The highest-rated hybrid cars under $80K
There's no shortage of affordable hybrid vehicles on sale today, but the story starts to change if you're looking for something that's a bit more upscale, and the options narrow even further if you're not interested in a plug-in hybrid. If your budget sits between $60,000 and $80,000, Edmunds has a list of hybrid models worth your attention.
2026 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid
With its handsome exterior design, upscale cabin, and the availability of both a mild hybrid and a gutsy plug-in hybrid within the model range, there's plenty to like about the XC60. But while the 2026 XC60 features a new infotainment system that features a larger touch screen display and new software, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is a glaring omission, and the screen's awkward integration is a rare misstep for an automaker that usually nails the aesthetics.
Starting price: $62,545
Edmunds Rating: 6.7 (out of 10)
Average owner review: 3.7 (out of 5)
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 35 miles of EV range, then 28 mpg combined
2026 Toyota Sequoia
It might not appear like it on the surface, but the big body-on-frame Toyota Sequoia actually sports a relatively fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The powerful turbocharged hybrid V6 is rated at 22 mpg combined for two-wheel-drive models and 20 mpg combined for Sequoias with four-wheel drive. That's better than most full-size SUVs you'll see today. Toyota's largest SUV offers three rows of seating, plenty of cargo space, and impressive tow ratings, making it a good hybrid option for those who often hook up trailers.
Starting price: $67,120
Edmunds Rating: 6.3 (out of 10)
Average owner review: 3.3 (out of 5)
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20-22 mpg combined
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e
The GLC embodies all of the usual Mercedes-Benz traits. With exceptional build quality, an opulent interior, and excellent ride quality, it should come as no surprise that it's one of the highest-rated compact luxury SUVs. All versions of the GLC now feature some flavor of hybridization, with the GLC 300 using a mild hybrid setup while the AMG-tuned GLC 43 brings in an electrically assisted turbocharger to improve response. The 671-hp GLC 63 S E Performance uses a turbo setup that's similar to the GLC 43's as well as a large plug-in battery and a powerful rear-axle motor. The 350e, meanwhile, is a more traditional plug-in hybrid that can travel an impressive EPA-estimated 54 miles on electricity alone.
Starting price: $61,650
Edmunds Rating: 7.3 (out of 10)
Average owner review: 3.7 (out of 10)
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 54 miles of EV range, then 25 mpg combined
2026 Lexus TX 500h
The three-row Lexus TX 500h is one of the largest hybrids on sale today, with a huge cabin that offers a premium design and plenty of room for adults in all three rows. The smooth ride only buoys passenger comfort, while the torquey, turbocharged four-cylinder provides brisk performance. The Lexus TX 500h gets up to 27 mpg combined, but if you'd like the plug-in hybrid with 33 miles of all-electric range, you'll have to clear the $80,000 price cap.
Starting price: $71,710
Edmunds Rating: 6.9 (out of 10)
Average owner review: 3.7 (out of 5)
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 27 mpg combined
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e
Like many vehicles on this list, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e is a plug-in hybrid SUV, though this Mercedes stands out from the crowd with a quiet and upscale cabin, great in-car tech, and lots of available features. The GLE's plug-in hybrid powertrain offers an estimated 50 miles of all-electric range and an overall 23 mpg combined. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient luxury SUV, it doesn't get much better than the Mercedes GLE.
Starting price: $73,600
Edmunds Rating: 8.0 (out of 10)
Average owner review: 5.0 (out of 5)
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 50 miles of EV range, then 23 mpg combined
2026 Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid
Volvo's largest SUV is available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This three-row plug-in hybrid SUV packs a 455-hp punch, and it's also very spacious and comfortable inside, with available seating for seven. The XC90 offers 32 miles of all-electric range and a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg.
Starting price: $77,595
Edmunds Rating: 7.5 (out of 10)
Average owner review: 3.2 (out of 5)
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 32 miles of EV range, then 27 mpg combined
2026 Lexus RX 450h+
Like the other Lexus models on this list, the RX is available in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. In addition to the turbo-hybrid RX 500h and the plug-in RX 450h+, there's also a naturally aspirated four-cylinder RX 350h that gets the best fuel economy of the bunch. Although there's a significant price gap between hybrid and PHEV variants, that gap has narrowed for 2026, as the plug-in hybrid model now comes in at a lower starting price. No matter which powertrain you're interested in, you'll find the RX offers a comfortable, well-appointed cabin, lots of driver assistance and in-car tech, and a relatively fuel-efficient engine. The EPA rates the RX's fuel economy at up to 36 mpg combined with the base hybrid, while the PHEV offers up to 37 miles of EV range.
Starting price: $66,680
Edmunds Rating: 7.1 (out of 10)
Average owner review: 4.4 (out of 5)
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 37 miles of EV range, then 35 mpg combined
2026 BMW 550e xDrive
The BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid is the only sedan on this list. The 550e xDrive uses a potent turbocharged inline-six paired with an electric motor, making the hybrid 5 Series both quick and relatively fuel-efficient. We like the 5 Series' in-car tech, premium cabin, and sporty driving dynamics. It's one of the more expensive vehicles on this list, but the BMW's luxurious interior and plentiful features make it worth the price of admission.
Starting price: $76,950
Edmunds Rating: 7.4 (out of 10)
Average owner review: 4.9 (out of 5)
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 33 miles of EV range, then 25 mpg combined
2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e
If the 5 Series is appealing but you need more space for people and cargo, BMW has you covered with the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid. It uses the same basic powertrain as the 5 Series hybrid, so it's quicker and better to drive than you might expect of something so fuel-efficient. The premium cabin and in-car tech are among the best in the class.
Starting price: $77,450
Edmunds Rating: 7.4 (out of 10)
Average owner review: 3.8 (out of 5)
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 38 miles of EV range, then 22 mpg combined
This story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 6:30 AM.