The best used hybrid SUVs tested by Edmunds
The best used hybrid SUV is the Honda CR-V, according to Edmunds' testing and real-world owner reviews. Big, spacious crossovers probably aren't what you think of when you think "great gas mileage." But the CR-V and other hybrid SUVs deliver the practicality you want with a lot less pain at the pump, and you won't need to worry about plugging in to charge the battery. Hybrid crossovers and SUVs come in all shapes and sizes; these top-rated picks represent both the compact and midsize segments, able to accommodate between five and eight passengers. For many, a used hybrid SUV is the best hybrid SUV. You'll save compared to buying new, and your gas bills will be manageable thanks to powertrains that eke the most mileage out of a gallon of fuel.
You'll notice that there are several Toyota hybrid options on this list. That's because the automaker offers a gas-electric version of most of its products, and Toyota hybrid SUVs happen to be very efficient, practical, and nice to drive. Regardless of brand, if you're looking for a relatively cheap hybrid SUV, you can't do much better than these. Edmunds included data on the average transaction price for a used model, how much you stand to save over a new model, and the average consumer rating from reviews.
1. Used Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V Hybrid offers a tantalizing premise: all the practicality, capability, and reliability of the Honda CR-V but with much better gas mileage. But while the EPA estimates the CR-V Hybrid gets a combined 40 mpg with front-wheel drive and 37 mpg with all-wheel drive, those figures weren't replicated in real-world testing. That said, it's still more efficient than the regular CR-V, and if you go with a 2023 or newer hybrid model, you get the same amount of storage as the nonhybrid version.
Average 2023 transaction price: $31,164
Savings vs. new: $4,293
Edmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)
Average owner review (2023): 4.1 (out of 5)
Used Honda CR-V Hybrid years for this generation: 2023–2025
2. Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was one of just a few electrified three-row SUVs when it debuted in 2006. More competition has joined the fray, but the late-model Highlander Hybrid remains a compelling choice thanks to its good fuel economy and high seating capacity. Adults won't want to spend much time in the third row, but if you're hauling a bunch of kids, the Highlander's appeal is plain as day. Its EPA-estimated 35 mpg or 36 mpg in combined driving is excellent, and those figures were nearly matched on the test route (33 mpg).
Average 2023 transaction price: $39,302
Savings vs. new: $9,997
Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)
Average owner review (2023): 4.3 (out of 5)
Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid years for this generation: 2020–2025
3. Used Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza was reintroduced in 2021 as a hybrid-only SUV and sold new through 2024. It was originally a little bit more expensive than the Toyota RAV4 and seats five passengers, with a sleek, low roofline setting the Venza apart from its more popular sibling. An upscale interior and sporty styling also help it stand out from the crowd, but the Venza's major selling point is its outstanding fuel economy. The Venza gets an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, but it can reach 44 mpg in combined driving. That is obviously excellent. But paradoxically, the sleek Toyota is smaller inside than the cheaper RAV4, and the four-cylinder engine can't back up the sporty looks. If fuel economy is your primary concern, though, you should give the Venza some thought.
Average 2023 transaction price: $31,700
Savings vs. new: no longer in production
Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)
Average owner review (2023): 4.2 (out of 5)
Used Toyota Venza years for this generation: 2021–2024
4. Used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers an improvement on its gas-only counterpart in a couple of key ways. The first, obviously, is that its fuel economy is excellent. The EPA estimates the RAV4 will get 40 mpg in combined driving, a full 10 mpg better than a gas-only RAV4. The second improvement is the RAV4's powertrain. The extra power offered by the electric motor makes accelerating in the RAV4 a much more pleasant experience; it's a full second quicker than its sibling when going from 0 to 60 mph. You don't lose any storage space by opting for the RAV4 Hybrid, and its interior is reasonably roomy even when loaded up with adults.
Average 2023 transaction price: $32,076
Savings vs. new: $4,969
Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)
Average owner review (2023): 4.3 (out of 5)
Used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid years for this generation: 2019–2025
5. Used Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape's hybrid powertrain is standard or optional on several trim levels, although it varies from year to year. The EPA estimates the Ford Escape Hybrid gets a combined 39 mpg, which is excellent for a vehicle of its size. Otherwise, the Escape is a functional, if not very exciting, SUV. Its acceleration is sluggish, and its technology is dated. But it offers a smooth ride and comfortable seating. If you're looking to save at the pump, the Ford Escape Hybrid is a fine choice for getting from A to B.
Average 2023 transaction price: $24,531
Savings vs. new: $6,975
Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)
Average owner review (2023): 3.7 (out of 5)
Used Ford Escape Hybrid years for this generation: 2020–2025
This story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Copyright 2026 Stacker Media, LLC
This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 8:30 AM.