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Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2025 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige vs. Honda Pilot TrailSport: Which 3-Row Off-Roader is Best?
Two competitors go head-to-head Off-road-ready hybrid or all-electric SUVs and trucks are rapidly growing in popularity, and for good reason. What good is a $40,000-$50,000 3-row SUV if it can't get the family to the campsite, trailhead, or beach bonfire location? Look at how many Subaru Ascents or Toyota Highlanders you see in your hometown, and how many of them have bike racks, kayaks, or surfboards on them. They're designed for families who enjoy the great outdoors. Even cars like the Kia Sorento and Honda Pilot are getting the off-road-ready treatment, when neither was originally designed for it. The Honda Pilot has been a three-row SUV since 2003, and the company likes to mention that it was the first mainstream SUV built on a body-on-frame, which helped it feel and drive more like a car, instead of a unibody like the SUVs it competed with–like the Ford Explorer or the Chevrolet Traverse of the early 2000s. It could be configured with Honda's intelligent 4WD system of the time, while today, it can be built with AWD. The Kia Sorento, compared to the Honda, is quite luxurious in comparison. It's very technology-focused, has an equally trusty V6, and, unlike the Honda, a hybrid option. But both now have off-road-centric trims. Is one better than the other? Price-wise, the Kia has more options for less The Kia Sorento comes in nine trims, starting with the front-wheel drive LX at $31,900, going all the way up to the X-Pro SX Prestige with AWD for $47,390. Five of the trims offer AWD as an option; otherwise, they're either AWD or FWD. For the Honda, there are eight trims, and the off-road-ready TrailSport trim isn't the top of the line. The TrailSport is right in the middle, but still costs a little more than the Kia at $49,700 before any add-ons or delivery fees. It starts at $40,200 for the Sport and maxes out at $54,580 for the Black Edition. Source: Kristen Brown For the price of the Honda, you get a beefy and very reliable 3.5-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, giving it a towing rating of 5,000 lbs when equipped with all-wheel drive. In the Kia, you can fit certain trims with the 3.3-liter V6, but unfortunately, the X-Pro SX Prestige is not one of them. Instead, you're stuck with the 2.5-liter turbo four that makes 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can reportedly tow 4,500 pounds. Both SUVs come with standard transmissions instead of CVTs, as well as a 'Tow' mode to help keep the RPMs low and optimize torque for pulling. The nice thing about the Kia, though, is that it can be bought as an AWD hybrid, starting at $38,690 and going up to $46,890 for the SX Prestige. The SX Prestige isn't as off-road oriented as the gas-only X-Pro SX Prestige, but it does still come with AWD and a center locking differential. The Honda Pilot will have a hybrid option for 2026, so if you're thinking about the Honda but want it as a hybrid, you'll have to be a little patient. The Kia you can buy as a hybrid or PHEV right now. When it comes to off-road readiness, they even each other out Kia truly rocked the boat when they launched the Telluride's off-roading in Moab, Utah campaign. What used to be only accessible to Jeep Wranglers, Ford Broncos, Toyota Land Cruisers, or 4Runners was now being conquered by an AWD 3-row SUV equipped with all-terrain tires. No lifts, no fancy skid plates, no steel bumpers or rock sliders–just tires. Kia's AWD system is good, make no mistake about that–but I wouldn't take the Sorento to Moab, even though it comes with BFGoodrich AT tires on beautiful, glossy black 17-inch wheels. It has attractive drive modes, like Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Snow. In the Honda, the drive modes are Normal, Econ, Sport, Snow, Trail, Sand, and Tow. Source: Kristen Brown Aside from the drive modes, the Honda Pilot TrailSport comes with underbody protection for the engine and gas tank (the Kia doesn't). The Honda doesn't come with BFGoodrich AT tires, but it does come with Continental's TerrainContact AT tires. It also has more ground clearance (8.3 inches compared to 8.2, so it's not a huge difference, but still), an off-road camera system called 'TrailWatch,' and torque vectoring for the AWD system. Now, the Kia does have a bit of a leg up on the Honda in the sense that it has a locking center differential as part of its torque vectoring AWD system, though. The ability to have the front and rear wheels spin at the same speed helps keep the SUV steady in snow or mud. Source: Honda If the Kia came with underbody protection and a little more ground clearance, it would be a perfectly comfortable and capable off-roader. If the Honda had a locking center differential, it would kick the Kia to the curb. Both have tight third rows, though If you were looking at both of them for the third row alone, the Honda Pilot TrailSport has the most room, thanks to it being wider, taller, and longer than the Kia by a few inches each way. It has 32.5 cubic inches of legroom compared to the Sorento's 