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One of the benefits of a hybrid SUV is the savings on gas, but those savings can trickle in for some vehicles. One manufacturer happens to offer many matching hybrid sport utility vehicles to its popular gasoline-powered options, and that company is Lexus. Here are two hybrid SUVs that start saving money instantly and one Ford truck that you might be able to guess.

One of the SUVs that start saving money right away is the Lexus NX

SUVs that start saving money right away is this blue Lexus NX
A 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid | Lexus

When Consumer Reports searched for SUVs that start saving money at the pumps right away, not many options made the list. While gas costs might have fallen since the last spike, many drivers are still interested in hybrid vehicles. These can be a good in-between for someone interested in an electric car but not ready for the full EV treatment yet.

Many hybrids start saving drivers cash after a year or two, thanks to the higher cost associated with a hybrid powertrain. That isn’t always the case, though. One of the SUVs that start saving money right away is the 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid. The Lexus NX 350h costs less than some trims of the gasoline Lexus NX 350 and gets 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Chris Harto, a senior energy policy analyst at CR, says, “You don’t have to buy an EV to reduce your exposure to high gas prices. Buying an efficient hybrid can help buffer your monthly budget from the wild swings caused by volatility in global oil markets.” Fresh off a recent redesign, the NX is a strong competitor in the small SUV segment that starts saving money immediately.

The Lexus RX is another hybrid SUV that starts saving money

For those who want a little more fuel economy, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid now costs the same as some non-hybrid trim levels, like the RX 350 AWD. It makes sense Lexus would capitalize on the popularity of the RX since it is one of the best-selling SUVs in the country. The RX 350h AWD gets 34 mpg on the highway and 37 mpg in the city.

Drivers like the RX for various reasons, such as the well-equipped interior and comfortable seats. Even if you don’t spring for the top-of-the-line hybrid option, the RX 350h is still an excellent alternative. As one of the SUVs that start saving money immediately, drivers can hop into the RX and start racking up the savings.

Jake Fisher, senior director of CR’s Auto Test Center, says, “There’s never been a better time to buy a hybrid. Today’s consumers can choose hybrid pickups, two- and three-row SUVs, large cars, minivans, and luxury cars that offer excellent fuel efficiency.”

Don’t overlook the Ford Maverick hybrid

The 2023 Ford Maverick XLT with the hybrid powertrain is actually cheaper than the gasoline version. This truck gets 40 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, but it saves money at the pump immediately. Even though the Maverick is a compact pickup truck, it has small dimensions that make it more fuel efficient than it looks. On top of that, it landed on Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value list for 2023, retaining 61.7% of its value.

For hybrid SUVs that start saving money, Lexus offers two reliable and fuel-efficient options. Toyota has similar offerings in its lineup that have a lower MSRP, but these do take a bit longer to start paying off.

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