10 Best Hybrid SUVs in Australia 2024

This will come as good news for family buyers looking for an SUV that’s large and practical enough to handle a large family’s needs but doesn’t break the bank when it’s time to fill the tank.

In recent months we’ve seen the arrival of brand-new hybrid tech in some familiar compact, midsize and large SUV packages, so let’s take a closer look at your best options for a practical, fuel-efficient hybrid SUV in 2024.

Below you can find, in no particular order, ten of our favourite hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) SUVs currently on sale in Australia.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Our list kicks off with arguably the most famous hybrid SUV, the iconic Toyota RAV4.

Renowned for its family-friendly packaging, comfortable driving nature around town and, of course, Toyota’s exceptional hybrid drivetrains that offer a near 50 per cent fuel efficiency bonus over the rest of the range.

Toyota has also made the move to offer its hybrid engines across each different variant in the lineup, including the entry-level GX, which is great news for price-conscious buyers looking for a great hybrid SUV in 2024.

• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol + electric motor hybrid

• Power & Torque: 160kW - 163kW in AWD Hybrid

• Fuel Economy: 4.7 - 4.8L/100km

• Seats: Five

• Boot Space: 580L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Mazda CX-60 PHEV

The introduction of the Mazda CX-60 comes as the most premium midsize SUV we’ve seen from the company yet which.

The CX-60’s sleek styling package, wonderful interior design, generous technology offerings and the addition of a combined with a brand-new plug-in hybrid drivetrain means buyers finally have a super premium and fuel-efficient midsize SUV on offer from Mazda.

The CX-60 PHEV is available in Evolve, GT and flagship Azami variants which offer some stunning interior materials and a long list of active safety tech to keep your family safe.

• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol + electric motor

• Power & Torque:

• Battery Size: 17.8kWh

• Fuel Economy: 2.1L/100km (with charged battery)

• EV Range: 76km

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 477L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Kia Sorento Hybrid & PHEV

Kia has given its Sorento lineup a makeover for the 2024 model year, with the company sticking by both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options at the top of the range.

As far as the family test goes, the Sorento is a super strong performer, with its seven-seat layout and generous entertainment and safety technology lists making for a great option for large Aussie families looking to cut down on their fuel bills.

The company is yet to confirm exact specifications for the MY24 Sorento Hybrid and PHEV, so we’ll be using figures from the outgoing model as a reference point.

• Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder + electric motor

• Power & Torque: 195kW/350Nm

• Battery Size: 14kWh

• Fuel Economy: 1.6L/100km (PHEV) 5.8L/100km (Hybrid)

• EV Range: 57km

• Seats: 7 

• Boot Space: 175 - 604L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Last year Hyundai added two new hybrid powertrains to the Santa Fe ranks, aiming to give its family-friendly, seven-seat SUV some fuel efficiency gains over the rest of the range.

For now, the Santa Fe Hybrid is offered in Elite and range-topping Highlander variants, which means they’re priced high but come packed to the brim with premium touches and clever technology while offering a huge fuel economy bonus over the standard 3.5-litre V6 petrol.

• Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol + electric motor

• Power & Torque: 169kW/350Nm

• Fuel Economy: 6.0L/100km

• Seats: 7

• Boot Space: 130 - 782L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Honda CR-V e:HEV Hybrid RS

There’s a brand new Honda CR-V on sale here in 2024, headlined by an all-new hybrid powertrain option for one of Australia’s favourite family-friendly midsize SUVs.

The refreshed CR-V features a brand-new styling package, updated interior layout, brand-new technology for the range and the all-new hybrid tech underneath the bonnet that offers significant fuel savings over non-hybrid members of the CR-V range.

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol + two electric motors

• Power & Torque: 135kW/335Nm

• Fuel Economy: 5.5L/100km

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 589L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Nissan X-Trail e-Power with e-4orce

Nissan’s updated X-Trail range offers a seriously impressive midsize SUV package for adventurous buyers looking for a versatile and family-friendly package that isn’t afraid to get its toes dirty.

The company offers its brand new e-Power with e-4orce hybrid tech in both mid-range ST-L and range-topping Ti-L variants, giving buyers a more price-accessible option, while the driving experience feels super nimble thanks to its electric-driven powertrain.

• Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol + two electric motors 

• Power & Torque: 157kW

• Fuel Economy: 6.1L/100km

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 575L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Cupra Formentor VZe PHEV

For buyers looking for a fast yet family-friendly SUV packed with some fuel-efficient hybrid tech, the Cupra VZe PHEV looks to be one of your best options.

The VZe sits at the top of the range, produces a very healthy amount of power and picks up a sporty suspension package that makes it a heap of fun on the road, while the spacious interior layout proves itself worthy when put under the family test.

• Engine: 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol + two electric motors

• Power & Torque: 180kW/400Nm

• Battery Size: 12.8kWh

• Fuel Economy: 1.9L/100km (with charged battery)

• EV Range: 58km

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 345L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Haval H6 Hybrid

The Haval H6 Hybrid remains a great option for Aussies looking for an affordable midsize SUV with some clever fuel-saving hardware underneath the bonnet.

The Haval H6 stands out in the crowded midsize SUV segment thanks to its attractive drive-away pricing, long warranty coverage, large boot and comfortable second row legroom figures and a very healthy push from its hybrid powertrain.

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol + electric motor

• Power & Torque: 179kW/530Nm

• Fuel Economy: 5.2L/100km 

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 600L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander is not only one of the largest midsize SUVs on sale today, it’s one of the few that picks up a plug-in hybrid range-topper that offers silent, electric driving and some serious fuel-efficiency gains.

Inside, the Outlander’s cabin is super spacious, while the option of four PHEV variants across different price points in the range offers fuel-efficient tech to buyers sitting at a range of budgets.

• Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol + two electric motors

• Power & Torque: 185kW/450Nm

• Battery Size: 20kWh

• Fuel Economy: 1.5L/100km (with a charged battery)

• EV Range: 84km (NEDC cycle)

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 163 - 478L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Up to ten years/200,000-kilometres

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

The addition of the Corolla Cross means that Toyota has hybrid offerings across every major SUV segment, offering a slice of its fuel-efficient hybrid tech to a wider range of buyers.

This will come as good news for buyers looking for the added versatility that an SUV offers while remaining super user-friendly around town.

In typical Toyota fashion, there are hybrid versions of the Corolla Cross on offer from the entry-level GX through to the flagship Atmos variant, with the bonus of an all-wheel drive system in the range-topper that sits as one of the most impressive compact hybrid SUVs on sale in 2024.

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol + electric motor

• Power & Torque: 146kW

• Fuel Economy: 4.3 - 4.4L/100km

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 380 - 425L

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star 

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

FAQ: What are Some Upcoming Hybrid SUVs in Australia Coming in 2024?

Some of the major hybrid SUV releases here in Australia include the all-new Hyundai Kona Hybrid, the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid, BYD Seal U PHEV, Citroen C5 X PHEV, updated Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Jeep Compass Hybrid, Mazda CX-90 PHEV, Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid and the Renault Captur Hybrid.

FAQ: What Hybrid SUV Has the Least Problems?

It’s difficult to pinpoint the hybrid SUV with the least problems, though overall dependability studies and ownership surveys seem to suggest that Lexus and Toyota offer SUVs with the least problems over time, followed by companies like Genesis and Hyundai, as well as Kia, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Nissan.

FAQ: What was the Best Selling SUV in Australia in 2023?

The award for the best-selling SUV in Australia in 2023 went to the MG ZS, which managed to outsell the Toyota RAV4, Tesla Model Y, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and the Toyota LandCrusier Prado.

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