29.6 cubic inches. It's a pretty significant difference, but they're both tight for adults. Ideally, the third row would be for your teenage niece or nephew, or if your middle school-aged kid wants to bring Timmy over for dinner after school. The Honda was more spacious, too, with a lot more head and shoulder room, too. I did appreciate the large sunroof in the Kia, though, as it helped open up the third row. However, the third row in the Honda can recline while the Kia's don't, and that's hard to beat. Source: Honda Otherwise, both had captain's chairs, with optional bench seats. I personally would opt for the bench seat just to accommodate another passenger. Installing car seats in either SUV was incredibly easy, with clearly visible lower anchor points and upper tether points on the back of their chairs. Both have tilt and slide seats, so someone could access the third row even with a rear-facing seat secured. Since the Honda is slightly longer and wider, getting into the third row with a car seat secured was much easier than it was in the Kia. The Kia's interior felt first-class, while the Honda felt…economy One of the things I adore about Kia's interiors is how premium they feel compared to the price tag. The Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige came with a dual-screen setup. The digital gauge cluster and driver information screen is 4.3 inches long, and it seamlessly blends in with the 12.3-inch media and control screen that ends just over the center console. I like Kia's screen setup because it's large, but not overwhelming, and it still includes 'manual' buttons and knobs for the A/C, seat heater, and seat ventilation controls. I used quotes because they're separate from the screen, but they're on their own touch screen. They're not physical buttons. The Sorento's interior was a delightful cinnamon color, with light brown contrast stitching against a darker brown color for the carpet and dashboard. The seats were leather and very comfortable–so comfortable I was a little shocked they didn't come with a massaging function. Everything else, like the drive mode selector and tow button, was very easy to find. The Honda, on the other hand, was much simpler. The TrailSport was primarily black, with leather seats and a covered steering wheel, and it was broken up (thankfully) with orange contrast stitching the same color as the TrailSport logo. Like the Kia, it had all-weather mats for the front and rear, but the screen was much smaller, and every control was a physical button and knob. Honda's interiors are nice because they're no-nonsense, but compared to the Kia's color scheme, design, and technology, the Pilot's interior felt very boring for the price. If you're like most of my family and want to wage war on large screens, though, the Honda is perfect. Final thoughts Both come with capable off-road-ready trims, packed with crazy cool technology. The locking center differential, hybrid, and PHEV option has me leaning toward the Kia as a daily driving off-road capable mom-mobile, but I do like the Honda's sturdy V6, increased passenger space, and underbody protection. They're both excellent cars for the price, so it largely comes down to why you want either one. If you want something that can handle fairly extreme weather and haul the family, the center locking diff in the Kia is hard to pass up. But if you want something roomier for the kids, a no-nonsense V6 and transmission, and perfect for getting the family's camper to your annual camping spot, the Honda is a great choice. In a perfect world, I'd have the Honda's chassis and V6 with the Kia's interior and center locking differential. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
Auto Blog
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. Here's my Brutally Honest Review
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Finally, after years of enthusiasts begging for one, we finally got a Forester hybrid. Is it worth the hype? Here's what I think after driving one. Compact, all-wheel drive hybrid SUVs are all the rage right now. Just look at the Hyundai Tucson hybrid (which can also be purchased as a PHEV), Mazda CX-50 hybrid, Toyota RAV4 hybrid, Kia Sportage hybrid, or the Honda CR-V hybrid. They're all popular for excellent reasons: they're reliable, capable, comfortable, and relatively affordable. Then, not only does the Subaru Forester hybrid show up late to the party for 2025, but it's the most expensive of the bunch, too, with a price range of $36,385 to $43,295. VW will introduce a sub-$20,000 EV, but probably not here Watch More Source: Kristen Brown Unlike the 2019 Crosstrek hybrid, which used Toyota's leftover hybrid technology, the Forester hybrid is mostly Subaru's doing. Toyota engineers were on speed dial, but Subaru's very proud to say that their hybrid is their own. Unlike the RAV4, one of the best-selling hybrid AWD SUVs, it uses a true, full-time, mechanical AWD system instead of an on-demand system. This means it's one of the more rugged options, but also a thirstier one. While I had it, I was averaging 29.5 miles to the gallon, which is a vast improvement from the gas-only Forester. With that, does it merit a higher price tag than its competitors? Source: