Many years ago, the best SUVs were hulking machines with big engines, huge towing capacities, great off-road capabilities, and limited fuel economy. With rising fuel costs, SUVs slowly shrunk into the more car-like crossover SUVs we know today. Not only are these crossover SUVs easier to drive, but they also offer superior fuel economy.
As fuel prices continued to rise and emissions regulations tightened, automakers looked toward electrification to make SUVs more fuel-efficient, bringing in the era of the hybrid SUV. Let's look at some of the best hybrid SUVs in Canada you can pick up on the pre-owned market to see which is the best choice for your family.
Methodology
A lot of subjectivity can go into the ranking of the best hybrid SUVs in Canada, so we broke it down to pure numbers to eliminate opinion and preference. Our methodology was to rank each of these 14 hybrid SUVs in second-row legroom, minimum cargo space, maximum cargo space, and combined fuel economy. With these rankings came a 1 to 14 value in each category, with 1 being the lowest value and 14 being the highest.
We then added up the ranking values and sorted them from lowest to highest to determine which hybrid SUVs are just good options and which is the best overall. Let's dive in.
2016-2021 Lexus NX 300h
The first on our list -- making it the lowest-ranked among the best hybrid SUVs in Canada -- is the 2016 to 2021 Lexus NX 300h. Now replaced by the paired 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a permanent magnet motor for a combined 194 horsepower. The NX 300h came standard with all-wheel drive.
This setup was far less powerful than the NX 350h that replaced it, but it was still fuel efficient with a consumption rating of 7.4 L/100km combined.
Despite being the oldest model on our list, this luxury SUV still has a lot to offer, including a luxurious cabin with premium materials. Where the NX 300h loses points is its relatively tight 916.9 mm of rear legroom and 475.7 litres of cargo room with the rear seats upright. This space opens to 1,520.6 litres with the rear seats folded.
To summarize, the NX 300h is tied with the NX 350h for the lowest rear legroom and tied with the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid with the highest fuel consumption. Plus, it ranks third lowest in minimum cargo room and second lowest in maximum cargo room.
Why Buy the 2016-2021 NX 300h?
Though it's the lowest hybrid on our list, the NX 300h still has a lot going for it. First, it's one of the few true luxury models on our list, so you get tons of features and a premium interior. Also, as the oldest model on our list, it's likely quite affordable for the features you'll get.
2022-2023 Lexus NX 350h
The model that replaced the NX 300h, the NX 350h, is the second-lowest model on our list because it didn't greatly improve on the older model's specification.
But, for buyers seeking a luxury SUV that delivers great fuel efficiency, the NX 350h is a good option. This compact crossover boasts a 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain with a combined 239 horsepower. This peppy hybrid setup delivers a fuel consumption rate of just 6 L/100 km
In addition to its thriftiness, the Lexus NX 350h offers an upscale cabin with a sharp design and premium materials. It's also relatively tight with 916.9 mm of second-row legroom. Its cargo area is also limited with only 642.8 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328.1 litres with the rear seats folded.
It can, however, tow a medium-sized trailer thanks to its 2,000-pound towing capacity.
The NX 350h actually had a fairly decent gap between it and its predecessor, scoring 15 points. However, it's still near the bottom due to it tying the NX 300h for the least amount of rear legroom and having the least max cargo room on the list.
Why Buy the 2022-2023 NX 350h?
Besides the NX 300h the NX 350h is the only luxury model on our list. So, if you want a premium model with a hybrid powertrain, this is one of two good answers.
2021-2023 Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza returned in 2021 after a six-year hiatus. It returned as a sleek-looking crossover SUV instead of the small minivan-like vehicle it was before.
Unlike other Toyota models on this list, the Venza comes exclusively as a hybrid model, but it shares its 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain and AWD with the RAV4 Hybrid. Like its RAV4 cousin, the Venza delivers a combined 219 horsepower, but it’s slightly less fuel efficient than the RAV4 at 6.1 L/100km.
Inside, the Toyota Venza has a somewhat tight rear seat with 960.1 mm of rear legroom. Plus, its cargo room is on the smaller side with up to 815.5 litres with the rear seats upright and 1,560.2 litres with the rear seats folded.
The Venza does come well-equipped, though, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Overall, the Venza was tied for third worst in rear legroom and was third worst in max cargo space. minimum cargo space fell near the middle as the sixth worst.
Why Buy the 2021-2023 Toyota Venza?
