Safest Plug-In-Hybrid 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 chosen the safest plug-in-hybrid SUVs based on data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and then ranked each SUV based on roughly 200 additional 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. This list contains every SUV that offers a plug-in-hybrid powertrain and earned both the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick award and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for 2024.
Read about how we test and evaluate vehicles here.Top Ranked Safest Plug-In-Hybrid SUVs at a glance

1

C/D Rating:
8.5/102026
Mazda CX-90 Hybrid

2

C/D Rating:
9/102026
Volvo XC90 Hybrid

3

C/D Rating:
8.5/102026
Kia Sportage Hybrid
1
EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Hybrid brings the same refined interior and exterior styling as its gasoline sibling but provides 26 miles of electric-only range—and is quicker to 60 mph in the bargain.
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2
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid SUV is still satisfying after many years thanks to important quality-of-life updates.
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3
C/D SAYS: The Sportage Hybrid is a roomy, comfortable, and practical SUV, but we expected better fuel efficiency from its hybrid powertrains.
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4
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV takes the all-around practicality of the standard model and incorporates a choice of two fuel-sipping gas-electric powertrains.
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5
C/D SAYS: The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a luxurious off-road-capable rig, just don't expect the typical hybrid fuel savings unless you treat it like an EV.
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6
C/D SAYS: By adding an electric motor and a battery pack, Mercedes-Benz turns the GLE-class into a more efficient SUV that doesn't compromise the luxury experience.
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7
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and style, but this compact luxury SUV skips the fun stuff.
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Video: Hybrid Buyer's Guide
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