Kristen Brown Current Subaru owners will struggle to find something to complain about Subaru has been following the same formula for decades, and I say this as the owner of a 2011 Forester. Everything I love about my old Subaru is there in the new one. It's a great size, the cargo space is just right, the visibility is excellent, the seating position is high, so you can see all the corners and blind spots, and it's easy to get in and out of. Of course, with a difference of 14 years, modern technology has only improved the driver experience with a large but responsive touch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electronic seat adjusters, and more. The interior is much nicer, with varying textures, colors, and materials, but at its core, it's very much a Subaru. Uncomplicated, effective, and easy to become acquainted with. The low entry point, paired with high ground clearance and a tall roofline, makes it one of the easiest SUVs to climb in and out of. Even my toddlers loved being able to climb out of it without much assistance. The increased vertical height over the Outback makes it easier to stack things in the trunk, and my 6'2' husband enjoyed all the headspace he had and the fact that he didn't have to bend down to get into it. They're the same things I love about my 2011, and why current Subaru owners will find the transition from old to new incredibly seamless. When my sister bought a 2022 Forester Wilderness after having a 2003 Forester for almost 10 years, she said it felt just like her old one, with newer technology. The same principle applies here. It's a perfect blend between 'don't fix what ain't broken' and injecting what it needs to compete with the other AWD hybrid SUVs. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Source: Kristen Brown New-to-Subaru buyers, though, may find it underwhelming Unless you're a devoted member of the Subie cult and upgrading from a 2003 Outback, the Forester Hybrid may seem a bit lacking. There's an 11.6-inch multimedia screen and a digital driver information display to replace the gauges, but other than that, there's not much that helps it stand out. The Mazda CX-50's interior is more posh and luxurious, while the Hyundai Tucson's interior is more technology-focused and clean. The RAV4 is more user-friendly, featuring analog controls for frequently used driver functions. The Forester hybrid had waterproof seats in the Sport Hybrid that I reviewed, which was a welcome addition with toddler passengers, but otherwise, there wasn't much that helped justify the higher price tag based on interior features and design. It also doesn't get as good of mileage as its competitors, but that's thanks to a more robust, full-time AWD system. Instead of an on-demand system that uses steering, throttle, or braking input to evenly split torque between the front and rear wheels, they're evenly split at all times, and mileage suffers as a result, just like in the gas-only Forester. As I mentioned before, I was averaging about 29.5 miles to the gallon, which is impressive, but it's not as remarkable as the AWD RAV4 hybrid's 36.3 mpg or the Hyundai Tucson hybrid's 37 mpg. This might make it difficult for first-time buyers to pay extra for a hybrid that doesn't score as high as its competitors. Source: Kristen Brown My toddlers felt at home in the Forester hybrid My three and two-year-old daughters are picky about rear seats. They don't like small windows, they don't appreciate the lack of a sunroof, and they especially dislike being cooped up. They immediately loved being in the back of the Forester because it was easy for them to see out of and climb into. My oldest daughter especially liked it when I'd have the sunroof open while we tested it off-road, because she could see into the trees without much effort. The rear seats had their own A/C vents, which came in handy as my loan was in June, and if they were older, they'd appreciate the charging ports for occupants on either side. I mentioned this already, but the Sport hybrid had waterproof seating, making it super easy to clean up my daughter's spilled milk after hitting up our local Dutch Bros. What helped inspire confidence as a driver and a parent was the long list of safety features that came with the Forester hybrid. All trim levels of the hybrid come with Subaru's award-winning dual-camera (tri-camera with pedestrian detection on upper models) safety suite, so I knew my girls and husband were safe. The cargo space was generous, too, with plenty of room for the family's luggage, a stroller, a diaper bag or two, and camping gear. Adding crossbars and a cargo box or basket would only increase that, and I'd generally recommend that to any adventurous family. Source: Kristen Brown Off-road, the Forester's capabilities truly shone When my husband and I were wandering the dusty, rocky trails in Central Oregon, we were impressed by how easy it was for it. With X-MODE, most of the thinking was done for us. The ground clearance was enough to keep us out of trouble, and the ride was smooth. The factory all-season tires performed wonderfully, even in the tricky sections of the trail, where the Subaru made it through with ease. All while in EV mode most of the time, saving