Top 10 Hybrid SUVs 2022 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2022 model year, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is our Best Overall hybrid SUV, starting at $29,575. It pairs a proven 219-hp gas-electric powertrain with standard all-wheel drive, a 40-mpg EPA combined rating, class-leading resale value, and Toyota's reputation for hybrid reliability — a package no rival fully matches at the price.

Our Best Value pick is the all-new Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, starting at $29,750, which delivers 226 combined horsepower, an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ body, and America's best mainstream warranty for nearly the same money. The RAV4 wins on long-haul dependability, the Tucson on content per dollar.

Below are all ten 2022 hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs ranked, with real MSRPs, powertrain figures, EPA numbers, and verdicts.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted six categories to reflect what hybrid SUV shoppers actually pay for over a five-to-seven-year hold. Where two vehicles tied on paper, ownership cost and real-world efficiency broke the tie.

• Fuel economy and electric range — 25%: EPA combined mpg for hybrids, plus EPA MPGe and electric-only range for plug-ins, sourced from fueleconomy.gov and the EPA.
• Reliability and ownership cost — 20%: brand dependability history, warranty terms, and projected depreciation from Kelley Blue Book and U.S. News.
• Space and practicality — 15%: passenger room, cargo volume, and two-row versus three-row capability.
• Powertrain refinement — 15%: how smooth, quiet, and responsive the hybrid or PHEV system feels, drawn from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Edmunds road tests.
• Value and tech — 15%: standard equipment, infotainment, and driver assistance for the money.
• Price-to-performance — 10%: combined horsepower and acceleration relative to starting MSRP.

Crash data comes from the IIHS, pricing from KBB and Edmunds, and efficiency figures from the EPA and fueleconomy.gov. We used only real 2022 model-year trims, prices, and ratings.

1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $29,575 | Best for: buyers who want one car to keep for a decade

The 2022 RAV4 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder plus two electric motors for 219 combined horsepower, with all-wheel drive standard on every trim. The EPA rates it at 40 mpg combined (41 city / 38 highway), and cargo space reaches a generous 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Every model includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise. Toyota's hybrid battery warranty runs 10 years or 150,000 miles, and resale value remains the strongest in the segment. Nothing in this group balances efficiency, space, and long-term peace of mind as completely.

Pros:

• Outstanding 40-mpg combined economy with standard AWD
• Best-in-class resale value and proven hybrid durability
• Large 69.8-cubic-foot cargo hold
• Full Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite standard

Cons:

• Base interior materials feel plain for the money
• High demand meant frequent dealer markups in 2022

Verdict: The RAV4 Hybrid is the safest all-around bet in the segment and our clear Best Overall.

2. Honda CR-V Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $31,610 | Best for: drivers who prioritize ride comfort and a roomy cabin

The 2022 CR-V Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for 212 total horsepower, with AWD standard. The EPA rates it at 38 mpg combined (40 city / 35 highway). Honda's two-motor hybrid is smooth in stop-and-go traffic, and the CR-V's cabin is among the most spacious and comfortable in the class.

Honda Sensing safety tech is standard, with adaptive cruise, collision mitigation, and lane-keeping. It trails the RAV4 slightly on mpg and starts about $2,000 higher, but its refined manners and big rear seat make it a strong number two.

Pros:

• Exceptionally smooth two-motor hybrid powertrain
• Spacious, comfortable cabin with a large rear seat
• Standard Honda Sensing driver-assist suite

Cons:

• Costs more than the higher-mpg RAV4 Hybrid
• Hybrid offered only on upper trims in 2022

Verdict: A polished, family-friendly hybrid that loses to the RAV4 only on price and economy.

3. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $29,750 | Best for: shoppers chasing the most content per dollar

Fully redesigned for 2022, the Tucson Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbo four with an electric motor for 226 combined horsepower and standard AWD, with EPA ratings from 37 to 38 mpg combined depending on trim. It is the most powerful of the three compact mainstream hybrids here, yet it undercuts the CR-V Hybrid by nearly $2,000.

The 2022 Tucson earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the institute's highest award, and Hyundai backs it with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty plus long battery coverage. The bold styling and dense feature list make it the value champion.

Pros:

• More power and lower price than rival compact hybrids
• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with standard driver aids
• Industry-leading Hyundai warranty coverage
• Striking design and modern tech for the money

Cons:

• Turbo hybrid powertrain is firmer and busier than Toyota's
• Real-world economy trails the 40-mpg RAV4

Verdict: The Tucson Hybrid packs the most equipment, power, and warranty per dollar — our Best Value.

4. Toyota RAV4 Prime

Starting MSRP: $41,515 | Best for: plug-in buyers who want real EV range plus quickness

The RAV4 Prime is the plug-in version of our top pick, and it is genuinely fast. A 2.5-liter engine and electric motors produce 302 combined horsepower, enough for a roughly 5.7-second 0-to-60-mph sprint, with standard AWD. The EPA rates it at 94 MPGe and a class-leading 42 miles of electric-only range, so most commutes can run gas-free, while total range tops 600 miles.

