23 Hybrid SUVs with All-Wheel Drive (incl. Plug-In Hybrids)

All-wheel-drive (AWD) SUVs are in high demand for their increased all-weather capability and better car control; those with hybridized powertrains improve fuel economy for an all-around compelling option.

The following subcompact, compact, midsize, and full-size SUVs have AWD and hybrid or plug-in-hybrid engines.

hybrid awd suv

Hybrid SUVs with AWD (Extra-Small)

AWD subcompact crossovers are increasingly popular due to their entry-level pricing and SUV characteristics, while gas-electric hybrids enhance efficiency to help you save at the pump.

#1 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Toyota released the crossover version of the wildly popular Corolla sedan in 2022, offering optional AWD for the gasoline-only model.

One year later, the Japanese carmaker went one step further by offering a hybridized subcompact Corolla Cross.

Since its 2023 introduction, the subcompact Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SUV has been available solely with all-wheel drive, an improved offering across the famous nameplate’s various body styles.

With the regular Corolla Cross earning the Top Safety Pick + award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), you can expect the similar-body Corolla Cross Hybrid to be an impeccably safe SUV.

#2 Hyundai Kona Hybrid

Up to 2022, the super-competitive Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover was only available with gas-only and all-electric powertrains.

That changed come 2023 with the introduction of the Kona Hybrid, thereby offering prospective buyers of the little SUV a comprehensive selection of three propulsion modes – the standard Kona is one of the Hyundai vehicles with AWD.

The Hyundai Kona Hybrid comes with all-wheel drive, a roomier interior than the regular model due to its lengthened wheelbase, and a similarly distinctive exterior that helps it stands out from the crowd.

Hybrid SUVs with AWD (Small)

AWD-equipped small SUVs are getting larger to meet demands for more interior space, making them ideal vehicles for smaller families of four or five.

#3 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Honda has always provided compelling reasons to own the CR-V small SUV despite strong competition in the segment.

A roomy interior, strong fuel economy, and a well-insulated cabin have long been hallmarks of the CR-V.

While the regular model only has the system as optional, the Honda CR-V small hybrid SUV gets all-wheel drive as standard equipment, an offering that started in 2020 when it debuted.

From 2023, Honda simply calls the CR-V Hybrid “Honda CR-V,” with hybrid powertrains standard across the top-level trims.

#4 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The Hyundai Tucson is one of the few compact SUVs that a manufacturer has made available a gas-only, a hybrid, and a plug-in-hybrid variant to satisfy various powertrain preferences.

Tucson Hybrid retains the regular model’s qualities, and Hyundai has offered standard all-wheel drive across the range since the model’s 2022 debut.

Its AWD-mated gas-electric powertrain is relatively thrifty, nearing 40mpg combined for city/highway driving.

#5 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Alongside the CR-V – one of the Hondas with AWD – the RAV4 is Toyota’s best-selling SUV.

Every Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has come with standard all-wheel drive since its first model year appeared in 2016.

The gas-electric hybrid variant is up to 10mpg more frugal than the standard RAV4.

#6 Kia Sportage Hybrid

In an ultra-competitive field with all-stars like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Kia Sportage stands tall with its aggressive styling, quality interior, and roomy cabin.

2023 was the first production year for the Kia Sportage Hybrid, and all-wheel drive forms part of the optional-equipment list.

Besides AWD, the Sportage Hybrid’s excellent ride comfort is a strong class differentiator.

#7 Ford Escape Hybrid

Besides strong reliability and good ride comfort, consumers today expect small SUVs to have roomy interiors, which is where the Ford Escape delivers.

It’s one of the American company’s most popular models.

All-wheel drive is optional for all Ford Escape trim levels.

It’s also among the most fuel-efficient small hybrid SUVs with AWD, averaging approximately 40 mpg combined.

Hybrid SUVs with AWD (Midsize)

Many midsize SUVs have AWD, but those with hybrid powertrains are less.

#8 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

While the RAV4 is the ideal Toyota SUV for four or five, the Highlander, with three rows of seats accommodating up to eight, is the perfect vehicle for larger families.