the fuel for the drive home. I started picturing how easy it would be to reach even the most remote campsites, without having to worry about hauling extra fuel. It could get you there, back, and beyond on a single tank of gas, thanks to the hybrid technology paired with Subaru's legendary AWD system. The ride was so smooth, both of my girls were lulled to sleep before we made it back to the main road. The Subaru Forester hybrid would be an easy choice for families who plan to camp or go adventuring regularly. Final thoughts After all of us were tapping our imaginary watches like Judge Judy waiting for the Forester hybrid, it was nice to see that Subaru finally took hybridization pretty seriously. Nothing that made the Forester so wonderful was changed–it was just a more efficient Forester. As a Subaru owner, I loved it immediately, but I felt that the price, compared to the competition, would make it a hard sell to someone who'd never driven a Subaru before. But, Subaru knows that most of the air under their wings is from repeat customers, so they don't need new buyers. Overall, I enjoyed my time with the Forester hybrid. However, it made me anxious to see how the Outback hybrid will perform. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
Auto Blog
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Lexus Launches Killer UX Hybrid Lease Deal for June
Lexus UX Hybrid Lease Offer for June 2025 The Lexus UX Hybrid may not be the first luxury SUV on your mind, but if you're looking for a fuel-efficient little car with some utility, this lease deal could be a good incentive to go to your nearest dealer. The Lexus UX Hybrid has a lease deal for $349 per month for 36 months, with $3,999 due at signing. The offer includes a mileage limit of 10,000 miles per year and the lease cash offer. Lexus is also sweetening the deal by offering $1,500 of lease cash with a qualifying lease on select styles, including the 2025 UX 300h, UX 300h AWD, and UX 300h F Sport Design. The lease cash is applied as a capitalized cost (down payment) reduction. 2025 Lexus UX300h F Sport Handling — Source: Gabriel Ionica The Lexus UX is a unique choice for a luxury SUV The 2025 Lexus UX Hybrid is the smallest SUV offering in the automaker's lineup. In reality, it's a little more hatchback-sized than a true SUV, but Lexus refers to it as an SUV for its added ride height and optional all-wheel-drive architecture. The UX competes with other small SUVs, including the Volvo XC40, BMW X1, and the Mini Countryman. Those entries are a little larger than the UX, but if you live in a dense urban sprawl or don't need the type of room and capability a larger SUV can provide, this little Lexus could be what you need. The Lexus UX Hybrid is offered in four different trim levels (base, Premium, Sport Design, and Sport Handling), with each trim offering a little more in-cabin technology than the last. The higher F Sport trim levels are equipped with an adaptive suspension, sportier seats with more bolstering, and some F Sport-themed exterior enhancements to give the car a sportier look. However, despite which trim level you choose, the UX is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine that produces 196 horsepower while achieving up to 43 mpg in combined driving situations. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Lexus UX300h F Sport Handling — Source: Gabriel Ionica The lease offer in question is for the UX 300h base model, which carries an MSRP of $39,615, including the destination charge, but the taxes, titles, license, and doc fees are extra and will vary depending on your region. Prefer a $0 down deal? If you would like to minimize the upfront costs when leasing a Lexus UX Hybrid, we have estimated a payment with $0 down. By dividing the $3,999 due at signing over the 36-month term (approximately $111), the estimated payment equates to around $460 every month. *This $0 down figure is an estimation. Official $0 down lease offers from Lexus may differ based on their specific calculations, credit approval, and potential money factor adjustments. Always obtain an official quote directly from Lexus. 2025 Lexus UX300h F Sport Handling — Source: Gabriel Ionica Final thoughts Lease offers can vary based on location and specific vehicle configuration (trim level, options, etc.) and are subject to credit approval. The advertised payments typically exclude taxes, title, registration, and other potential fees. To take advantage of this lease offer or get an official quote tailored to your buying needs (including an official $0 down quote), visit the official Lexus website here. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drive Further for Less — Meet the Hybrid SUVs Under $45K That Save You Big at the Pump
