2022 Lexus RX 450h luxury hybrid SUV models on a city street lit with night lights and traffic

7 Overrated Hybrid SUVs That Are a Waste of Money, According to HotCars

Here's a look at seven hybrid SUV models that should be ignored when searching for a spacious and efficient vehicle, according to HotCars.

by Produced by Digital Editors

Published on March 5, 2023 6:56 am

3 min read

Hybrid SUVs are all the rage. They are becoming common and a favorite for car owners, especially in this eco-conscious era. These machines combine the best features of cars and SUVs, making them versatile, fuel-efficient, family and cargo haulers. However, not all of them live up to their hype. Here are the most overrated hybrid SUVs in terms of cost, according to HotCars.

1. 2022 Lexus RX 450h

Lexus has vast experience making hybrids. So, you’d expect it to make flawless cars. Well, that’s not always the case with the 2022 Lexus RX 450h. This overrated hybrid SUV has plenty of attractive features. However, reliability goes out the window when a manufacturer starts recalling its cars.

According to Driver Advisor, this hybrid has many other challenges, such as oil leakages, brake actuator and boost pump failure, and sub-par wiring. So, is it still worth spending supreme gasoline on?

2. 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid

The 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid fails to live up to the expectations of the Ford brand.

For starters, the fuel economy could be better. The vehicle gets an average EPA-estimate 25 mpg combined (23 city/26 highway). This is pretty subpar compared to its hybrid competitors, such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which averages 35 mpg.

Additionally, Edmunds notes the hybrid SUV’s build and interior materials are disappointing, and the features don’t justify its hefty price tag. Who wants a noisy and clunky engine instead of a satisfying roar?

3. 2023 Toyota Venza

While it has maintained its competitiveness against its rivals, the Toyota Venza hybrid SUV still needs to improve. Car and Driver tested the SUV on a test track and discovered mediocre acceleration of 0-60 mph in a whopping 7.6 seconds!

You might also need some help with space for you and your passengers. You get a mere 40.9 inches/37.8 inches of legroom front/rear and 28.8 inches/55.1 cubic feet of cargo storage with seats up/down. Worse, you can only haul a maximum of 3,500 pounds of cargo!

4. 2013 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid

If you’re looking to haul up to 6,200 pounds of cargo, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is your ideal full-size SUV. While it has a powerful engine and two electric motors, your mechanic must be on call due to the constant breakdowns.

Additionally, it surges when switching between gasoline and electric power. Not to mention the delays in acceleration and breaking! Worse still, you’ll need to vacate the entire third row of seats to get enough cargo room.

5. 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The South Korean automaker joined the big leagues and filled some huge shoes with the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. According to HotCars, it has a quiet cabin, peppy powertrains, and enough cargo space.

The fly in the ointment is the poor hybrid fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 22 city/29 highway mpg. It also has some drivetrain challenges, including a lag in acceleration with the turbo engine. Additionally, the transmission might fail to kick down to a low enough gear. You’d expect a brand that’s been in business for over a decade to do better.

6. 2021 Audi Q5 Plug-In Hybrid

A spacious interior, state-of-the-art tech, and sharp style are some features the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offers. However, they aren’t enough to justify the manufacturer’s prioritization of performance over efficiency.

The car’s refresh is excessively conservative, and the changes spark limited to zero driver interest. Meanwhile, the car’s suspension sends vibrations to your seat, making the ride uncomfortably bumpy on a rough road. You’ll also notice a delay in acceleration from what feels like an overburdened engine. Sure, it looks sportier, but it misses the point.

7. 2023 BMW XM

The BMW XM takes car owners from the usual beautiful designs to create an unconventional and heavy beast. Good thing the M division installed a powerful turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 engine coupled with an electric motor and battery pack to produce a massive 644 horsepower with 590 lb-ft of torque.

As impressive as that is, it’s hard to ignore its hideous design. The list goes on, from the short overhand, concave front to tiny slivers for headlights. This SUV’s features don’t tie together in the pretty bow car enthusiasts know and long.

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