combined in front-drive form, while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is listed at up to 40 MPG combined. The Honda CR-V Hybrid’s AWD Sport Touring rating is 40 city/34 highway MPG. Always verify the exact EPA rating for the vehicle being purchased.

Is the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid better than the 2023 CR-V Hybrid?

Neither is universally better. The CR-V is the stronger all-around choice for comfort, space, refinement, and balance. The RAV4 is better for buyers who want standard AWD, outdoor-oriented utility, and a more rugged presentation.

Which 2023 hybrid SUV has three rows?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the main three-row conventional hybrid choice in this list. It seats seven or eight depending on configuration and offers up to 36 MPG combined in FWD form. Its third-row cargo area is limited to 16.0 cubic feet, so check whether it can carry your family’s luggage with all seats occupied.

Can an OBD-II scanner check a used hybrid battery?

A generic OBD-II scanner can identify some stored diagnostic codes, but it cannot independently certify the condition or remaining life of a high-voltage hybrid battery. Use it only as a preliminary tool and arrange an inspection by a technician familiar with the specific hybrid system.

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The Bottom Line

Best overall: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid. Best AWD choice: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Best value and cargo space: Kia Sportage Hybrid. Best three-row option: Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Best PHEV alternative: Toyota RAV4 Prime for shoppers who can charge regularly.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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