Best Luxury Hybrid SUV
Our Pick: Lexus RX 350h and RX 500h
Why it won: Multiple hybrid choices
Most luxury hybrid models are either “mild hybrids” that use a tiny battery to help fuel economy and performance a bit or plug-in hybrids that come with a large battery that must be fully recharged by plugging in if you want to take advantage of its all-electric driving range. If you want a traditional self-charging hybrid that falls in between those two extremes (also known as what you’ll find in all the above hybrid models), you’ll need to turn to Lexus.
Specifically, the Lexus RX is our highest-rated hybrid SUV. It continues its brand’s tradition of expertly built luxury vehicles and is also packed with features for an agreeable price. Plus, it is available with a choice of three hybrid powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid that we’ll save for another list. The RX 350h is more of a traditional Toyota/Lexus hybrid, which maximizes fuel economy at the expense of some performance and a less-than-satisfying drone when you accelerate hard. The RX 500h, meanwhile, has Toyota’s Max hybrid powertrain, which is completely different in terms of its hybrid concept. Basically, it provides elevated performance with fuel economy that’s similar to that of a non-hybrid luxury SUV. Appealing but it’s also pricey.
Also worth considering: Lexus NX 350h
The NX is one size down from the RX. That doesn’t necessarily make it small, though, as it’s a lot closer in size to compact SUVs than various subcompact luxury models. (The cargo area in particular has more space than its measurements suggest.) The NX is also available as a plug-in hybrid, but let’s focus on the NX 350h, which has one of Lexus/Toyota’s traditional fuel economy-focused powertrains. Performance is unremarkable, but fuel economy of 39 mpg or 40 mpg combined blows away various non-hybrid competitors (as well as the 24-mpg gas-only NX 350). Like the RX, you get an impeccably crafted interior and solid feature content for the money.