Better still, SUV owners who desire greater efficiency will find plenty to love about the hybridized Highlander, besides the optional all-wheel drive for enhanced wet-weather ability.

Like most Toyotas, the Highlander Hybrid has a strong fuel economy and a quiet and comfortable cabin, suitable for families on road trips.

#9 Ford Explorer Hybrid

Ford Explorer is one of the marque’s larger SUVs, with three rows of seats to fit families of six or seven.

Like the smaller Escape crossover, the Explorer has either a gasoline-only or hybrid power plant for lower fuel consumption.

While rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional for the Ford Explorer Hybrid.

#10 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz loyalists desiring something larger than the compact GLC-Class will find similar segment-topping attributes in the midsize GLE-Class.

Plus, the GLE’s hybrid variant offers a good power-to-efficiency ratio, thanks to the mild hybrid system.

Standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and the various strong suits make the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class among the best midsize luxury SUV with a hybrid powertrain and AWD.

#11 Audi Q7

Audi Q7 is a solid midsize luxury SUV with all-wheel drive, a compelling alternative to the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if you need a third row to fit the occasional extra guests.

The Q7 has several strong attributes, among others:

  • Agile handling.
  • Smooth and comfortable ride.
  • Outstanding build quality and interior materials.

Hybrid SUVs with AWD (Large)

Large SUVs with 4WD are easier to find than those with AWD.

Still, some luxury models are available for discerning buyers.

#12 BMW X7 Hybrid

Larger families desiring a BMW SUV will find the full-size X7 a strong pick, with available gas-only and hybrid engines from which to choose.

The wet-weather capable all-wheel drive system is standard in every BMW X7.

It’s appropriately big in interior space, bold in styling, and has heaps of power to haul seven occupants smoothly and comfortably.

#13 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Step into the Merc GLS, and the large three-row SUV offers plenty of space and luxury for up to seven passengers.

It’s one of the strongest picks in the field with competing models from BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, and Lincoln.

With the gas-electric mild hybrid powertrain, standard all-wheel drive, and exemplary opulence, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the ultimate full-size luxury SUV for families.

Mainstream large SUVs do not have hybrid engines or all-wheel-drive, but those with four-wheel drive (4WD) are available, and they include:

  • Chevrolet Tahoe.
  • Chevrolet Suburban.
  • Toyota Sequoia.
  • Nissan Armada.
  • Ford Expedition.
  • GMC Yukon.

Plug-In Hybrid SUVs with AWD (Extra-Small)

Subcompact AWD SUVs with gas engines outnumber those with plug-in-hybrid powertrains, making the following entry a rare breed.

#14 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid

Buyers get to drive a subcompact SUV with an all-electric range for the first time when Subaru added a plug-in-hybrid option to the Crosstrek crossover in 2020.

Every Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid has all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in poor weather conditions, making it the ideal extra-small PHEV SUV with AWD.

Additionally, the Crosstrek can venture onto dirt roads better than most subcompacts with its high ground clearance.

Plug-In Hybrid SUVs with AWD (Small)

While plug-in hybrids (PHEV) offer modest all-electric miles, electric SUVs with AWD are excellent for a complete switch to greener energy, as they increase in number with lower costs.

Still, PHEVs are solid choices to get your feet wet as a step toward the EV future.

#15 Toyota RAV4 Prime

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the select small SUVs that offer buyers a chance to own a gas-only, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid version, a comprehensive provision that began in 2021 with Prime’s debut.

All-wheel propulsion is standard equipment across all Toyota RAV4 Prime models.

Its impressive near-50 miles on a complete charge makes the Toyota RAV4 Prime one of the most appealing plug-in-hybrid compact SUVs with AWD in the class.

Those who drive short distances daily should consider the RAV4 Prime.

#16 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

If you love Kia’s value-for-money offering and need additional seats for higher occupancy, the Kia Sorento is a strong pick.

When the Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid debuted in 2021, it offered buyers a unique small SUV with three rows of seats and standard all-wheel drive for greater grip when conditions demand it.