First, you're getting Toyota build quality and a tried and true hybrid setup from the company that was basically the trailblazer of the hybrid powertrain. Also, it doesn't look like a traditional SUV, and its minimum cargo room is about average, giving you decent space with the rear seats upright.
2022-2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Coming in at number 11 on our list of the best hybrid SUVs in Canada is the 2022-2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid.
The redesigned fourth-generation Kia Sorento arrived in 2021, and it gained a hybrid model in the 2022 model year. The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid boasts the same upright and classy-looking design as the gasoline model inside and out. The only distinguishing element is the thrifty hybrid powertrain.
Under its hood is a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that delivers a combined 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy with this hybrid system checks in at 6.6L/100 km combined. The Sorento Hybrid also has plenty of capabilities with 2,139 litres of cargo room with the rear seats folded and a 2,000-pound towing capacity.
The Sorento falls short because its minimum cargo capacity, which is impacted by its third-row seats, is the worst on our list, and its fuel consumption is the fourth highest. However, its 1,033.88 mm of second-row legroom is in the top half, and its maximum cargo room is the fourth highest.
Why buy the 2022-2023 Sorento Hybrid?
The numbers get a little skewed because the Sorento's third row impacts its minimum cargo room, so you'll want to consider that. Also, if you need a third row, the Sorento is one of the few hybrids offering one. Finally, once you fold both rear rows, you get a massive cargo area that can haul just about anything.
2021-2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Toyota RAV4 Prime has the same rugged styling as the base RAV4 Hybrid, but it adds a potent plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers 302 horsepower and a 62-km all-electric range.
Combining the all-electric driving range and its thrifty hybrid mode after the batteries deplete, the RAV4 Prime delivers a stellar fuel economy with a 2.5 L/100 km fuel consumption rating.
On top of this thriftiness, the RAV4 Prime also has a tighter-than-average rear seat that offers only 960.1 mm of rear seat legroom. However, its 948.6 litres of cargo room with the rear seats up, and 1,789.6 litres with the rear seats folded are about average.
The RAV4 Prime is ranked 10th among the best hybrid SUVs in Canada, and that's mostly due to its tight rear seat that's tied for third worst legroom with the Venza.
Why Buy the 2021-2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime?
Again, Toyota's quality -- especially in the hybrid segment -- is nearly unmatchable. On top of this, its fuel consumption is the second best on our list, plus the 302-hp powertrain definitely puts a little pep in your step.
2020-2023 Ford Escape Hybrid (Tied With the 2021-2023 RAV4 Prime)
Ford completely redesigned the Escape lineup for the 2020 model year, bringing a sporty look to a compact SUV known for its above-average performance. This redesign carried over to the hybrid version of the Escape and Escape Plug-In Hybrid.
The Escape Hybrid rolls in with a 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain that delivers 200 horsepower and a fuel consumption rate as low as 5.8L/100 km combined.
On top of great fuel economy, the Ford Escape Hybrid is plenty roomy. It offers up to 974.1 litres of cargo room with the rear seats up and 1,721.7 litres with the rear seats folded. The rear seats are also adult-friendly, with up to 988 mm of legroom.
The Ford Escape Hybrid comes in just under the halfway point of our list, and it's supported by the fourth-best fuel consumption rating and an above-average minimum cargo area. However, its fourth-worst rating in max cargo space and below-average rear seat legroom drag it below the halfway point.
Why Buy the 2020-2023 Ford Escape Hybrid?
The Ford Escape Hybrid is great for families who need decent cargo room, even with the rear seats upright, but still need a small footprint. Plus, its fuel consumption rating is outstanding, despite not being a plug-in model.
2020-2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Tied With 2021-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid)
Finally, the halfway point of our list of the best hybrid SUVs in Canada, and it starts off with the 2020 to 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
A year after the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid hit the road with its new look, the Highlander Hybrid got a similarly bold redesign.
The Highlander Hybrid boasts a 2.5-litre hybrid setup that delivers 243 horsepower and has standard AWD. On top of respectable power, the Highlander Hybrid is also fuel efficient for its size at 6.7L/100km.
Speaking of its size, the Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV with room for up to eight passengers, though some setups have second-row captain's chairs, which offer more comfort but reduce the seating capacity to seven. The Highlander delivers up to 1,041.4 mm of legroom in its second row, but its third row is nowhere near as roomy at just 703.6 mm.
In the cargo area, the Highlander Hybrid has just 453.1 litres of room behind the third-row seats, but this swells to 1,370.5 litres of cargo space behind the second row. With all the rear rows folded, the Highlander Hybrid's cargo area can tackle up to 2,387.1 litres of cargo space.
