10 Hybrid PHEV SUVs in 2023 with Unbelievable Gas Mileage

When it comes to buying a good modern SUV, you are likely to choose a hybrid vehicle. Why? Because they are economical, technological, eco-friendly, and they are basically making a bridge between EVs and gas-powered cars allowing you to use the best of both worlds.

Today, I'm going to list the 10 best PHEV SUVs available on the US market right now that I like the most. They all have just unbelievable gas mileage and all compete with each other. And although I can't make up my mind of what I would buy out of this list right now, I can show you some differences and you will decide.

So, here are the top-10 of the PHEV SUVs in the US right now, according to my opinion:

1. Audi Q5 55 TFSI e

This luxury German plug-in hybrid SUV starts at about $56,000 and is available with a powerful turbocharged gas engine paired with a good electric motor for a combined power of 362 hp.

With its 17.9-kWh battery pack, the Audi Q5 PHEV can go about 23 miles all-electric. Not a lot, but this will add to your economy. Also, the battery is recharged quite quickly - about 3 hours from an average home charger.

The combined rated fuel economy is claimed to be 61 MPGe - a wonderful result for a compact luxury SUV.

I see one problem - the price and the maintenance cost. The hybrid battery is not going to live forever and to maintain an Audi battery doesn't cost you a few dollars. Other than that, the Q5 55 TFSI e seems like a really good choice for basically any car buyer.

2. BMW X5 xDrive45e

If you have some more dollars in your pocket and want an even better car, then pay attention to the BMW X5 PHEV SUV. This one is bigger and obviously more luxurious than the majority of other cars in our top 10.

The X5 PHEV offers a 6-cylinder engine paired with electric motors with 389 hp of combined power. The transmission is an 8-speed shiftable automatic - not a bad option for this car. You can get 31 miles of all-electric range and a gas-electric mileage of 50 MPGe.

The X5 is certainly more comfortable, but you will have to pay about $66,000 for the PHEV version which is a little steep, I would say.

3. Ford Escape PHEV

While you can get a gas-powered or full-hybrid Ford Escape in the latest generation, you can also buy a PHEV version. It comes with the 2.5L Duratec engine, the CVT, offers 210 horsepower and has a 14.4-kWh battery pack - pretty decent for this compact SUV.

The Escape PHEV can go 37 miles all-electric and the average economy is rated at 105 MPGe or 44 MPG in full-hybrid mode. Basically, the all-electric range is enough for most average daily rides and you can use it as an electric vehicle.

The Escape will cost you not less than $42,000 and I fairly believe it's a little overpriced. But still, this is a very decent and technically great model to buy.

4. Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV

What I like the most about the Santa Fe plug-in hybrid is that it comes even a little cheaper than the Escape. You get a relatively big SUV for about $41,000 with a great turbo 1.6L engine coupled with an electric motor capable of going about 30 miles without even starting the gasoline engine.

The estimated fuel economy is 75 MPGe and it's much better than in many competitors. It can also work in full-hybrid mode once the battery is drained. The good and reliable 6-speed automatic transmission is one more advantage.

But the most advantageous feature is the comfort that you get with your vehicle. The Santa Fe is one of the best hybrid SUVs for families, in my opinion.

5. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

If you have more than $60,000 for your new PHEV vehicle, it's time to test drive the Grand Cherokee 4xe. A big and reputable SUV with great off-road capabilities and cool new design will appeal to many potential buyers.

Also, the PHEV version offers a powerful 2.0L Turbo engine with two electric motors and a 17-kWh battery pack.

The PHEV Grand Cherokee allows you to drive 26 miles all-electric (not really a lot) and use the advantage of the combined power of 375 hp. Overall hybrid fuel economy is rated at 56 MPGe.

Well, a little overpriced, in my opinion, but a really good option for those who want an American car with an American soul.

6. Lexus NX 450h+

With almost $60K of the starting price, this small SUV seems like a too-expensive toy. But this is Lexus and you have to put up with the price question.