Hybrid SUVs are getting a lot of attention lately. Because of their comfort, spaciousness, and utility, they are an attractive option for many car buyers. Add to that their increased fuel efficiency, and you have one hot market sector. This article explores the most affordable and fuel-efficient SUVs on the market today. We will examine both standard hybrid SUVs and affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Note that many SUVs on this list appear twice, once for the standard hybrid SUV and once for the PHEV version. For each SUV, we will report some hard numbers on mileage and gas savings so you can make the most informed decision about what to buy. We have ordered this list from the least expensive to the most expensive manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). All of the MSRPs on this list are below $45,000, making them within affordable reach for most new car buyers. We also examined the fuel efficiency and EPA-estimated gas savings of the hybrid SUV compared to the standard non-hybrid model. If there was no non-hybrid model for comparison, we compared the hybrid SUV with the average 2024 vehicle's 28 miles per gallon (mpg), per the EPA's Average Annual Fuel Savings data. Lastly, we looked at each vehicle's overall value and utility with details about the car's passenger room, cargo room, and performance on the road. All of the vehicle information comes from the manufacturers' websites. The 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid gets 53 mpg in the city, 54 mpg on the highway, and 53 mpg combined. There is no non-hybrid version of the Niro. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings compared to the average 2024 vehicle is $819 per year, or $69 in gas savings per month. The Kia Niro offers great mileage and a lot of utility at a very affordable price. While its standard hybrid powertrain may not be as quick and powerful as its plug-in hybrid sibling (also listed in this article), it does the job for running errands around town and getting the kids from point A to point B. As a small crossover, the Niro's five-seat cabin is snug, but it can comfortably seat four adults. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 22.8 cubic feet. The 2025 all-wheel drive (AWD) Corolla Cross Hybrid gets 45 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 42 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid Corolla Cross gets 30 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Corolla Cross is $463 per year, or $39 in gas savings per month. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is not only considerably more fuel-efficient than the standard Corolla Cross, but it's also quicker and more powerful, with three electric motors assisting the gas engine. The five-seat interior has adequate space to seat four adults comfortably. The small crossover offers 21.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid gets 42 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway, and 43 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid Sportage gets 28 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Sportage is $605 per year, or $51 in gas savings per month. The Kia Sportage really hits the sweet spot when it comes to affordability, fuel efficiency, and utility. It offers a smooth and comfortable ride and has a more powerful engine than its non-hybrid counterpart. Its spacious, five-passenger cabin offers excellent head and legroom in both rows. Its cargo room is massive for its segment, clocking in at 39.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2025 AWD Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid AWD RAV4 gets 30 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid RAV4 is $374 per year, or $31 in gas savings per month. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a practical choice for car buyers who want fuel efficiency, comfort, and cargo space wrapped in one sensible package. The hybrid has a stronger powertrain than the non-hybrid RAV4, offering excellent acceleration. There is ample head and legroom in both rows, and the cargo space behind the rear seats is a roomy 37.5 cubic feet. The 2025 AWD Ford Escape Hybrid gets 42 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid AWD Escape gets 28 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Escape is $490 per year, or $41 in gas savings per month. The Ford Escape Hybrid has a lot going for it in the fuel efficiency department and offers a comfortable ride as a daily commuter vehicle or an around-town family car. The cabin offers lots of passenger room, with plenty of legroom in the adjustable, sliding rear seats. Cargo space is adequate, measuring 33.5 cubic feet. The 2025 AWD Hyundai Tucson Hybrid gets 38 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined. By comparison, the AWD non-hybrid Tucson gets 26 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Tucson is $590 per year, or $49 in gas savings per month. While offering significantly more fuel efficiency over the standard non-hybrid Tucson, the Tucson Hybrid also has a more powerful engine, making for quicker acceleration and a more pleasurable drive. Passenger space is ample, with plenty of legroom in the rear seats, which also recline. It also offers some of the largest cargo space in its segment, with 38.