The cheapest new cars rarely find top spots on a list of the best models. Rare, but not impossible, as we see when comparing a list of the cheapest 2023 hybrid SUVs to a list of the best hybrid SUVs. We’ll look at models in the top-10 of both TrueCar’s Cheapest and Best Hybrid SUVs lists. 

The best cheapest Hybrid SUVs

TrueCar published a list of the 16 “Cheapest Hybrid SUVs. We took the top 10 Hybrid SUVs from that list and compared them to the top 10 entrants on TrueCar’s “Best Hybrid SUVs” list.

From that comparison, we found five Hybrid SUVs in the top 10 and two models with top five places on both lists. 

2023 Kia Sportage

TrueCar named the 2023 Kia Sportage the best hybrid SUV but also placed it second on the list of cheapest hybrid SUVs, losing out by a mere $900 with its MSRP as low as $28,815. The 2023 Sportage Hybrid comes in three grades, the base LX, the $31,190 EX, and the $36,390 SX Prestige. 

All Sportage trims feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter Hybrid powertrain with 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The LX model comes with front-wheel drive (FWD), while higher trim levels feature standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a center-locking differential for improved traction on slippery surfaces. While the FWD Sportage Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 43 mpg combined city and highway, AWD models drop to 38 mpg. 

2023 Hyundai Tucson

Coming in fourth best and fifth cheapest, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson starts at $32,485. Three trim levels include the base Blue, the $35,445, and the $40,245 Limited. All versions come with standard AWD, a 226-hp 1.6-liter I4 Hybrid powertrain with a six-speed automatic transmission, and EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings from 37 to 38 mpg combined. 

2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape is the third cheapest and eighth best hybrid SUV on TrueCar’s lists, with a starting MSRP of $31,680. With four available Hybrid trims, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite, the Ford Escape Hybrid meets various needs.

The most economical ST-Line trim features FWD, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I4 Hybrid powertrain that receives an EPA-Estimated 41 mpg combined. 

2023 Honda CR-V

With a starting MSRP as low as $34,245, the 2023 Honda CR-V finished sixth place on both TrueCar lists. Two CR-V Hybrid trims include the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid, and both offer AWD, although it’s optional on the Sport and standard on Sport Touring.

A 2.0-liter I4 Hybrid powertrain delivers 204 net horsepower through a CVT for an EPA-estimated fuel economy ranging from 40 mpg combined for FWD models to 37 mpg for those with AWD. 

2023 Kia Sorento

While the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid’s starting $38,015 MSRP drives it to tenth place on TrueCar’s cheapest hybrid SUV list, its quality made it the third best hybrid SUV, behind the Kia Sportage and Toyota Sequoia.

Two trims, EX and SX Prestige make up the Sorento Hybrid’s lineup, and both feature the same 1.6-liter Hybrid powertrain with 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The Sorento Hybrid EX comes with FWD. However, AWD is optional and included on the SX Prestige. The EPA estimated combined fuel economy for FWD models at 37 mpg and AWD models at 35 mpg.