The new NX PHEV is offered with the 2.5L non-turbo engine that is quite reliable and also the electric motor paired with an 18.1-kWh battery pack. This all gives you 304 horsepower and 37 miles of all-electric range along with an 84 MPGe fuel economy rating. Not a bad SUV, I should say.

Also, you get this luxury style and expensive interior with your PHEV Japanese SUV. In my opinion, it should cost a little less because the full-hybrid NX model you can buy is almost $15,000 cheaper!

7. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Let's not forget about Mitsubishi - the company that was one of the pioneers of EV and hybrid technologies. Today, it offers the Outlander PHEV which seems quite a reasonable hybrid SUV to buy.

With a starting cost of $41,000, it comes with a 2.4-liter reliable engine, two electric motors, and a very decent 20-kWh battery pack. This combination may treat you with 248 horsepower and the Outlander PHEV can go 38 miles on electric power.

The combined fuel economy rating of 64 MPGe doesn't sound cool, but in real life, Mitsubishi owners say that usually use their SUVs as electric vehicles and spend zero gallons of fuel for everyday rides.

8. Subaru Crosstrek PHEV

If you are into compact crossovers, the Subaru Crosstrek is something you should look at. With the price of about $38,000 for the most affordable trim, this PHEV is one of the cheapest offers on the list.

It comes with a good 2-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine and an electric motor coupled with the Li-Ion battery pack. This allows the vehicle to offer you 148 horsepower and go 17 miles without turning on the gas engine. The overall gas economy is rated at 90 MPGe for the Crosstrek which, in my view, is a little too positive.

The Crosstrek is a good SUV for younger people who love an active lifestyle and want a vehicle that corresponds to their understanding of a flexible and all-purpose car.

9. Toyota RAV4 Prime

Maybe, this is one of the vehicles that doesn't need a lot of presentation. The RAV4 PHEV SUV comes with a starting price of $43,000 and comes with a good 4-cylinder engine accompanied by electric motors. They allow you to use 302 horsepower and go about 42 miles purely on electric power.

The RAV4 Prime offers a gas economy of 94 MPGe and, according to all important parameters, this is one of the ideal SUVs with PHEV technology. It's perfect for families or for an active lifestyle. It's also great as the first hybrid car to prepare you to use EV technologies.

RAV4 is also one of the most popular PHEV SUVs on the market, so I can clearly say that this is one of our favorite vehicles on the list.

Also, the RAV4 Prime is seen by many journalists in the US as the best value for money when it comes to PHEV SUVs. But, of course, you should test drive this car before you decide that you love it as much as others do.

10. Volvo XC60 Recharge

The PHEV Volvo XC60 is sold at a minimal price of $58,000 now and is not the most popular luxury hybrid SUV. But I believe the vehicle is a bit underestimated.

With a really good and high-performance 4-cylinder engine and a pack of electric motors, the Volvo XC60 Recharge can offer you 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft which is more than just a lot for an SUV of this size. You can go approximately 36 miles on electric power and get 63 MPGe of the combined economy.

The Volvo XC60 PHEV is a luxury SUV and the number of great features you will get in this model is just amazing. Of course, you will pay for everything because even the starting price is not actually affordable. But you are buying one of the best European hybrid SUVs.

Final thoughts

So, here are the top 10 PHEV SUVs on the American market. Several years ago we had only a couple of them available and now almost all brands offer one or several models in this class. They all have some all-electric range and can go as EVs. Also, they all can be recharged using EV chargers for about 3-4 hours.

I know several people who use these PHEV SUVs as EVs and they really seldom use gas engines just when they need to accelerate really quickly or on highways. The fuel economy that you get is really enjoyable. But remember that all PHEV vehicles will have issues with their restricted battery packs at about 100,000 miles and will require some investments for battery replacement or repair (sometimes you can replace just sections of the entire battery).

I still think that hybrid SUVs are a great way to build your way from dying ICE-driven cars to yet-not-so-developed EVs.