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. The 2025 AWD Mazda CX-50 Hybrid gets 39 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid AWD CX-50 gets 28 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid AWD CX-50 is $457 per year, or $38 in gas savings per month. The stylish, fun-to-drive Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has more engine power and better fuel efficiency than its non-hybrid counterpart. Its five-seat interior is made of premium materials and comfortably seats four adults. It has adequate cargo space with 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid gets 43 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid CR-V gets 30 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid CR-V is $405 per year, or $34 in gas savings per month. The Honda CR-V Hybrid checks all the boxes for a compact SUV: it has a smooth ride, ample passenger space, and good cargo room. It also has more power and much better fuel efficiency than the non-hybrid CR-V. There is plenty of head and legroom in the front and rear seats, and there is ample cargo space with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV's miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) is 108 MPGe combined. It has an all-electric range of 33 miles and a total range of 510 miles. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the average 2024 vehicle is $919 per year, or $77 in gas savings per month. The first plug-in hybrid on our list, the Kia Niro PHEV, delivers big with huge fuel savings and a 33-mile all-electric range that will cover many an errand around town. The PHEV's powertrain is also quicker and more powerful than the hybrid Niro's. Seating is snug, but the Niro will comfortably fit four adults. The cargo space is smaller than the hybrid's, measuring only 19.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2025 AWD Subaru Forester Hybrid gets 35 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid Forester gets 29 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Forester is $287 per year, or $24 in gas savings per month. While not as fuel efficient as the competition, the Subaru Forester Hybrid makes this list because its MSRP is below $35,000. It also offers better fuel efficiency and more power than its popular non-hybrid version. You also get that classic Subaru reliability in a vehicle that appeals to the adventurous outdoors crowd. The Forester offers plenty of passenger space, with room for five adults to relax and stretch out. Cargo space is 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2025 Ford Escape PHEV gets 101 MPGe combined. It has an all-electric range of 37 miles and a total range of 560 miles. EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Escape is $724 per year, or $60 in gas savings per month. The Ford Escape PHEV has a more robust powertrain than the Escape Hybrid due to a more powerful electric motor. It also has remarkably more fuel efficiency than its hybrid sibling. The passenger space is just as roomy as in the hybrid version. The cargo space in the PHEV is slightly less than the 33.5 cubic feet found in the hybrid. The 2025 Lexus UX 300h Hybrid gets 45 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 43 mpg combined. There is no non-hybrid version of the UX. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings compared to the average 2024 vehicle is $605 per year, or $51 in gas savings per month. If you're looking for luxury and fuel efficiency in a small SUV, then you will find it in the Lexus UX. With more power and better acceleration than previous years' models, the UX delivers on city streets and the highway. The compact SUV is snug when it comes to passenger room, and its cargo space is only 17.1 cubic feet, but its small size makes it a great urban SUV. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid gets 36 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid Santa Fe gets 24 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Santa Fe is $675 per year, or $56 in gas savings per month. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy for an SUV that seats up to seven, making it an ideal choice for families. It's a great daily driver to run errands around town or take the family on a road trip. The Santa Fe's modern interior has spacious seating in the first and second rows. The third row seating is a bit snug, but it will accommodate kids and teens quite well. The storage capacity behind the third row is 14.6 cubic feet and expands to 40.5 cubic feet with the third row seats folded. The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid gets 36 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid Sorento gets 26 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Sorento is $519 per year, or $43 in gas savings per month. The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a family-friendly, three-row SUV that will save you money at the pump. The hybrid version has better acceleration than the non-hybrid due to its electric motor. The cabin seats six, with comfortable captain's chairs in the second row and two seats in the third row. The third-row seating is snug and best for kids and small adults. And while cargo space behind the third-row seats is limited to 12.6 cubic feet, that expands to a maximum of 45 cubic feet of space with the third-row seats folded. The 2025 AWD Hyundai Tucson PHEV gets 77 MPGe combined. It has an all-electric range of 32 miles and a total range of 420 miles. EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Tucson is $740 per year, or $62 in gas savings per month. The five-seat