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The hybrid SUV battle is heating up as the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid tackles the new and improved 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The improvements aren’t enough to dominate the competition, though, because the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is the highest-ranking option. 

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs. 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid 

A blue 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid small hybrid SUV is parked.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Hyundai

According to U.S. News, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is the cream of the crop. It’s the highest-ranking option in its class, with a score of 8.7 out of 10. 

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid was expected to come in hot, and it did. However, it’s in second place with a score of 8.3 out of 10. The difference in score may seem small, but it’s actually a significant gap to consider. Top-ranking vehicles tend to have closer scores. 

For example, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is tied for second place at 8.3, and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid rings in with a score of 8.2 out of 10. 

The U.S. News rankings are based on an average score provided by reviews from respected automotive critics. The reviews are in newspapers, magazines, and online outlets. 

Features such as ride quality, interior comfort, capability, cargo space, capabilities, price, and reliability are factored in. 

Why is the Tuscon Hybrid the best SUV? 

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid tops the charts because of its superb passenger and cargo space, an upscale interior, brisk acceleration, well-balanced handling, and plenty of comfort. 

But it does have a subpar fuel economy compared to rivals and could benefit from more physical controls. 

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid ranks highly for its good fuel economy, spacious interior, well-balanced ride, upscale interior, and long list of standard features. However, engine noise is a little intrusive. 

With the 2023 Tucson Hybrid, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack to generate 226 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds. 

The 2023 CR-V Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to crank out 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.9 seconds. 

The Tuscon Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 38 mpg in the city and up to 38 mph on the highway. But the CR-V Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city and up to 36 mpg on the highway. 

Does the Tuscon Hybrid or CR-V Hybrid have better features? 

Front angle view of gray 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid crossover SUV, the best CR-V trim to get
2023 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid | Honda

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid starts at $30,900, while the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid price begins at around $32,450. 

You can access up to 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear of the Tucson Hybrid, with 80.0 cubes overall. The CR-V Hybrid provides 39.3 cubes behind the second row and up to 76.5 cubes in total. 

The Tucson Hybrid includes a little more value with an upscale interior and more standard features. But the CR-V Hybrid also has a high-quality interior with plenty of bells and whistles. 

It seems like the Tucson Hybrid outranks the CR-V Hybrid because it’s more comfortable, more athletic, and stretches the dollar further.