Like the RAV4, the Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 1,750 pounds and has advanced tech features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Highlander Hybrid delivers in cabin roominess, but its third row skews its minimum cargo capacity rating, dropping it to the second-worst capacity on our list. However, it makes up for this with the best maximum cargo space and nearly the best second-row legroom numbers.
Why Buy the 2020-2023 Toyota Highlander?
Despite its third row throwing off the cargo numbers, the Highlander has a massive cabin with room for everyone. And with all the seats folded, it leads our list in maximum cargo space. And for families of seven or eight people, this is one of their few hybrid options.
2021-20223 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (Tied With 2020-2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid)
Next up is the 2021 to 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, which tied with the Highlander Hybrid.
The latest-generation Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid arrived in 2021 with a sleek new look that included thin LED headlights, a bulging tiger-nose grille, sharp body creases, and an upscale-feeling cabin. For those seeking a more rugged-looking crossover, the Santa Fe also includes an XRT trim that adds black exterior molding, black bumper fascias, black roof rails and cross rails, and dark silver front and rear skid plates.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid comes standard with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that cranks out 178 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the electric motor, the Santa Fe Hybrid delivers 226 hp and fuel consumption ratings of 7.4 L/100 km combined. This hybrid crossover is also fairly capable with its up to 2,000-pound towing capacity with trailer brakes and 1,650-pound capacity without trailer brakes.
The Santa Fe Hybrid is in the top third in all the interior space numbers, but its fuel-hungry powertrain is the worst on our list for consumption.
Why Buy the 2021-2023 Santa Fe Hybrid?
If cabin room is more important to you than fuel economy, then the Santa Fe is right up your alley. It's the best on our list of balancing rear legroom and cargo room with the seats up and down.
2019-2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Just over the halfway point is the 2019 to 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Toyota introduced the radically redesigned RAV4 lineup in 2019. Boasting a more upright and rugged styling, this all-new RAV4 was a huge departure from the previous generation and ushered in a grander design theme for all Toyota crossover SUVs.
The RAV4 Hybrid model followed its gas-only sibling's design but added an electric motor to the mix. This gave it a respectable 219 horsepower combined and a combined fuel consumption rating as low as 6L/100km. A significant benefit is the RAV4 Hybrid’s standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
In addition to having stellar fuel consumption ratings and standard AWD, the RAV4 Hybrid is a roomy five-passenger SUV with 960.1 mm of rear legroom. The cargo area has 1,064.7 litres of room with the rear seats upright and 1,976.5 litres with the rear seats folded. On top of all this, it can even tow a small trailer thanks to a 1,750-pound towing capacity.
This hybrid vehicle also comes well-equipped with a standard touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Like many Toyota models, the RAV4 Hybrid comes equipped with all the latest advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, road-sign assist, and more.
Why Buy the 2019-2023 RAV4 Hybrid?
It struggles a bit in rear legroom, tying for the third-worst on our list, but the RAV4 Hybrid makes up for this with above-average maximum cargo space and fourth-highest minimum cargo room. This means it's a great option for folks seeking great cargo room, even with the rear seats upright. Plus, with tons of advanced safety features standard, it's great at keeping you and your family safe.
2020-2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (Tied With 2017-2023 Kia Niro)
Like its hybrid sibling, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid SUV also delivers 200 horsepower from a 2.5-litre engine and electric motor, but the consumption rate falls to as low as 2.3L/100 km, thanks to its 60 km of all-electric range.
On top of great fuel economy, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is plenty roomy. It offers up to 974.1 litres of cargo room with the rear seats up and 1,721.7 litres with the rear seats folded. The rear seats are also adult-friendly with up to 988 mm of legroom.
The Escape PHEV gets a huge bump because it leads our list in fuel efficiency and has middle-of-the-pack minimum cargo room. However, its max cargo room is the fourth worst on our list, dragging it down a bit.
Why Buy the 2020-2023 Escape Plug-In Hybrid
First, it offers 60 km of range on electric power only. Second, its great fuel economy helps you save money on your daily commute. Finally, the Escape features a sportier look than most on our list.
2017-2023 Kia Niro
Kia continues to dominate this list with yet another hybrid SUV and the only dedicated electrified crossover on the list — the Niro has no gasoline-only variant. The Niro arrived in 2017 and remained relatively unchanged through the 2022 model year. While it may not be as stylish as some of the newer Kia models on the list, the Niro has an easy-to-approach design made for the masses and is a functional and thrifty compact crossover.