AWD Tucson PHEV joins the Tucson Hybrid on this list, with both being quicker and more fuel-efficient than the standard Tucson. The added benefit of the PHEV is its 32-mile all-electric range, which saves even more on fuel. Passenger space is uncompromised in the PHEV, with plenty of room for adults in the rear seats. The cargo capacity in the PHEV is slightly less than in the hybrid, coming in at 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row seats. The 2025 AWD Kia Sportage PHEV gets 84 MPGe combined. It has an all-electric range of 34 miles and a total range of 430 miles. EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid AWD Sportage is $850 per year, or $71 in gas savings per month. The AWD Kia Sportage PHEV is the most fuel-efficient and most powerful of the Sportage models. It offers a smooth drive with good acceleration, and its spacious cabin seats five adults comfortably. Its cargo space behind the rear seats is slightly less than the hybrid version, at 34.5 cubic feet. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets 64 MPGe combined. It has an all-electric range of 38 miles and a total range of 420 miles. EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Outlander is $400 per year, or $33 in gas savings per month. With an upgraded modern interior and room for seven, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a good choice for families. Its all-electric range of 38 miles will cover a lot of family errands around town without using an ounce of gas. The Outlander also scores well in the passenger space department, with ample legroom for adults in the first two rows and adequate legroom for kids in the third row. Cargo room behind the third row is scant but expands to 30.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. The 2025 AWD Dodge Hornet PHEV gets 77 MPGe combined. It has an all-electric range of 33 miles and a total range of 360 miles. EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid AWD Hornet is $750 per year, or $63 in gas savings per month. The Dodge Hornet PHEV may have a higher price tag than the standard non-hybrid Hornet, but it makes up for that in its 33-mile all-electric range, substantial fuel savings, and gripping performance. It offers an engaging drive with confident handling on city streets and the highway. The 5-seat cabin offers ample room in the front row, with adequate room for two adults in the second row. The cargo capacity behind the rear seats is a mediocre 22.9 cubic feet. The 2025 AWD Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid gets 39 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined. There is no non-hybrid Crown Signia to compare. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the average 2024 vehicle is $457 per year, or $38 in gas savings per month. The Toyota Crown Signia may cost a bit more than other hybrids, but it offers an upscale interior, a comfortable ride, all-wheel drive, and good fuel efficiency. The 5-seat midsize SUV has ample passenger space and can comfortably fit 5 adults in its two rows. Its cargo space measures 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and expands to 68.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded flat. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid gets 37 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined. By comparison, the non-hybrid Grand Highlander gets 24 mpg combined. The EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid Grand Highlander is $675 per year, or $56 in gas savings per month. The Toyota Grand Highlander is the only SUV on this list that seats up to 8 passengers. The family-friendly SUV offers a smooth ride and plenty of passenger space, including room for adults in the third row. It also has excellent fuel efficiency for its segment, making it great for around-town errands. Cargo capacity behind the third row is 20.6 cubic feet, which expands to 57.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. The 2025 AWD Toyota RAV4 PHEV gets 94 MPGe combined. It has an all-electric range of 42 miles and a total range of 600 miles. EPA-estimated annual fuel savings over the non-hybrid AWD RAV4 is $674 per year, or $56 in gas savings per month. While it is the most expensive SUV on our list, the 2025 AWD Toyota RAV4 PHEV offers excellent fuel efficiency and the highest all-electric range on this list at 42 miles. The RAV4 PHEV also has the most power of all the RAV4 configurations, adding a bit more pep to its drive. Like in the RAV4 Hybrid (also on this list), there is ample passenger room for 5 adults across both rows. The PHEV's cargo space behind the rear seats is slightly less than the RAV4 Hybrid's, but is still a good 33.5 cubic feet. All of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs on this list carry good value due to their price, gas savings, and utility. Ten of the 21 vehicles on this list have an MSRP of less than $35,000, and all feature good to great gas savings over their non-hybrid counterparts. If you are looking for a fuel-efficient SUV at a good price, then start with this list and use the mileage and fuel savings numbers to pencil out whether buying the Hybrid or PHEV version of the vehicle is the right choice for you.
