Crossovers and small SUVs remain some of the most popular cars on the road for their city-friendly size and reasonable on-road cost. Adding electrification to the mix improves this already excellent recipe, making the small hybrid SUV a compelling proposition for the budget-minded shopper in the US. Taking the best subcompact and compact SUVs and adding hybrid power combines everything that’s good about the city runabout segment and fuel-saving tech. It’s a step forward for those not yet ready to go fully electric. Here is a list of the best small hybrid SUVs of 2025 for sale in the USA.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
This list only includes subcompact and compact hybrid SUVs. Only full hybrids and plug-in hybrids have been considered, not mild hybrids.
2025 Lexus NX
- Base MSRP
-
$45,125
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.5L I4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
203 hp
2025 Toyota RAV4
- MSRP
-
$31,900
- Engine
-
2.5L Dynamic Force I4 Hybrid
- Horsepower
-
219 hp combined
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- MSRP
-
$28,395
- Engine
-
2L Dynamic Force I4 Hybrid
- Horsepower
-
196 hp
2025 Dodge Hornet
- Engine
-
2.0L I4 Turbo | 1.3L I4 Turbo PHEV
- Horsepower
-
268 hp (2.0L) | 288 hp combined (1.3L PHEV)
- Base MSRP
-
$31,585
2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
- Base MSRP
-
$33,115
- Engine
-
1.6-liter Turbo Inline 4 Hybrid
- Horsepower
-
231 hp
Characteristics Of The Best Small Hybrid SUVs
Small hybrid SUVs are cropping up in many lineups nowadays, and the smallest hybrid SUV models are available for way under $30k. Here’s what you can expect from these high-riding hybrids:
- Small footprint makes it ideal for urban environments
- Good fuel economy
- Reasonable pricing
- All-electric range from plug-in hybrid models
- Improved practicality and versatility
What To Consider When Buying A Small Hybrid SUV
If you’re shopping for a compact hybrid SUV, there are some things you should know before signing on the dotted line.
Pros
- All-electric driving range on plug-in hybrid models
- Improved fuel economy figures
- Slight size is ideal for parking lots and city streets
- Capability isn’t negatively affected by hybridization
Cons
- Hybrids are more expensive than ICE cars…
- …and PHEVs cost even more
- Some lose out on cargo space due to battery placement
- Subcompact and compact models have tight cabins
FAQs
Are compact hybrid SUVs expensive?
In general, hybrid cars are more expensive than their gas counterparts, and this includes subcompact hybrid SUV models. The most affordable hybrid SUVs start at under $30k.
How reliable are hybrids as small SUV models?
The addition of hybridization doesn’t negatively affect the reliability of a car, and hybrid components need to be covered by a mandated warranty of at least eight years/100,000 miles. Hyundai ups this to 10 years on the battery.
Which small hybrid SUV gets the best gas mileage?
Most of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid small SUVs get fuel economy figures into the 40s, with the PHEV versions benefitting from an electric-only range, too.
