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    Best Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000

    These models deliver stellar fuel economy along with everyday practicality

    white 2024 Toyota Venza on city street with buildings in background
    Toyota Venza
    Photo: Toyota

    Consumers shopping for an SUV would do well by not only considering a hybrid model but also focusing solely on one. That’s because today’s hybrids are more often than not better in nearly every way than their conventionally powered siblings.

    As Consumer Reports’ auto experts have seen in testing, hybrid versions of vehicles generally have a better response when starting up from a stop, and are quicker and quieter in regular driving and when accelerating. Many of them also have ride and handling characteristics that are as good as—or better than—their conventionally powered siblings.

    On top of that, there are now numerous plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that let you drive solely on electric power for 30 to 40 miles (or more) but still offer the long-distance range and ability to fill up at any gas station as a conventional hybrid.

    In short, there’s no reason to NOT consider a hybrid . . . except if you like buying more gasoline than you have to.

    More on SUVs

    Below we present the best hybrid and PHEV SUVs that cost $35,000 to $45,000 that we’ve tested, ranked by their Overall Score, which factors in road-test performance, owner satisfactionpredicted reliability, and safety. Overall Scores change over time as new information, such as reliability data, becomes available. The model pages always reflect our latest ratings.

    All of these models come standard with automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that operates at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) unless noted otherwise. Most carry our Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions.

    If you’re a CR member, this article and the list below are already available to you. But if you haven’t signed up, click below and become a member to access this list and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.

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    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.