The hybrid crossover segment has a pretty short roster ofcompetitors, which currently includes newcomers like the Kia Niro and MINI CountrymanE Hybrid, along with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a legendary stalwart that likes tosit at the top of the list, until now.
Enter the 2020Honda CR-V Hybrid. A formidable competitor with specs and features that issure show the RAV4 Hybrid that being the best comes down to a game of inches.
Edmunds expert reviewers rank the best hybrid cars of 2021 and 2022 on a 10-point scale that includes performance, comfort, interior, technology, and value. Best Hybrid SUVs for 2020. These are becoming the first choice for those who need both practicality and economy. The following are favorites from our best hybrid crossover SUVs roster.
Late to the game
Apr 08, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. New for 2020, after selling over 5 million copies, Honda has finally brought out a hybridized version of its ubiquitous CR-V compact crossover.Based on our early first drive. Jan 05, 2021 When Ford redesigned the Explorer for 2020, it added a hybrid model for the first time. This new hybrid SUV combines a 3.3-liter V-6 with an electric motor for a combined output of 318 horsepower.
Honda typically likes to show up fashionably late. Whether it’s via certain tech features or worthy category competitors, the brand has shown time and time again that they know how to follow suit, even if it takes a minute or a year. That’s basically the case for the new CR-V Hybrid as the model showed up in the European market last year and finally has arrived on U.S. shores complete with a fuel-efficient powertrain and a new facelift.
Powertrain
This is the first hybrid CR-V that Honda has ever produced, so it’s not too shocking that they sourced the powertrain from their tried-and-true Accord Hybrid. That’s not a bad thing, though, as the 2.0-liter, 16-valve Atkinson Cycle engine, which is combined with two electric motors, nets 212 total horsepower and 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, 38 mpg combined. The engine and motor combination is hooked up to a CVT transmission that puts the power to all four wheels, thanks to a standard Real Time AWD setup.
Safety
As with the gas-powered CR-V, the 2020 CR-V Hybrid comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features. This package includes driver aids like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, collision mitigation braking system, and road departure mitigation. On top of all of that, the CR-V Hybrid did receive top marks from the IIHS, as it earned a Top Safety Pick rating along with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA.
Design
The Honda CR-V Hybrid has a new front-end design for 2020and it will come well-equipped almost exactly like its gasoline-onlystablemate. Standard features like dual-zone climate control, LED headlights,and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto lock can be found on the base LX trim.While stepping up the EX-L and Touring trims will offer features like leatherseats, a power tailgate, heated steering wheel, parking sensors, and anupgraded 330-watt premium sound system. As with all other Honda models, the CR-VHybrid is loaded with value.
Pricing
The base model LX will start at $27,750 (without destination)and on up to $35,950 for the Touring trim level. Those keeping score willnotice that the CR-V Hybrid pricing is $2,700 more than the regular CR-V. Whileit might seem like a premium price to pay, consider that it does get better fueleconomy and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Is it the best?
In the hybrid crossover world, competitiveness mostly depends on pricing and fuel economy, at least on paper. In the race between the CR-V Hybrid and the RAV4 Hybrid, the RAV4 has the fuel economy advantage as its rated at 40 mpg combined (compared to 38), while the CR-V starts a lower price.
They both have all-wheel drive as standard and are available with same types of features, so it all comes down to personal preference. In case you’re in the market for one of these fuel-sipping crossovers, we recommend driving them, although, you may have to wait as they just started showing up in dealerships as of March 1st.
Though nearly every automaker offers a three-row crossover SUV, only a select few of these large family vehicles can be considered fuel efficient. Electrification raises expectations for efficiency without sacrificing performance or size. Just five years ago, when there were no plug-in hybrid or electric three-row SUVs, a 25 combined mpg was exceptional. That's average at best now. And it's not just electrification accounting for improved efficiency. For 2020, Toyota downsized the engine in the Highlander Hybrid and put it on a diet, resulting in nearly 30% better fuel economy.
While the 30-mpg Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan (actually a plug-in hybrid, and now with available AWD) would be our recommended buy for families looking for a three-row vehicle, we understand the minivan stigma runs strong in the face of logic. So here's a look at the top five* most efficient three-row crossover SUVs based on EPA ratings. Prices include destination fee.
2019 Tesla Model X
The bulbous Tesla Model X with the falcon-wing rear doors comes standard with all-wheel drive, accomplished by a motor on each axle. It comes in Standard, Long Range, or Performance trims, with the latter hitting 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. On a full charge, it has a range from 258 miles to 328 miles, depending on the version. The falcon-wing doors that hinge at the roof to rise up over the car can open up in tighter parking spaces than a minivan with sliding doors, making entry into the tight third row easier than most other three-row crossover SUVs.
Efficiency: 101 MPGe combined or 33 kwh/100 miles
Range: 258 to 328 miles
Starting price: $86,210-$106,210
Small changes lead to dramatic improvements in the redesigned 2020 Toyota Highland Hybrid. Toyota swapped in a 2.5-liter inline-4 instead of the V-6, dropped weight, and increased fuel economy from 28 mpg combined in the outgoing version to 36 mpg combined for 2020. The all-wheel drive system only drops it 1 mpg combined, and includes a third motor powering the rear axle.
Efficiency: 36 mpg city, 35 highway, 36 combined
Range: 550 miles
Starting price: $39,320 (spring 2020)
2020 Volvo XC90
The 2020 Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid with the turbo- and supercharged T8 engine with all-wheel drive seats six or seven passengers. Space isn't compromised by the powertrain, and the Swedish styling makes it one of the more attractive three-row crossover SUVs on the market, inside and out. It also packs plenty of punch, with the 400-hp powertrain hitting 60 mph in fewer than six seconds.
Efficiency: 55 MPGe or 27 mpg combined without a charge
Range: 18 miles electric only, 520 miles total.
Starting price: $67,995-$73,695
Available on top Grand Touring and Black Label trims, the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid is built off the 2020 Ford Explorer, but finished in the finest features and creature comforts. The 494-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 13.6-kwh battery pack generates a whopping 630 pound-feet of torque, good enough to hit 60 mph in under six seconds. Second-row passengers welcome available captain's chairs and the roomiest space in the class, though a bench seat will help seat seven passengers overall. The third row is much tighter and best suited for pint-sized passengers.
Efficiency: 56 MPGe or 23 mpg combined without a charge
Range: 21 miles electric only, 460 miles total
Starting price: $70,540-$89,540
2020 Lexus RX 450h L
On paper, the 2020 Lexus RX 450h L AWD checks all the boxes, including the one for most letters after the model name. The 'h' stands for hybrid, the 'L' stands for long, but the third row in the RX 450h L is so cramped as to be functional in only the tightest of pinches, which is what the back-seat riders will feel.
Efficiency: 29/28/29 mpg
Range: 499 miles
Starting price: $51,535
Best Hybrid Crossover 2020 Ireland
*2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid
2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid - First Drive - Portland OR, June 2019
*We're adding a sixth, because the RX 450h L and it's nearly useless third row merit an alternative. In rear-wheel drive with a 318-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the new 2020 Explorer Hybrid comes really close to the RX 450h L in terms of fuel economy, but has a roomier third row more in line with the Lincoln Aviator. In Limited trim, it would be silly to call it the poor man's alternative to the Aviator Grand Touring, even with available second-row captain's chairs. Cargo room with all seats up is exceptional.
Efficiency: 27/29/28 mpg
Range: 540 miles
Starting price: $54,120
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Awd Hybrid Crossover 2020