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Toyota continues to dominate the hybrid segment, including hybrid versions of two of its popular SUVs, the RAV4 and Highlander. Another successful model in the segment is the Honda CR-V Hybrid, which has a delightful new design in 2023. However, the best new hybrid SUV in 2023 isn’t any of these models, according to U.S. News & World Report. It’s the futuristic 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is the best new hybrid SUV, says US News

Blue 2023 Hyundai Tucson, best new hybrid SUV, says U.S. News, not Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 or Highlander
2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Hyundai

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the world’s best-selling SUV — and the hybrid version of the RAV4 is in high demand, especially the Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The hybrid variant of the Toyota Highlander is very popular, too. Also, for the redesign, Honda made the hybrid version of the 2023 Honda CR-V the marque model. It’s the best-performing and most luxurious model in the CR-V lineup.

However, according to U.S. News, the best new hybrid SUV in 2023 isn’t a Toyota or Honda. It’s the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid earned the top spot, followed by the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid.

View the best new hybrid SUVs in 2023, according to U.S. News:

  1. 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
  2. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
  3. 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
  4. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
  5. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  6. 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  7. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
  8. 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  9. 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid
  10. 2023 Ford Escape PHEV

The Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 and Highlander rank high for the best new hybrid SUVs. However, the Tucson Hybrid tops them all. 

High fuel economy of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Dashboard in 2023 Hyundai Tucson, best new hybrid SUV, says U.S. News, not Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 or Highlander
2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Hyundai

One of the biggest selling points of hybrid SUVs is high fuel economy. SUVs are often gas-guzzlers. However, if you drive an efficient one, you can save a great deal of money at the pump. And on this front, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson delivers. 

It offers two hybrid variants — a traditional one and a PHEV. Both of them combine a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The traditional version gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 43 combined mpg, compared to 36 combined mpg for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and 40 combined mpg for the RAV4 Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

Also, with the ability to drive with electric-only power for short distances, the Tucson PHEV is especially efficient. In electric mode, it has an estimated fuel economy of up to 84 MPGe. 

The high gas mileage of the Tucson translates to considerable savings at the pump over the long haul. Also, there are environmental benefits, including lower carbon emissions compared to most SUVs. Plus, there’s the convenience of not having to fill up the tank as often.

Other reasons for the top ranking of the 2023 Tucson Hybrid

In addition to its high fuel economy, there are other reasons why U.S. News ranks the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid as the best new hybrid SUV. This includes its inviting cabin, which is more upscale and modernistic than for the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 and Highlander, especially for the upper trims.

Also, the cabin of the Tucson Hybrid is spacious. It can comfortably seat up to five passengers — with a generous amount of legroom and headroom. Additionally, the Hyundai SUV provides good handling, with poised ride quality and responsive steering. 

Furthermore, the Tucson Hybrid has futuristic styling. Its unique design makes it stand out from more conservatively styled SUVs like the RAV4, Highlander, and CR-V.

For the U.S. News rankings, the best new hybrid SUV isn’t the 2023 Toyota RAV4, 2023 Toyota Highlander, or 2023 Honda CR-V. The media site rates the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid as the top model in the segment, with its high fuel economy, futuristic design, upscale and roomy interior, good handling, and many standard features.

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