Best Plug-In Hybrid Compact SUVs
Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best plug-in hybrid (PHEV) compact SUVs from the luxury and mainstream categories based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in. The models here all offer plug-in hybrid powertrains, but the listed base prices may not apply to the PHEV configuration.
Top Ranked Plug-In Hybrid Compact SUVs at a glance
1
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e Hybrid
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$61,450
EPA MPG
25 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Hybrid SUV is a plug-in that can go an impressive 54 miles on electricity alone, but it's not as impressive when the charge runs out. Learn More
2
2026 Volvo XC60 Hybrid
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$62,545
EPA MPG
28 combined
C/D SAYS: Read our 2026 Volvo XC60 Hybrid review for information on ratings, pricing, specs, and features, and see how this SUV performed in our testing. Learn More
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3
2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$34,050
EPA MPG
35–38 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SUV doesn't cost much more than its nonhybrid sibling but offers better fuel efficiency and quicker acceleration. Learn More
4
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$31,985
EPA MPG
35–42 combined
C/D SAYS: The Sportage Hybrid is a roomy, comfortable, and practical SUV, but we expected better fuel efficiency from its hybrid powertrains. Learn More
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5
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$34,300
EPA MPG
37–39 combined
C/D SAYS: Practical, sensible, fuel-efficient, and inoffensive, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid does its job well at a reasonable price point. Learn More
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Shop the Top 5 Plug-In Hybrid Compact SUVs
6
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$43,000 est
EPA Est. Range
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid is relatively competent and efficient but feels a little dated in the face of more modern competitors. Learn More
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7
2026 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$49,000 est
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The Rogue Hybrid is a new plug-in hybrid version of Nissan's compact SUV that's a twin of the Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid, only with different badges. Learn More
Video: Hybrid Buyer's Guide
8
2026 Ford Escape Hybrid
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$35,085
EPA MPG
40 combined
C/D SAYS: Guess what's next for the 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid, one of the pioneers of gas-electric SUVs. Learn More
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9
2026 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$55,860
EPA MPG
33 combined
C/D SAYS: Lincoln's luxury ethos is alive and well in its most fuel-efficient offering, but the 2026 Corsair Hybrid isn't the athlete its European rivals are. Learn More
10
2026 Lexus RX Hybrid
7
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$53,475
EPA MPG
27–36 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and style, but this compact luxury SUV skips the fun stuff. Learn More
View More Car and Driver Rankings
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Safest Plug-In-Hybrid SUVs
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Best Plug-In Hybrid SUVs under $50,000
Best Plug-In Hybrid SUVs under $75,000
Best Plug-In Hybrid Mid-Size SUVs
Best Plug-In Hybrid 3-Row SUVs
Plug-In-Hybrid SUVs with the Most Cargo Space
Plug-In-Hybrid SUVs with the Best Towing Capacity
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Most Affordable Plug-In-Hybrid SUVs
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