After the battery depletes it still returns about 38 mpg as a hybrid, and in 2022 it qualified for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. The catch was scarce supply that often pushed prices above sticker.

Pros:

• 42 miles of electric range, the most of any 2022 hybrid SUV here
• 302 hp delivers genuine sports-sedan acceleration
• Eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit in 2022
• Standard AWD and RAV4 practicality

Cons:

• High MSRP and notoriously hard to find at sticker
• Needs regular plugging in to justify the premium

Verdict: The most compelling PHEV of the group if you can plug in and actually find one.

5. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $38,855 | Best for: families needing three rows and big-SUV efficiency

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid is the three-row choice for buyers who refuse to sacrifice mpg. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid makes 243 combined horsepower and earns an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined with front-wheel drive — remarkable for a seven- or eight-seat midsize SUV.

AWD is optional. Cargo room measures 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with that row folded. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 covers the expected driver aids.

The third row suits kids, but for a hybrid that hauls a whole family while sipping fuel, it stands nearly alone in 2022.

Pros:

• 36 mpg combined is extraordinary for a three-row SUV
• Seating for up to eight with available AWD
• Proven Toyota hybrid reliability and resale

Cons:

• Third row is tight for adults
• Costs notably more than two-row compact hybrids

Verdict: The default pick for families wanting three rows without big-SUV fuel bills.

6. Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $45,290 | Best for: three-row shoppers who want a plug and electric miles

The 2022 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a rare three-row PHEV. A 1.6-liter turbo four and electric motor fed by a 13.8-kWh battery make 261 combined horsepower with standard AWD, and the EPA rates it at 32 miles of electric-only range plus about 34 mpg in hybrid mode. That made it one of the only ways in 2022 to run a family three-row on electricity for daily errands.

It qualified for a federal tax credit, and Kia's long warranty applies. The third row is small and the price is steep, but no other mainstream three-row offered this electric capability.

Pros:

• Rare three-row SUV with 32 miles of EV range
• 261 hp and standard all-wheel drive
• Generous Kia warranty and 2022 tax-credit eligibility

Cons:

• High starting price for the segment
• Cramped third row and modest cargo space

Verdict: The go-to choice if you need a three-row that can run on electricity for short trips.

7. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $34,300 | Best for: two-row buyers wanting midsize space and strong value

The 2022 Santa Fe Hybrid is a roomy two-row midsize. Its 1.6-liter turbo four and electric motor produce 226 combined horsepower with standard AWD, and the EPA rates the efficiency-focused Blue trim at 34 mpg combined. The cabin is quiet and well-finished, rear-seat space is generous, and Hyundai's SmartSense driver aids are standard, with the same class-leading warranty as the Tucson.

Economy trails the compact leaders because the Santa Fe is bigger, but for shoppers who want more room than a RAV4 without a third row, it is a smart middle ground.

Pros:

• Roomy, quiet two-row midsize cabin
• 226 hp and standard AWD for the price
• Long Hyundai warranty and solid standard tech

Cons:

• 34-mpg rating trails compact hybrid leaders
• Less efficient than the smaller Tucson Hybrid

Verdict: A comfortable, value-priced midsize hybrid for buyers who want extra room without a third row.

8. Lexus NX 350h

Starting MSRP: $41,625 | Best for: buyers wanting hybrid efficiency wrapped in luxury

Fully redesigned for 2022, the Lexus NX 350h brings a premium badge to the compact hybrid class. Its hybrid system makes 239 combined horsepower, comes only with all-wheel drive, and earns an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined (41 city / 37 highway). The cabin upgrades materials and quietness well beyond mainstream rivals, and Lexus Safety System Plus 3.0 is standard.

Essentially a luxury cousin of the RAV4 Hybrid, it shares Toyota's reliability backbone. You pay a clear premium over the mechanically similar mainstream picks, but you get a genuinely upscale experience and strong dependability.

Pros:

• Luxury cabin and refinement with 39-mpg economy
• Standard AWD and modern Lexus safety tech
• Toyota-derived hybrid reliability under a premium badge

Cons:

• Pricey next to mechanically related mainstream hybrids
• Smaller cargo hold than non-luxury rivals

Verdict: The pick for shoppers who want hybrid efficiency and a true luxury feel in a compact footprint.

9. Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $35,455 | Best for: city commuters who can plug in but want a lower entry price

The 2022 Escape Plug-In Hybrid is the affordable PHEV of the group. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motor make 209 combined horsepower, fed by a battery good for an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric range and a strong 40 mpg combined once the charge is gone.

The trade-off is that the plug-in Escape is front-wheel drive only — no AWD option — so it suits milder climates. Cargo space reaches 60.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It undercut the RAV4 Prime by thousands and qualified for a federal tax credit, making it one of the cheapest ways into a plug-in SUV in 2022.

Pros:

• 37 miles of electric range at a lower PHEV price
• 40 mpg combined in hybrid mode
• Tax-credit eligible and well-equipped for the money

Cons:

• No all-wheel-drive option on the plug-in
• Less power and refinement than pricier PHEV rivals

Verdict: The budget plug-in choice, ideal for plug-in commuters who do not need AWD.

