Richard Pardon/Bentley
We get it — you need lots of space but want to drive something eco-friendly, too. Sounds like you need a hybrid SUV, and thankfully there are a ton of good options on the market these days.
Scroll down to see a list of our favorite electrified SUVs. If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, be sure to check out our lists of the best cars under $30,000 and under $40,000, as well.
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Porsche is making many of its top-performing cars into plug-in hybrids, and the Cayenne is no exception. With 455 horsepower and a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds, this is a legit performance machine — that weighs 5,000 pounds.
The Cayenne’s new, 14.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack offers about 20 miles of all-electric driving when you want to go stealthily, and should offer a substantial boost over the outgoing Cayenne S E-Hybrid’s 46 MPGe.
The latest Cayenne inherits a revised version of the Panamera’s slick, capacitive-touch interior interface. It looks fresh and clean yet still has enough knobs and buttons to satisfy the touchscreen-averse.
Click here to read our Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid review.
Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
It’s a Bentley Bentayga, meaning this SUV is beautifully built, comfortable and surprisingly capable off road. For 2020, the plug-in hybrid Bentayga is estimated to offer about 30 miles of all-electric driving range.
The Bentayga is luxurious as hell, but also somewhat green thanks to its Porsche-derived hybrid drivetrain (see the Cayenne Hybrid above). There’s nothing else quite like it on sale today.
Plus, it’s got a Bentley badge on the front, which means you can flex your green cred and your tax-bracket status at the same time in places like Los Angeles.
Click here to read our Bentley Bentayga Hybrid review.
Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
Hybrid all-wheel-drive hardware shared with the NSX supercar? That makes the Acura MDX hybrid pretty freaking cool in our book.
With drivetrain net system output of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, there’s more power in the MDX Sport Hybrid than the standard model. And its 26 miles per gallon city and 27 mpg highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings bests the all-gas Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive version’s 19 city and 26 highway rating.
The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system helps the big MDX handle remarkably well, all things considered. And with no shortage of luxury or tech features inside, the electrified MDX is a car we’d be happy to drive for the long haul.
<strong>Click here to read our Acura MDX Sport Hybrid review</strong>
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Land Rover Range Rover P400e
With a 13.1-kilowatt-hour battery and a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, the plug-in hybrid Range Rover produces a healthy 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Land Rover says you can drive for about 19 miles on electric power alone, making it great for short commutes.
But the best part? It’s still a Range Rover. You can climb a mountain, ford a river or just cruise on the highway, all the while enveloped in luxurious accommodations.
<strong>Click here to read our Land Rover Range Rover P400e review</strong>
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Audi Q8
Admittedly, its 48-volt electrical system only makes the Q8 a mild hybrid, but with a turbocharged V6 delivering 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, this luxury SUV doesn’t need much help.
The Q8 has a face that not everyone will love, but there should be no quibbles about the new flagship SUV’s interior, which is top-notch in every regard, from its fit, finish and materials to its class-leading cabin tech.
The Q8 is surprisingly nimble, too, with good handling and a supple ride despite its oversized wheels.
<strong>Click here to read our Audi Q8 review</strong>
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Mercedes-Benz GLE450
Much like the Audi Q8, the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 uses a mild-hybrid powertrain setup. The new GLE is powered by a turbocharged, 3.0-liter I6 engine that produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, and then adds Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt motor-generator, which can provide an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for short bursts.
The EQ Boost 48-volt system also powers the GLE450’s E-Active Body Control system, which works with the air suspension and dampers at each wheel to make for a smooth, composed ride.
Click here to read our Mercedes-Benz GLE450 review.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a right-sized SUV for most, with decent ride quality and cargo capacity. Not only does the plug-in hybrid version let you coast on battery alone, it’s the most powerful XC60 in the lineup, offering 400 horsepower.
It might be a little complex, but Volvo’s Sensus Connect infotainment system is one of the most capable, packing hotspot capabilities, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a whole lot more. It’s one of many features that make us love living with the XC60 day to day.
<strong>Click here to read our Volvo XC60 T8 review</strong>
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First published May 19, 2019.