Crucially, Sorento’s third row is decidedly spacious, making its seven-seater design more practical than most.

#17 Lexus NX

Until 2021, the Lexus NX small luxury SUV only had gas-powered and hybrid models.

For 2022 and beyond, however, Lexus added a plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) variant to the NX range with the 450h+, increasing the crossover’s appeal and fuel economy in the hybrid mode.

Every Lexus NX 450h+ gets all-wheel drive, a PHEV powertrain that offers around 40 miles of electric range, and a similar mpg figure during regular hybrid operation.

Other pluses NX buyers can look forward to are:

  • Smooth power delivery.
  • Comfortable ride, the way Lexus does best.
  • Reasonably roomy for four adults.
  • Good visibility.
  • Solid build quality.

#18 Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid

While its more-famous German rivals occupy headlines, Swedish Volvo quietly goes about its business, delivering an exceptional product with the small two-row XC60 plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Since 2018 when Volvo introduced the second-generation XC60, all Volvo XC60 PHEVs have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

With compelling attributes like an elegant interior, roomy cargo area, and impeccable crash safety scores, the Volvo XC60 makes a strong case for being the best small luxury plug-in-hybrid SUV with AWD.

#19 Audi Q5 Plug-In Hybrid

The Q5 is a small luxury SUV with available gas, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid powertrains.

While some competitors offer a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the Audi Q5 has AWD as a standard provision at all trim levels.

#20 BMW X3 Plug-In Hybrid

The X3 is an all-rounder in the small luxury SUV class and is available as gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrids.

While RWD is standard in the base model, most BMW X3 trim levels have optional AWD, including the hybrid variant.

It has roomy seating in both rows, a strong yet efficient engine, and a comfortable ride for five passengers, making the BMW X3 a solid choice for a small plug-in-hybrid luxury SUV with all-wheel drive.

Plug-In Hybrid SUVs with AWD (Midsize)

#21 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid

Being slightly larger than the compact Tucson, the five-seater Santa Fe is the Korean automaker’s midsize SUV with a luxuriously-equipped cabin that enhances the model’s value-for-money proposition.

Unlike the standard gas-powered Santa Fe with optional all-wheel drive, the Santa Fe PHEV has had a standard AWD since its 2022 appearance.

It is a unique choice among Santa Fe models as the plug-in hybrid can travel for around 30 miles purely on battery juice.

#22 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid

Few midsize luxury SUVs can top the X5’s combination of strong powertrains, a posh cabin, and a spacious interior for five.

The luxurious BMW X5 plug-in hybrid has standard all-wheel drive through the German marque’s proprietary xDrive system.

It’s an incredibly well-rounded SUV that will get you around 40 miles on a full charge for city driving.

#23 Lincoln Aviator Plug-In Hybrid

This American car company is a sports utility specialist famous for massive SUVs like the impressive seven-seater Navigator.

However, the Lincoln Aviator is nearly as good, a midsize three-row with a plug-in-hybrid version, forming part of the model’s second generation that debuted in 2020.

All-wheel drive is standard equipment for the Lincoln Aviator PHEV midsize luxury SUV, and it returns better fuel economy than the rear-wheel-drive variant.

Cabin comfort and a quiet ride are massive pluses this plug-in hybrid offers.

Plug-In Hybrid SUVs with AWD (Large)

Unfortunately, no full-size SUVs have plug-in-hybrid powertrains mated with an all-wheel-drive system.

Gas-powered full-size 4×4 SUVs are your only options.

References:

https://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/tucson-hybrid

https://www.toyota.com/rav4hybrid/

https://www.kia.com/us/en/sportage-hybrid

https://www.toyota.com/highlanderhybrid/

https://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/models/explorer-limited/

https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/class/gle/suv

https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/class/gls/suv

https://www.kia.com/us/en/sorento-plug-in-hybrid

https://www.lexus.com/models/NX

https://www.volvocars.com/us/cars/xc60-hybrid/

https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/plug-in-hybrid-electric.html

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-fe-plug-in-hybrid

https://www.lincoln.com/plug-in-hybrid-electric-vehicles/