10. Toyota Venza

Starting MSRP: $33,240 | Best for: style-minded buyers wanting a hushed, efficient two-row cruiser

The Venza is Toyota's hybrid-only midsize two-row, sharing mechanicals with the RAV4 and Highlander hybrids. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid makes 219 combined horsepower with standard all-wheel drive, and the EPA rates it at an impressive 39 mpg combined. Where the Venza separates itself is design and serenity: sleek styling, a near-silent cabin, and an available panoramic glass roof give it an upscale, almost crossover-coupe feel.

Cargo room falls short of the boxier RAV4, but Toyota Safety Sense is standard. For buyers who value a calm, good-looking, fuel-sipping commuter over maximum utility, the Venza delivers.

Pros:

• 39 mpg combined with standard AWD
• Quiet, upscale, distinctive styling
• Shares Toyota's proven hybrid reliability

Cons:

• Less cargo and cabin space than the cheaper RAV4 Hybrid
• Narrow trim range and pricier base than the RAV4

Verdict: A stylish, serene alternative to the RAV4 for buyers who weigh design over outright utility.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Hybrid SUV

• Match the powertrain to your charging reality. A plug-in hybrid only pays off if you can charge at home or work; without a plug, a regular hybrid like the RAV4 or Tucson is the smarter buy.
• Check whether AWD is standard or optional. Toyota's compact hybrids include AWD, but the Ford Escape PHEV is front-wheel drive only — important in snow country.
• Weigh the warranty. Hyundai and Kia offer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage and long battery warranties; Toyota and Honda offer shorter terms but stronger resale.
• Confirm real EPA numbers on fueleconomy.gov. Trim and AWD choices change the combined mpg, sometimes by several points.
• Look at total cost, not just MSRP. In 2022, several plug-ins qualified for the $7,500 federal tax credit, which can flip the value math entirely.
• Verify the cargo and third-row reality. Only the Highlander and Sorento seat three rows here, and both third rows are best for children.

One caution: horsepower matters less than marketing implies in this class. A 302-hp RAV4 Prime is genuinely quick, but for everyday driving, refinement, efficiency, and reliability shape ownership satisfaction far more than peak output. Buy the powertrain that fits your commute.

FAQ

Which 2022 hybrid SUV is the most fuel-efficient? Among the SUVs ranked here, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid leads regular hybrids at 40 mpg combined, while the plug-in Toyota RAV4 Prime tops everything at 94 MPGe with 42 miles of electric range when you keep it charged.

What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid SUV? A regular hybrid recharges its small battery through the engine and braking and never needs a plug. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has a larger battery you charge from an outlet, giving 30-plus miles of electric-only driving before it runs like a normal hybrid.

Which 2022 hybrid SUV is the best value? The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is our value pick at $29,750, offering 226 horsepower, an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ body, and the longest mainstream warranty for roughly the same price as less-powerful rivals.

Are 2022 hybrid SUVs reliable? Toyota and Lexus hybrids have especially strong dependability records, and Toyota backs its hybrid batteries for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Hyundai and Kia counter with 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties, so all of these brands offer solid long-term coverage.

Did any 2022 hybrid SUVs qualify for the federal tax credit? Yes. The plug-in models — the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Kia Sorento PHEV, and Ford Escape PHEV — qualified for the federal plug-in tax credit of up to $7,500 in 2022, which meaningfully lowered their effective cost.

Which 2022 hybrid SUV is best for a family that needs three rows? The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the standout three-row hybrid at 36 mpg combined, and the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid adds 32 miles of electric range for families who can plug in.

Bottom Line

The 2022 hybrid SUV field is the strongest it has ever been, and the right pick comes down to how you drive. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid earns Best Overall on 40-mpg efficiency, standard AWD, huge cargo space, and unbeatable resale, making it the lowest-risk choice for most buyers.

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid takes Best Value by piling on power, safety, warranty, and tech at nearly the same price. If you can plug in, the RAV4 Prime offers the most range and speed, the Sorento PHEV serves three-row families, and the Escape PHEV keeps the entry price low. Need room without a plug?

The Highlander seats the whole family, while the Lexus NX 350h, Santa Fe Hybrid, and Venza cover luxury, midsize space, and style. Match the powertrain to your needs, confirm the EPA figures for your exact trim, and you will land on a 2022 hybrid SUV that pays you back at every fill-up.

Sources

• EPA / fueleconomy.gov — 2022 hybrid SUV fuel economy ratings
• Kelley Blue Book — 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid pricing and specs
• Edmunds — 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid MSRP and features
• Cars.com — 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid specs and prices
• Green Car Reports — 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid range and mpg
• IIHS — 2022 Hyundai Tucson Top Safety Pick+ award
• Green Car Reports — 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid electric range
• Kelley Blue Book — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid pricing
• Cars.com — 2022 Lexus NX 350h specs and prices
• Edmunds — 2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid specs and MPG
• Cars.com — 2022 Toyota Venza specs and pricing

*Hybrid SUV review — hybrid SUV reviews, rating, best hybrid SUV 2022, and a review of the top fuel-efficient SUV picks for buyers.*