Under the Kia Niro’s hood is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that pair up to produce 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. While the power is a little light, its crowning achievement is its incredible 4.6L/100km combined fuel consumption rate. It also has decent cargo capacity, offering up to 1,543 litres of cargo room with the rear seats folded. The downside is the Niro is not rated for towing.
Why Buy the 2017-2023 Kia Niro?
First, its compact footprint and great visibility make it the perfect city car. Also, it has the third-best fuel-consumption rating without a complex plug-in hybrid setup. And despite its small footprint, the Niro still offers middle-of-the-pack rear legroom and maximum cargo room.
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Now, we enter the top three best hybrid SUVs in Canada, starting with the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid arrived as a part of the sixth generation for this popular crossover lineup in 2023. This restyled CR-V boasts a more upscale and refined design inside and out. The Honda CR-V Hybrid carries the gasoline-only CR-V's look and feel but includes a gas-sipping electrified powertrain.
Powering this hybrid version of this crossover is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor that pair up for 204 hp and a fuel consumption rate of 6.4L/100 km combined. It can also tow up to 998 pounds.
Though its fuel consumption ties for the fifth worst with the Tucson Hybrid, the CR-V makes up for this with a roomy interior. Inside, it offers 1,041.4 mm of rear legroom (fourth best), 1,112.9 litres of minimum cargo space (second best), and 2,166.2 litres of maximum cargo space (third best).
Why Buy the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid?
First, Honda's reliability is notorious. Second, it's one of the best at balancing rear seat legroom with cargo space. Finally, it's got all the standard advanced safety features you need to keep your family safe.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
And now we enter the best of the best, but we have a tie at 44 points each. Let's start with the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
The fifth-generation Kia Sportage arrived in the 2023 model year. It gains a striking new look with angular LED signature lighting, low-placed headlights, a bold grille design, and sharp body lines. Inside, the Sportage continues with sharp angles but pairs them nicely with upscale materials and designs. The other big change for 2023 is the introduction of the Sportage’s new hybrid variant.
Powering the Kia Sportage Hybrid is a 1.6-litre turbocharged gas engine and electric motor that combine for 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers a fuel consumption rate of just 6.2L/100 km and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. It also offers ample cargo room of 1,872 litres with the rear seats folded.
On top of middle-of-the-pack fuel economy, the Sportage Hybrid has a spacious cabin that offers 1,049 mm of rear legroom (second best), 1121.3 litres of minimum cargo space (top-rated), and 2,098.3 litres of maximum cargo space (fifth best).
Why Buy the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
If you're looking for a leader in interior room that still gets average fuel economy for a hybrid SUV, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is the perfect balance for you.
2022-2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (Tied With 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid)
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid arrived with a striking design that's sure to catch a few glances. It also boasts a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a combined 226 horsepower and a respectable 6.4 L/100 km fuel consumption rate.
The 2022 Tucson Hybrid also has plenty of room inside, with up to 1,094.7 mm of rear legroom (top-rated) and a cavernous 2,265.4 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded (third best). It even has a spacious 1,095.9 litres of cargo room with the rear seats upright (second best).
Towing is no problem in this thrifty crossover SUV either, as it can tug up to a 2,000-pound trailer with brakes or a 1,650-pound trailer without trailer brakes.
Why Buy the 2022-2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid?
Like its sibling, the Sportage, the Tucson Hybrid crushes it in interior space. Its only downfall is it's in the lower third in fuel economy, but its roomy interior more than makes up for that. So, if roominess is your main concern, the Tucson Hybrid is a surefire bet for you.
Get Your Next Hybrid SUV at Clutch
When shopping for your next hybrid SUV, skip the traditional dealership and come directly to Clutch, Canada's first-ever 100% online car-shopping experience.
We not only offer a range of thrifty SUVs to pick from, but we also put all our vehicles through a rigorous 210-point inspection to ensure they're top-notch. All our vehicles sold online also come with a 90-day or 6,000-km warranty in case something does go wrong,
In addition to this, all Clutch vehicles include a 10-day, 750-km test-own period. If you don't love your new car in the first 10 days, we'll take it back and give you a full refund or exchange it for a different vehicle.
Have a vehicle you need to trade in? We can handle that too. Use our online trade-in tool to find out how much it's worth. If our offer meets your needs, you can save the hassle of selling it yourself by trading it and using the trade-in value toward your new SUV.
