The 10 most reliable hybrid SUVs that will get you from A to B

While there are several reasons why you might want to make your next car an EV instead of a hybrid, electric cars are still expensive to buy new, and they suffer rapid depreciation. Instead, financially savvy drivers have been looking at hybrid cars to get the best of both worlds. These reliable hybrid SUVs are perfect for families who want space and practicality without constant refills and repair bills.

This list is loaded with Japan-made cars, since they’re some of the most reliable in the world, but I was surprised by the winning European model, scoring an astounding 87 out of 100 for reliability on J.D. Power.

10

Lexus NX

Reliability score: 80/100

Lexus

Starting strong with a mid-size luxury hybrid SUV from Japan, the Lexus NX 350h is packed with technology as standard. Beneath the striking LED lights and 18-inch alloys on the exterior, the cabin is coated in NuLuxe synthetic leather, with heated front seats, and a 9.8-inch touchscreen.

You also get a backup camera to help with parking, and, like every Lexus on this list, the NX comes with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 — a suite of advanced driver assistance, including:

• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning and steering assist
• Road sign assist
• Automatic high beam assist

NX 350h AWD performance specs

9

Lexus TX

Reliability score: 81/100

Lexus

The Lexus TX is the most recent addition to the Lexus stable in the US. It’s based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, and is available with up to seven seats. Hybrid powertrains are only available on higher-grade 500h F Sport Performance trims, or a plug-in hybrid for 500h+ models.

Despite the size and weight of the TX, the 500h manages up to 27 MPG combined. Upgrading to the PHEV version increases this figure to 29 MPG, but there’s a staggering price tag attached to it. The other issue with the TX is availability. Demand is through the roof.

TX 500h F Sport performance specs

8

Toyota Highlander

Reliability score: 81/100

Toyota

Slightly smaller than the aforementioned Grand Highlander, this Toyota still boasts a spacious interior. Sitting near the top of the Toyota range, the Highlander gets privacy glass, a black front grille with chrome surrounds, and a powered moonroof as standard. You also get windshield wiper de-icers, which you’ll be grateful for when it’s freezing.

The interior is treated with faux wood door inserts, 14 drinks holders, five USB ports, and three-zone climate controls. This should keep everyone happy on longer trips.

Highlander Hybrid XLE performance specs

Related

The 3-year-old Japanese hybrid SUV worth buying used

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 hybrid is a reliable and fuel-efficient bargain SUV.

7

Subaru Forester

Reliability score: 83/100

Subaru

Admittedly, I wasn’t expecting to find a BOXER engine in a list of reliable vehicles. However, 96% of all Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. For comparison, that’s more than Honda and Toyota.

As far as SUVs go, the Subaru Forester is a good one. With standard all-wheel drive, independent suspension, and countless optional Thule accessories, you can take the road less traveled with confidence. Or you could just admire the seamless Lineartronic CVT transmission on-road.

Forester Premium Hybrid performance specs

6

BMW X3

Reliability score: 84/100

BMW

BMW are cleverly adhering to emissions regulations by adding small batteries alongside big engines. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive is a hybrid SUV, but it continues to use a thirsty 3L six-cylinder BMW M engine boosted to almost 400 horsepower by the 48-volt battery. Between its quad exhaust tips, giant red sport brake calipers, and signature kidney grille, there’s no denying this crossover was built for performance.

X3 M50 xDrive performance specs

5

Ford Escape

Reliability score: 85/100

Ford

Taking inspiration from Ford Performance models, the hybrid Escape ST-Line gets a sporty body kit with dark alloys, a black mesh grille, a large rear spoiler, and ST-Line badges scattered around. Red stitching matches the flat-bottom sports steering wheel to the bucket seats inside, along with a modern 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen running the latest Ford SYNC 4.0 system. It’s the perfect mix of performance, efficiency, and practicality.

Escape ST-Line hybrid performance specs

Related

10 most reliable electric cars under $30,000

There’s no need to worry about buying a used EV. Here are ten affordable options with strong reliability scores.

4

Lexus RX

Reliability score: 85/100

Lexus

We’re back to Japanese cars with the Lexus RX. This mid-sized luxury hybrid SUV embodies timeless elegance. The heated and ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel are wrapped in perforated leather, with classic faux wood inserts in the wheel.

There’s also a plethora of modern features, such as keyless entry, a powered tailgate, a digital instrument cluster paired with a 14-inch touchscreen, plus a wireless mobile phone charging pad to keep you connected via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

RX 350h Luxury AWD performance specs

3

Lexus UX

Reliability score: 85/100

Lexus

Ironically, the smallest and most affordable Lexus is the most reliable of the bunch. The Lexus UX is a compact SUV poised to attract younger buyers into a luxury experience. Its nimble body is suited to tight city streets, but these parking-spot-friendly dimensions restrict space for rear seat passengers and in the cargo area.

That said, there’s a combination of eight trim levels and drivetrains to choose from, so everyone can find their perfect configuration. Regardless of grade, every UX is a hybrid, so you’ll always get a hybrid SUV with the best MPG on the market.

UX 300h performance specs

2

Toyota 4RUNNER

Reliability score: 86/100

Toyota

Despite being a few features away from truck classification, the Toyota 4RUNNER is an extremely reliable SUV. Its muscular body is sculpted by premium LED lights with backlit logos, 20-inch alloy wheels, fixed running boards, and a rear spoiler.

Inside is cozier, with leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, carpeted floor mats, plus two large digital screens. The infotainment system is paired to a JBL sound system, which lifts the overall quality.

4RUNNER Limited i-FORCE MAX performance specs

Related

10 Honda models you should buy used

These used Honda models have high reliability scores for peace of mind.

1

BMW X4

Reliability score: 87/100

Taking the top spot as the most reliable hybrid SUV is the BMW X4. The M40i injects performance into an otherwise dull SUV. Flaunting a coupe body style, BMW describes the X4 as a sports activity coupe. Personally, I don’t think SAC will catch on like SUV did.

Anyway, the X4 M40i xDrive pairs the same engine and battery as the X3 further up this list, but somehow drops power to 382 hp. In spite of that, you’ll relax in the luscious leather seats as you’re propelled to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds, while the adaptive M suspension absorbs unsettling bumps.

X4 M40i performance specs