Five hybrid SUVS under $35K offer value, fuel economy
Buying a hybrid vehicle can be a smart way to help save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint compared with a conventional gasoline-only vehicle. And in recent years, automakers have expanded the availability of hybrid SUVS.
These models can get impressive fuel economy while providing plenty of cargo space, available allwheel drive and the latest in technology and driver-assist features.
Edmunds’ experts have picked five of the best new hybrid SUVS on sale today for under $35,000. They’re listed below in order of affordability, and all prices include the destination charge.
2024 Kia Niro
The 2024 Niro is a small hybrid crossover SUV that also gets the best fuel economy of the models featured here. According to the EPA, the Niro can get up to 53 mpg in combined city/ highway driving. The Niro also provides the utility you might expect from a bigger and more expensive SUV. With its low price, the 2024 Niro Hybrid is backed by Kia’s impressive standard warranty and roadside assistance coverage plans.
Base starting price, including destination: $28,315
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Edmunds’ top-rated hybrid SUV is also one of the most affordable. The 2024 Sportage Hybrid is one size larger than the Niro in Kia’s hybrid SUV lineup and has more interior room. It’s also more enjoyable to drive. The Sportage Hybrid has a turbocharged hybrid powertrain that makes plenty of power when merging onto freeways and without the droning noise common with many hybrids. It’s not quite as fuel-efficient but it still gets up to an Epa-estimated 43 mpg combined. Owners benefit from Kia’s long warranty and roadside assistance plans.
Base starting price: $29,965
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
We think the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid is the best version of this popular crossover SUV. Supplying more power than a standard RAV4, the RAV4 Hybrid is also far more fuel-efficient, returning up to an Epa-estimated 39 mpg. Every RAV4 Hybrid has all-wheel drive to help out with wintertime driving. Select the rugged-looking Woodland Edition, and your RAV4 Hybrid will have an off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires. There’s plenty of utility, too, with up to 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats.
Base starting price: $33,075
2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Though it is one of the most expensive and least efficient models on this list, there are good reasons to choose a 2024 Tucson Hybrid. It’s mechanically related to the Sportage Hybrid and has the same turbocharged hybrid powertrain that gets up to 38 mpg combined. It’s pleasing to drive and has standard allwheel drive. Add a terrific warranty plus other perks, such as a three-day return policy to swap for a different Hyundai, and you’ve got a value-packed hybrid.
Base starting price: $33,950
2024 Honda CR-V
Technically, the 2024 CR-V hybrid’s price creeps over our limit when you include the destination charge. Honda only equips the hybrid powertrain on the CR-V’S more expensive — and better-equipped — trim levels. But spending the extra Benjamins is pretty easy to justify. The CR-V boasts a roomy interior and a smooth ride over bumps. Honda’s hybrid powertrain also supplies quick acceleration and fuel economy of up to 40 mpg combined.
Base price: $35,400 (Sport Hybrid trim level)
Edmunds says
Each of these hybrid SUVS delivers impressive fuel economy, plenty of utility, and good value at a base price under $35,000. And of these, which one is the best? That would be the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid. It has won the Edmunds Top Rated SUV award for two years in a row.